Trader Vic's to open in VEGAS!! (Closed)

There's no excuse for this.

And now the Vegas Trader Vic's is... apparently an HDTV studio?
http://www.ad-hoc-news.de/drucken.html?art_id=16047509

from the article:
"VegasHD has secured long-term agreements to build and operate broadcast production venues that offer 'plug and play' digital fiber capabilities in multiple Las Vegas locations. The sites were selected to offer broadcast partners premium views of Las Vegas and a variety of exciting backdrop perspectives. The first studio will be located inside the new Trader Vic's restaurant at the Planet Hollywood Resort Casino and features a 2,400 sq. ft. patio that faces onto the famed Las Vegas Strip. Slightly elevated, the patio allows for unobstructed views of the Bellagio fountains, Caesars Palace, Paris Las Vegas and the new MGM City Center. For indoor production, Trader Vic's also provides an additional 2,400 sq. ft. on the third floor in a private suite that features seamless, floor-to-ceiling windows with a stunning 180o view of the Las Vegas Strip. The other VegasHD locations will be announced during the 2008 NAB convention."

NAB=National Association of Broadcasters, FYI.

Weirder and weirder.
~Rupe

......in the news today ......

SIGHTINGS

The 2008 Miss USA field, along with reigning Miss USA Rachel Smith, dining at the Lava Lounge and taking in Jimmy Hopper's show Friday at Trader Vic's (Planet Hollywood Resort)

Wish I was there .... I'd gladly treat any of the contestants to a mai-tai. The male/female ratio might actually work in my favor!

Somebody needs to take this horse out behind the Barn
and put a bullet in its head.

Jeff(bigtikidude)

I've been to this location and at best it's just a pool side bar. Now the only thing they are missing is the pool. It is not tiki by any means. The food sucks, the service sucks and sadly the drinks sucks. This topic should no longer exist since it's not tiki. Please get over this topic and start something a little more refreshing. We all no they are not going to get rid of the place. It makes too much money and from what I've seen it's always packed with tourist. Since we pretty much all agree it's not tiki can we please move on? Sorry but this topic is boring and it sucks just like this TV location. Yeah, my first bitchfest! Sorry if I offended anyone but this is my opinion.

Uggg, this is so sad. I have a rum appreciating friend who will be in Vegas in may, and he has asked me if there is anything tiki he could bring back for me. I don't think I want to send him to this Trader Vic's for food or drink.

Does this location sell moai bowls, or anything worthwhile? He suggested some Trader Vic's Rum, that might be a better idea. Do they sell it there or are local liquor stores the best place to find it?

Sigh.

On 2008-04-06 13:58, Tikiwahine wrote:
Uggg, this is so sad. I have a rum appreciating friend who will be in Vegas in may, and he has asked me if there is anything tiki he could bring back for me. I don't think I want to send him to this Trader Vic's for food or drink.

Does this location sell moai bowls, or anything worthwhile? He suggested some Trader Vic's Rum, that might be a better idea. Do they sell it there or are local liquor stores the best place to find it?

Sigh.

I'm also looking for Vegas liquor store recommendations...

http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic=27955&forum=10&1

The TV's Vegas does have a small "gift shop" just as you walk in. They carry bowls, mugs, glasses, shirts.....

On 2008-04-06 15:36, dibroc wrote:
The TV's Vegas does have a small "gift shop" just as you walk in. They carry bowls, mugs, glasses, shirts.....

Thanks!! We'll stop there to pick up some mixes.

On 2008-04-06 14:57, 54 house of bamboo wrote:

On 2008-04-06 13:58, Tikiwahine wrote:
Uggg, this is so sad. I have a rum appreciating friend who will be in Vegas in may, and he has asked me if there is anything tiki he could bring back for me. I don't think I want to send him to this Trader Vic's for food or drink.

Does this location sell moai bowls, or anything worthwhile? He suggested some Trader Vic's Rum, that might be a better idea. Do they sell it there or are local liquor stores the best place to find it?

Sigh.

I'm also looking for Vegas liquor store recommendations...

http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic=27955&forum=10&1

You might try Lee's Discount Liquor Stores. There are at least 3 or 4 of them around town and in Henderson. There is one on the south Strip about 2 blocks north of the South Point casino. You can't miss it. They have quite a large selection of about everything.

Went to the LV location this week - felt I had to check it out just to confirm, but sadness reigns. Their cocktail menu itself is a delightful update of the classic Vic's menu but the experience was mitigated by the (lack of) decor.

My order of "a mai tai from scratch" got the following response from our server:
"we use a prepared, concentrated mix." So basically that's not an option. So yeah, they're charging about $10 for mai tais from a mix. I realize that sometimes the bar's version of pre-mix isn't the same as what's in the grocery store, but still - "from scratch" should be an option.

I ordered it anyway. It was actually quite strong, a very healthy pour when it came to the booze, but the presentation was lacking. No garnish? - (((EDIT: photographic evidence reveals there was a lime after all, but that's it)))Plain glasses, no tapa print or Trader Vic's on the glassware.

My mai tai wasn't red, but I wouldn't have been surprised if it had arrived with that coloring. Since it was the end of a long night, we didn't explore the cocktail menu any further.

Disappointedly yours,
Rupe

"Rum will be absolutely necessary to get through this night"
--Hunter S. Thompson in 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas'

[ Edited by: rupe33 2008-04-14 13:04 ]

"...

Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, center, celebrates his 82nd birthday
with the cast of his reality show "The Girls Next Door"
at Trader Vic's.

By Jerry Fink
Mon, Apr 14, 2008 (2 a.m.)

Jimmy Hopper plays piano and sings his versions of opera, rock, ballads, show tunes and songs from the Great American Songbook.

Where: Trader Vic’s Lava Room, Planet Hollywood
When: 10 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays

Singer Jimmy Hopper found himself serenading Playboy founder Hugh Hefner and his entourage at the Lava Room at Trader Vic’s.

Hefner was in town to celebrate his 82nd birthday, along with five female companions and a camera crew taping it for Hef’s reality series “The Girls Next Door” and for a documentary.

Hefner, not as steady on his feet as he once was, sat while drinks were passed around and a chocolate cake with sparklers was brought out.

All the while Hopper was singing — “Happy Birthday” for Hefner and “White Rabbit” in honor of the Playmates.

After 10 minutes the cameras followed Hef and company out of the bar, leaving Hopper to continue performing as the Bellagio fountains erupted behind him.

Hopper is used to the backdrop. He performed for several years at the Bellagio’s Fontana Lounge, which overlooks the lake and fountains, before moving across the Strip.

A lot of water has flowed under the bridge between the two engagements.

After leaving the Bellagio three years ago, Hopper went on tour, moved to Manhattan, lived in Los Angeles and began writing a musical he thinks is destined for Broadway.

Hopper chatted while waiting to begin performing in the small but elegant Lava Room, which holds about 125 fans who sit in overstuffed chairs.

Hopper was doing a 16-month run in Orange County when Trader Vic’s opened in the Miracle Mile Shopping Center at Planet Hollywood in November. Hopper is an investor in Trader Vic’s Las Vegas, built by his pal Doc Wiener, head of DW Enterprises.

“They were going to turn this room into an ultralounge,” Hopper said as he grimaced.

Instead, he took over the room, where he plays piano and sings his versions of opera, rock, ballads, show tunes and songs from the Great American Songbook.

He is backed by guitarist Gary Bruno, who has performed with the likes of John Denver, Dave Mason and Theo Bishop, and by violinist Mira Khomik, who performs with several orchestras in Southern California.

“I always thought of myself as a classical, Broadway kind of rock singer — sort of Meatloaf meets the Phantom,” Hopper says. “I love rock. I love ballads. I love opera.”

He has a group for every occasion. Just he and his two backups for an intimate place like the Lava Room. He has a five-piece group for his “Journey of the Heart” show, which recently staged at the Suncoast. And he has a 17-piece orchestra for bigger venues.

For now he spends a lot of time with the guitarist and violinist.

When he performs he is intense and animated. When he speaks to the audience it is heartfelt as he discusses his family, especially his 6-year-old daughter.

He describes his fledgling musical, “The Day There Was No More Music,” as a fantasy. It takes place in a town called La Di Dum where the world revolves around music — a saxophone is a slide in a city park, a microphone boom is a traffic signal, percussion instruments grow on trees. The plot: A wicked witch puts a spell on the king that causes music to hurt his ears. He’s forced to do away with music in his kingdom, which begins to wither away.

So far, he has written 18 songs for it.

“Our first presentation will be in July,” Hopper says, when he and partner Mickey Charles will present the music and the concept to potential investors.

“We’ll introduce all the characters in the play, present a story board, hire some actors for a read through,” Hopper says. “I will play the witch till we get the people we want to do it.”

He thinks his musical will be compared with “Wicked,” the 2003 Broadway hit based on “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” Gregory Maguire’ best-selling novel that takes off on L. Frank Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz.”

But Hopper says his show will be better.

“It’s really cute and fun and it doesn’t hurt anybody.”
..."
(lasvegassun)

On 2008-04-15 01:38, icebaer69 wrote:
"...He describes his fledgling musical, “The Day There Was No More Music,” as a fantasy. It takes place in a town called La Di Dum where the world revolves around music — a saxophone is a slide in a city park, a microphone boom is a traffic signal, percussion instruments grow on trees. The plot: A wicked witch puts a spell on the king that causes music to hurt his ears. He’s forced to do away with music in his kingdom, which begins to wither away.

So far, he has written 18 songs for it.

“It’s really cute and fun and it doesn’t hurt anybody.”

(las vegas sun)

The funny part is that I think he's serious.

If he wasn't already, Vic has got to be spinning like a drill bit right about now.

So we went to the Vegas Trader Vic's last Thursday for lunch. The atmosphere is just as bad as everyone else says it is, however, the food and drinks weren't all that bad in my opinion. I had two Mai-Tais and my girlfriend had a Trader Vic's Grog. They did not come in the printed glasses, but they were nicely garnished and made just right. I had the pork slider sandwiches and they were pretty tasty. Someone before mentioned a "gift shop" - which is a joke because it consists of a glass display case at the front of the restaurant. I would have bought a set of Mai-Tai glasses, but there were none to be had. I asked the manager if there were any mixes (my plan had been all along to get some and take them back to the Gold Coast to mix my own drinks during VLV weekend). She replied "no..we mix all our drinks from scratch". I picked my bottom jaw up off the floor long enough to tell her that that was strange, because every store in the world sells TV mixes. She turned around to ask the hostess "we don't sell mixes, do we?" The hostess told the manager "yes, we do" and led us back to the bar...where the bartender sold us a bottle each of the Mai Tai and Navy Grog concentrates - the dark ones that they use at the bar! They charged us $10.00 each for the bottles. So..if anyone is in the Vegas area it is worth it to ask for the mixes! So if you saw us around the Gold Coast this past weekend...those were Mai Tais we were drinking out of those there cowboy boots!

I just got back from Las Vegas, and I had to post here... but I made certain to read the entire thread first, make sure I know what's already been said. Anyway... My guy'n I had been to the TVs in California (San Jose area?) earlier this year. That place had minimal tiki but a nice mix of tropical and modern, the food (we had dinner) was excellent, and the drinks, such as his Black Stripe, were great too. I had a Fogcutter, and loved it. This was one of my very first tiki bar-type experiences, and despite few actual tikis, I walked away happy.

I hit the TV's in Bellevue, WA, near me. More tikis, more tropical decor. Bellevue, like Las Vegas, does upscale in a big way. By 'upscale' I mean brushed steel, glass, modern decor. And yet TVs added a healthy helping of tropical feel, including a massive tiki beside the entrance. The bar food I had was very good, the tender and I chatted about drinks, he suggested a few things, told me what did and did not go in this and that (for example, educating greenhorn me that Herbsaint is not used, despite Dr. Funk's blurb mentioning it) and I walked away happy. In all honestly, I don't know what a Samoan Fogcutter or a Zombie SHOULD be like, but the ones I had managed to combine both potency and great flavors... and the Fogcutter I had in Bellevue was like the Fogcutter I had in CA.

So we were in Las Vegas, staying at Bellagio, and decided that one night we were going to cross the street to TVs, get hammered on tasty concoctions, then head back on foot. I WAS impressed by the color-changing facade on Planet Hollywood - I go to Vegas at least once a year, expected their retheming of the Aladdin to be awful, and yet the facade looks nifty with its changing colors. TV's facade, though, is way too minimal. WAY too minimal for an institution like Trader Vic's - while the one in CA looked great on the outside, the Bellevue location is tucked away on a very modern steel-and-glass building, and yet the entrance gives you no question that you're entering a very different theme.

We asked to sit on the patio, so I cannot say a word about the interior. The hostess stand was a large tiki carving, but the rest of the patio had no decor whatsoever. Concrete, steel, and silver-colored tables and chairs. The bar was flanked by large illuminated frosted panels, which contained tricolor LED banks which swept through bright colors. While I like the color-phasing LED thing, it didn't fit. The table did have ceramic S&P, though I don't remember what they were. I ordered Crab Rangoon, a favorite of mine at local Thai places, and I got me a Navy Grog. I'd heard it was a seriously great drink, so I had to try it. My guy asked for a London Sour, since he likes Scotch.

The Navy Grog was very potent, but had a sharp flavor and not much complexity at all. Grapefruit juice? Yeah, had a bit of that taste. Rum? Not really, unless it was a fiery 151. Syrup? It certainly had not the slightest hint of sweetness. I didn't expect it to be sweet... but I also didn't expect it to be ONLY sharp. His London Sour, however, was quite tasty - I'll be getting this again. tasted good. Crab Rangoon was tasty, but a very small portion for the price. And here is where service slowed to a crawl. Yes, the patio was packed, but still...

Background was a singer with a guitar and backup on CD, who butchered a number of rock classics. He was followed by a different singer/guitarist, and a very drunk woman kept alternating between dancing behind the 2nd mic stand he had, and stopping to make direct eye contact with me (ten feet away), glare, and wag her finger, indicating "Naughty, naughty!". Whiskey Tango Foxtrot? Then... the bartender apparently realized his gaggle of male patrons were from Detroit. Why, so was he! (Insert name of Detroit sports team here) go! WHOOO!!! Aren't they awesome?! WHOOO!!! He began inciting them to whoop it up... I was getting POed, and quickly. We ordered more drinks.

Service turned from molasses to snail speed. I got a Fogcutter, he got his Black Stripe. Took about a half hour to get them... Is the Fogcutter's vase supposed to have an impossibly long straw, such as the bowl drinks use? It did - this thing extended about 15" over the vase! And another poster here was right - this one tasted like iced-down OJ. No alcohol taste at all. My guy's Black Stripe had no cherries and no cinnamon stick. And not that this is against TV's if it really is out of their hands, but the drink wasn't flaming, which our waiter said (after going away for 10 minutes to ask someone) that it was against fire code. Despite this, it tasted good. Last, I had heard of Licor 43 on here, but it had been spoken about as though one should know what it is - I collect unusual liqueurs, have a fair collection, and I don't know it. So I ordered a measure. And I must say, I'm in love. I want to mix it with Barenjager or Mount Gay rum ASAP. Anyone have a good mix for it?

We also asked about buying mugs. After going away again, this time for over 15 minutes, our waiter told us the Black Stripe skull was $23. We passed... I wouldn't have tried to buy the Fogcutter vase, the painting in the glaze was very cheaply/quickly done, it was... dare I say, downright ugly! I ended up tipping low (I don't stiff on tips unless the service is outright rude and, in those cases, I report such to management; it was not rude here, just terribly, terribly slow and inattentive) and I drew a snail on the receipt.

The menu is indeed very pared down. It contains:
Bowl drinks-
Rum Keg, Kava Bowl, Tiki Bowl, Scorpion Bowl
Mai Tai, of course
Small-
Trader Vic's Passion Cocktail, La Florida, Siboney
Strong-
Trader Vic's Sling, Bahia, Chi Chi, Rangoon Ruby, Trader Vic's Grog, Vodka Mai Tai, Navy Grog, Tonga Punch, Zombie, London Sour, Samoan Fogcutter, Suffering Bastard, Pogo Stick, Rhum Cosmo, Tiki Puka Puka, Scorpion, Passion Punch, Honi Honi, Potted Parrot, Shingle Stain, Menehune Juice, Trader Vic's Stinker, Planter's Punch.
Non-Alcoholic-
No Tai Mai Tai, Kona Cooler, Soft Bahia, Coral Reef
Classics-
Martini, Mojito, Coasmopolitain, Caipirinha, Lemon Drop, Banana Daiquiri
Toddies-
TV's Hot Buttered Rum, Coffee Diablo, Black Stripe, Coffee Grog, Cafe-Late
After-Dinner Drinks-
Brandy Alexander, Grasshopper, White Cloud, Nuts And Berries, Tahitian Mudslide

Why do I remember all this when, upon leaving, I was toasted? I politely asked the hostess at her stand, and she gave me two menus. The best part of the visit!

Bill was around $65. I think I'll be hitting other locations for high-budget nights out, but I'll probably go here next time I'm in Vegas just to see if they've improved.

Can anyone tell me how the Navy Grog is supposed to taste, is it really very special? And... I like very potent drinks that still taste good - I've liked the Zombie and Fogcutter. Should I retry a Navy Grog at my local TVs where the drinks I had tasted great? And should a Suffering Bastard or a Dr. Funk (or Dr. Funk's Son) be next on my list? People, remember, both in commemnts on this and in reading the above review, I am not a seasoned tiki-phile. I'm a newbie who's excitedly getting started. I just put my honest opinions on what I've had.

Editing out double post, sorry.

[ Edited by: TorchGuy 2008-05-28 06:34 ]

Hey TorchGuy (Gal?) - If you head over to the drinks forum, I think you'll find a lot of answers to your drink questions. Or you can post some questions there and I'm sure you'll get some good responses. Definitely pick up Beachbum Berry's books. You will find a Navy Grog recipe in there, but it's the Don the Beachcomber version and is different from Vic's Navy Grogs. For a more Trader Vic's-like Navy Grog, try the Ancient Mariner from the Grog Log. It's one of my favs. Anyway, head over to the drink forum!

I would say that I was kinda happy eating at the Trader Vic's in Las Vegas.It was not what I thought it would be.I liked it for a nice place to eat and a nice romantic lighting scene..But far as tiki related...not so much..The huge tiki statues was cool but thats about all it had...As far as tiki or island theme resturants I'd rather go to "CheeseBurger" or "Bahama Breeze"...

I went to TVLV yesterday..........I had brought my camera........didn't need it.
I had not read this thread previously, but I had heard old original descriptions of what TVLV was to be originally.
It ruined my mood, the interior could have been any average restaurant on The Strip(MALL) there was some bamboo flooring and the giant tiki's and it's all been said before on this thread and it's disappointingly true, TVLV=poo.
It was 8:00PM and there was not one patron in the dining room, the outside patio was about 3/4 full and there was a cheesy singer wailing away out there. It was loud.(and particularly bad) I ordered a Mai Tai, it was not good. I left without finishing it.
The outdoor patio was 3/4 full, but I'm positive that if the signs outside read "Appleby's" or "Chili's" instead of Trader Vic's the entire place would have been packed, and they would not have to change the decor one bit.

I was pissed off and feeling like my whole evening was ruined. UNTIL I arrived at Lawry's Prime Rib
http://www.lawrysonline.com/
MMMMMMMMmuch better, no tiki to be found (there wasn't much @ TVLV either), but it was a nostalgic experience and lived up to the expectations of a classic Vegas experience. Evening saved, unless you are a vegetarian.

I hope that TVLA does not have the lame (oops I meant same) investors as TVLV.

Best
Mark

[ Edited by: Sparkle Mark 2008-09-18 17:00 ]

We went a few weeks ago after oasis as a stop off on our way up to bonneville speedweek,Walked down the strip in 110 degreees heat to finally get to a bland empty hall with no atmosphere and olympics on the tv and noise from a stand up comedian upstairs,stayed for a drink, which took ages for service when there were only about 6 people in the place and left,Trader vic would not approved of how sad his chain has become.What a shame a proper tiki bar (taboo cove) was torn down for this joke.

Is it true they are closing soon?

On 2008-09-19 19:27, RevBambooBen wrote:
Is it true they are closing soon?

I tried to tip people off to this fact in June with my "Thanks For The Memories" post (scroll up). I was asked not to say anything too soon, but I think now it's pretty much common knowledge that it's days are numbered.

Here's what I was told...I have nothing to back it up other than to say my source is very reliable. Yes, they're closing, or rather they will soon cease to be a Trader Vic's restaurant. I was told this will happen "in the fall, probably October." The fate of the decor is unknown as is who is taking over the space.

If you want to check out what just might be the worst Trader Vic's in history, now's the time. Condolences to the local ohana, but hopefully something will better will come along.

I read somewhere that Sammy Hagar Cabo Wabo might be taking over the space.

Anything would be better than white walls.

Bamboo Ben Custom Tropical Decor!
I build stuff for you!
Google search me and see!

[ Edited by: RevBambooBen 2008-09-20 15:02 ]

Wow, what a shame... Mr. Lvic and I went to TVLV back in August and actually had a terrific meal. The food is very, VERY different from the "classic" TV's menu. And I was hoping for a lot more "tiki-osity" than we got, atmosphere-wise. And it was quite empty for a Friday night (not surprising, given August is off-season.) But the Mai Tai was the best either of us have ever had (and the strongest) and the food was very good - reminded me of some of the better restaurants we'd visited in Hawaii.

We had kalua sliders, ribs, maui onion rings, ahi poke and double-cut pork chop, all handled very well (although kalua pork should not have any kind of sauce, strictly speaking!) Is it authentic tiki/TV style? Not even close, but I was still pleased with it, for what it was (obviously, Planet Hollywood/TV trying to move the concept into a form the Vegas crowd would find palatable - nevertheless it's apparently failed.)

This was my very first TV experience, I wish I could say it lived up to my expectations re. atmosphere and popularity, but it definitely exceeded my expectations re. food and drink (I was expecting watered-down tiki fruit punchy drinks, and third-rate Chinese-American dishes) and was so taken with the dishes we've sampled, I re-created them at home using the Dallas Star's recently published recipes. BTW, the ribs, mai-tai and sliders recipes in that article ARE very good, and I can highly recommend them for home-tiki use for those tiring of Crab Rangoon and Trader Joe's potstickers... :wink:

For the food and mai tai's alone, we will miss TVLV. For the atmosphere... I think we may be better off checking out the tiki bars in NY's Village.

The fate of the decor is unknown as is who is taking over the space.

What decor? The generic tables or the neon lights?

On 2008-09-20 14:59, RevBambooBen wrote:

I read somewhere that Sammy Hagar Cabo Wabo might be taking over the space.

Anything would be better than white walls.

I heard they just opened one of these up at the Kahahui airport recently...
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080807/BREAKING03/80807053
Maybe it will have some tiki's to go with the Tequilla

Here's a link to there store if you wanna buy some t-shirts or glass tiki's :wink:
http://www.voodootiki.com/tikigear.html

As for the TV in LV.... Sorta glad I missed out on that one...

[ Edited by: beachbumz 2008-09-22 18:31 ]

[ Edited by: beachbumz 2008-09-22 18:35 ]

On 2008-09-22 13:45, Rob Roy wrote:

The fate of the decor is unknown as is who is taking over the space.

What decor? The generic tables or the neon lights?

Closing?
That was fast.

when stuff sucks, it don't make money sir.
period.

Jeff(bigtikidude)

On 2008-09-22 21:00, Ojaitimo wrote:

On 2008-09-22 13:45, Rob Roy wrote:

The fate of the decor is unknown as is who is taking over the space.

What decor? The generic tables or the neon lights?

Hmmm, I wonder if I could rip down that white ceiling and put it in my own home?

Hmmm, I wonder if I could rip down that white ceiling and put it in my own home?

HaHaHa.....Very Funny....Went to TV last Nov. Had a nice time, but....

Closing?? Good. Board that place up and let's never speak of it again....

On 2008-09-19 02:33, TIKIWAGON wrote:
Trader vic would not approved of how sad his chain has become.What a shame a proper tiki bar (taboo cove) was torn down for this joke.

While it is true that it is a shame that a good looking tiki bar (taboo cove) was torn down, Trader Vic's Las Vegas had nothing to do with it. Taboo Cove was in the Venetian (I think Tao Nightclub is there now) and Trader Vics is over a mile away at Planet Hollywood (what used to be the Aladdin).
Taboo Cove had a great interior, mostly tacky employees, often mediocre drinks, a hidden location (although easy to get to once you knew the shortcut) and non-existent promotion. Add 9/11 to the mix (the bar opened a couple months earlier) and it was a recipe for disaster.
TvLv has a crappy interior, some good employees, usually good or better drinks and food, a great(visible) location, and good promotion. The boringness of the space and the overall inconsistency of the service, food and drinks ,though, are TvLv's recipe for disaster.
I'd hate to lose a local Tiki bar, but this location does some harm to the Trader Vic's brand. (For those that have visited)-imagine having heard about Trader Vics and wondering what it is about. So you go to the Vegas one for the first time-you'll probably never want to go to another one again. At the best, you would wonder why others are so excited about Trader Vics and "tiki".
I haven't been to Tahiti Joes in Vegas (702-440-6950)in a while, but it it looks a billion times better than TvLv does.

..Once again...the all seeing, all knowing, great nostrodamus of tiki central, Maha Tipsy has spoken!!!!

..somewhere in these posts (tried to locate it to post here) I prophesized that i would eat my turban if trader vics vegas wasn't closed within a year of opening......it seems the prophecy is coming true even as i write this and the doomsday approaches at a rapid clip.....

Behold the testimony of recent posters on this thread!!!!!

Went to Trader Vic's Las Vegas on September 20, 2008.........WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT!!!

We ordered the following:
Potted Parrot: wrong glass and didn't even come with the parrot!! no discount offered for the missing parrot!
Shingle Stain: wrong glass and no tin roof
Coral Reef: no decor, wrong glass, watered down

The waiter did nothing to alleviate our disappointment.Do not waste your time at this location.

TV Head Office should instill some quality control as the brand is suffering!!

The one good thing about this location: If you ask them to purchase "drink mixes", they will sell you the actual dark concentrates that they use behind the bar, not the store mixes. I'll be up there next weekend for the Rockabilly Rave...gonna get me some more Mai Tai and Navy Grog Mix! But yeah, the decor and the atmosphere suck six bags of crap. At least you can drink a Mai Tai on the patio that overlooks Las Vegas Blvd..nothing wrong with that.

On 2008-09-20 14:59, RevBambooBen wrote:

I read somewhere that Sammy Hagar Cabo Wabo might be taking over the space.

Anything would be better than white walls.

On 2008-09-22 13:45, Rob Roy wrote:

The fate of the decor is unknown as is who is taking over the space.

The Pugs, Inky and I went to LV 'Vics last night.


I got a really large, mediocre drink in a non-traditional souvenir mug.

We totally did not enjoy the noise from the comedy club upstairs.

But, at least they changed the name from "Hard Candy" (very tiki, right?)

They had four to five bartenders that did a good job of ignoring us. At one point, one of our party asked "when are you closing". The bartender said-"you mean tonight, or what?". She said," closing". He said, "we will be changing the theme".
How can you change a theme that is almost not there? He didn't say anything about the name. He couldn't say more because "I am not a manager". Will it be "Trader Vic's Cabo Wabo Bar"???

At least the picture of the four of you was good.

So what's the story here?

Is Trader Vics Las Vegas still open?

Hopefully not,
I wanted to see it, but a few first hand reports, changed my mind,
Take the horse out back and put it out of its misery all ready.

Turn it over to Bamboo Ben so it can look like a Trader Vic's Doc before its a total loss! (IMHO)

well I guess the Chicago Vic's is going to open soon!?!

Subject: TRADER VIC'S CHICAGO

Dear Loyal Trader Vic's Fans....

All of you have emailed us at some point ( some of you going back to 2005 !  ) inquiring as to when the new Trader Vic's would be opening in Chicago.

Each time I responded to you upon receipt of your email, I promised I would save your email address and let you know the opening date. And here it is...Trader Vic's is opening officially in the Newberry Plaza in Chicago on:

SUNDAY DECEMBER 14th

contact information:

TRADER VIC'S CHICAGO
1030 N. State Street
Chicago 60610
tel: 312 - 642 - 6500
email: TRADERVICSCHICAGO.COM

We are very excited and thrilled to be opening a Trader Vic's in one of the truly great cities. There's no city like Chicago in the whole world ( and this is a New Yorker speaking ). For those of you who used to visit us in the Palmer House, you will see that the big incredible Tiki that was in the front of the old restaurant, is now at home in front of the new location, waiting to welcome all of you.

Please drop by for a fabulous Trader Vic's dinner and some world-famous Trader Vic's drinks and have a great time, the kind of fun you can only experience at Trader Vic's. Tell all your friends and come help make it a great success !

THANKS FOR FOR YOU PATIENCE AND LOYALTY !

Kindest regards,

ERIK Trader Vic's Corporate Office San Francisco

To Las Vegas Trader Vic's

It has been suggested that the TNA investigate this location for possible violations of Tiki ethos.
The agency will be arriving on site Christmas week. Doc Weiner,this is a heads up warning of our upcoming visit. Normally we do not announce our visits however in your case an exception will be made due to the FUBAR that you refer to as a Trader Vic's. You may make changes in the meantime but photo documentation has already been done.

Agent West

Tiki Now Agency

...in the mean time you can visit Tonya

( old TV's Vegas bar tender)

over at Frankie's Tiki Room!

She's the one mixing on that Fox 5 video.

...and she has a heart of gold.

I called tonight and Trader Vics is still open!

We had Christmas dinner at Trader Vic's. They say they are closing on January 5."For 30 days to remodel and make it more Tiki" We'll see!
All of the mugs and giftware are 50% off right now so we went for a couple of mugs.
Great food and drinks, I'll give them that. We also had appetizers Tuesday night. Duck tacos,their All In fried rice and lobster dumplings. All great. The Mai Tai was huge in their signature hula mug and I only had half of it because I drove.
I hope they do stick around with a better look. I would miss their drinks and food.

Christiki,here is the shield you wanted to see better.

Happy holidays everyone and good luck Las Vegas Trader Vic's!

[ Edited by: Ojaitimo 2008-12-26 23:57 ]

Thanks for the head's up! My buddy's in Vegas now & he just grabbed a couple mugs for me.