Tiki Lounge

My friend wasn’t feeling good from the food we ate at a previous restaurant and was sitting next to me leaning on me. The rude security guard yelled at us saying if she doesn’t «wake up» that we will have to «get the fuck out.» (She wasn’t sleeping.) So I told him, «okay,» and then he yelled the same thing again. That’s when he escorted us out and was extremely rude. If I could give –5 stars I would. I’ll never be back.

A let down. I really like tiki bars and was excited to go here. We sat down at a table and received no service. I had to get up 10 minutes later and goto the bar to order. The drinks weren’t horrible but the service was pathetic/​non existent. The music and vibe were nowhere close to what a tiki bar should be. The owner should think about a career change.

I’m in from out of town and this bar was super welcoming & friendly… I needed it and they gave it! AND– I got to play BINGO for my very first time!

One of the weirdest but coolest bars I have ever visited.
They have an incredibly tacky tiki theme, complete with complimentary leis at the door. So, I was amazed when we went in to find the dance floor in back was bumping with energy. Great crowd. Probably the best I’ve seen on Carson Street, period. They had an eclectic and fun mix of music, too.
It’s also cool that they have a basement bar with a slightly more chill vibe. Between the top and basement floors is a little alcove partially hidden behind a wall with a long padded booth where you can relax and get some privacy — I like being able to move around and get different experiences in one bar, and Tiki comes through great on that front. There is a dracula themed pin ball machine in here, as well. Can’t beat that. Drink selection is standard but reasonably priced. Definitely the most memorable stop in this neighborhood, it shouldn’t be missed.

Bruh, I put 75 cents into your Bram Stokers Dracula snack machine and didn’t get my Doritos??? WTF the Berg is straight whack though.

An annual spot for us on vacation. Usually the music is on point … Surf skate/​punk rock slow jams. Sometimes weird country comes on. Meh. The mixed drinks are great. Best blue Hawaiian and mai tai around! Great ambiance and setting on carson. Look forward to it every yr

The prices were good but the drinks were no good. At 11 – 13 a drink with the mug (other than the scorpion) these drinks are a steal compared to what I’m used to.
However my SO and I ended up dumping our drinks about halfway through. It was just too syrupy sweet and not enough booze. Too much of the canned stuff! Not to mention the tiki mugs they have are very generic. If you collect any tiki at all, the selection here is completely underwhelming and the typical stuff you find in thrift stores for 2 – 3 dollars. At least you can say you had a drink with some girly picks and frills!
As for the aesthetics, I thought they are fantastic. This was just the perfect amount of trashy tiki kitsch to make Boyd Rice proud. There’s this running water motif around the ceiling of the main bar area, and there’s a small fountain running from the first to the basement floor. In the women’s bathroom, there’s a running water motif behind plexiglass. The place is dark, damp, and smells so strongly of bleach it stings your nostrils. I am both enamored and horrified of this place’s existence as a tiki enthusiast. They are KILLING it if their mission was to make this place as ridiculous and absurd as possible. There’s even this tacky, shady little «grotto» alcove in the basement with these padded «rock» face motif. If it were for aesthetics alone, I would give this place a 5 because it’s apparent someone really cared when they were designing and putting together this bar! I unfortunately cannot give higher than three stars to a cocktail bar that doesn’t make good cocktails.
Long story short– you should check it out the very least, but I wouldn’t stay for the drinks.

I enjoyed my time at the Tiki Lounge. Great vibes everywhere you went. Planning a trip back for a friends 21^st!!! Great people, drinks, good time! ;) def. recommend this place to anyone from ages 21 – 35. And if all turns bad there’s a whole bunch of other bars near it! Lol

SETTING:
Ooohhh yeahhhh! I was feeling a bit jungle-​y this past St. Patty’s Day Saturday night, AND I REALLY NEEDED TO DANCE. And when I need to dance, nobody (and I mean nobody!) can stop that itch. Me, Tarzan. You, Tiki Lounge. Time to get down, baby!
«Ti-​Lo» (as the sign now says, since a few bulbs have burned out) is filled with tropical décor and welcomes a mixed crowd. Ti-​Lo had the college kids, the unnecessarily buff dude (who was chasing shots with a protein shake), party girls, and awkward wallflowers (or I guess, in the spirit of St. Patty’s, awkward four-​leaf clovers?). Regardless, everyone seemed friendly and were having a blast.
I spent 90% of my time here at the dance floor towards the back. Medium sized area, but small enough that it got crowded quickly and people were feeding off each others’ energy. That’s how I like my dance floors – intimate! DJ was actually pretty good, playing a mix ranging from 90’s to current hip hop. Soulja boy, backstreet boys, Ludacris, etc came over the speakers. I felt like I was back in my college days. Yeah, I’m a grad student now, but I still got the moves.
When the music is on point, so is my dancing. Eventually a circle formed and people were getting inside to strut their stuff. Challenge accepted. Made my way in and got my groove and dougie on, BIG TIME. People were clapping, giving me beads, and somebody even put his hat on me! And for all the other brave souls who got into the circle, they were met with cheers and positive vibes too. What an awesome atmosphere!
IMPRESSIONS:
Could be because it was the Saturday of St. Patty’s, so things were especially happenin. First time here, and I had so much fun! Sure, my shoes got really dirty and the floors got pretty gross, but that happens at most bars/​lounges/​clubs. Nothing really turned me off about Ti-​Lo that was specific to this lounge. I would come back again if I wanted to get my dance on. It’s a jungle out there.

I spent about an hour in here on a Friday night to cap off my evening. Driving down Carson, I realize I’ve never been in this spot and it looked interesting so the bestie and I park and head in.
I love the fact that the guy at the door took a moment to look at my ID and then really look at my face to make sure it was me. Somehow, I felt comforted and just a tad bit safer.
Anyway, it’s kinda cool how you look up and it kinda feels like it’s a rain forest. They even have some kind of water display in the ceiling that makes it look like it’s raining. Cool.
I was in the mood for something fruity and frozen so we stepped to the bartender and asked if they had anything to fulfill our little tropical fantasy. I heard her say margarita… SOLD! I opted for the strawberry marg while bestie claimed a pins colada. Both were yummy and made perfectly. We grabbed our drinks and headed to the back to get a seat which happens to also be the dance floor. They had some really good music playing and a younger crowd was in the house but they didn’t seem to care 2 old ladies were hangin out and a few young gentleman made it over to our table attempting to flirt. Lol
Anyway, the place was clean, service was friendly and the drinks were made with a lil love. Will I rush back? No. However, I will keep it on my list of options for a drop in and try to visit that downstairs area because I just need to know… what is down there!!! If I get a chance to visit again, I’ll update my review but for now, they’re a solid 4.

This is absolutely amazing; walking into this place transports you to a cooler, retro time of exotic fun. This place is total Tiki in every way. The atmosphere is completely ripe with Polynesian flavor and the fountains throughout the bar are soothing. Even the basement is clean, decked out in Tiki charm and complete with private booths.
This place is a perfect island getaway in the middle of urban chaos!
The bartender was friendly and a mean mixed drink artist.
If you want to experience a true Tiki lounge, paddle down to this joint quick before it disappears into the past like do many other cool places do these days of corporate hell.

This was one of the first bars my boyfriend and I visited when looking for apartments in Pittsburgh (from NY) we had SO much fun and the music was awesome. It was like being in a tiki hut. Atmosphere was lots of fun. This is one of our favorite spots and I made sure to make a stop on my birthday. This is a MUsT when on East Carson

We stopped by this last Saturday. My friend came into the city to see me and has never been here. One thing i will say is that I never knew it was so big! I’ve only been here once, but I honestly did not know how big it is! You know how when you first walk in and there are a few tables opposite of the bar? I thought TIki Lounge ended there! hahahaha. While searching for the bathroom (which wasn’t easy!) i noticed the little hideaway spots to sit down at as well as the dance floor in the back… not to mention the downstairs which was another little bar.
I knocked down a star because service wasn’t really that good. My personal drink order was fine, but my friend and her bf ordered drinks from a different bartender. Can i just say it’s really difficult to get a drink? It wasn’t even that busy but the bartenders were busy joking with eachother, replying to texts and dancing around to even notice 4 people patiently waiting to be served. We literally waited 5 minutes and the front bar wasn’t that busy. Anywaysssssssss… my friend ordered a drink in one of their cool mugs. The male bartender made her boyfriends drink first (weird) I ended up sitting down to save a table after standing there waiting for her drink. Forever and a day later, she sits down and says «I have no idea what this is. but it’s not what I ordered and I also asked for a souvenir mug» While her drink was ok i dont know how they messed up her total drink order.
The atmosphere is fun though and since venturing into the entire «club (?)» I think it’s totally cool and kind of want to head back. Service is spotty though so I honestly won’t come back really often which sucks because the vibe and music is nice.

I love tiki lounge! I came here on a weekday as I was staying in pittsburgh for a business trip. Came in here after going to the milk shake factory up the block. I just missed the happy hour specials but their drinks are still reasonably priced. They have a great selection of tiki drinks — strong/​sweet drinks, along with a reasonable selection of bottled beers.
The décor of the place is really awesome as its almost cavelike with all the nooks and crannies of all the places you can sit and enjoy your drink. There’s a basement downstairs with another bar so it looks like this place probably has music/​club nights where I can imagine it gets pretty packed.
The bathroom has a cute bamboo-​water sink device thats pretty cool to check out when you are here.
Otherwise this is a great place for cheap strong drinks and oh yeah theres 2 pinball machines here too :)

This was my Pittsburgh stomping ground. I frequented this place every Saturday my senior year of college. Some things you need to know if visiting Tiki:
As its name implies, this place has a tropic theme which is fun.
Drink service is quick. They always have tons of bartenders at the ready. There is also a secret little bar on the bottom floor near the bathroom. Only one bartender there, but it’s nice if you need a quick round of beers for your friends on the dance floor.
Bathrooms are on the bottom floor. You have to trek down a flight of stairs. If wearing heels, this is a dangerous journey. Thankfully, they have railings. Three stalls in the ladies bathroom and they never have toilet paper. Stuff napkins in your bra from the bar and you’ll be the most popular lady in the bathroom.
Dance floor is a decent size. Always packed. Super sweaty. Sometimes they will grace you with the Godly wind of a fan. Music is very much top 40 with a few oldies thrown in. It’s fine for drunk dancing.
The demographic is mostly college and it’s normally packed with people. You’ve been warned.

Went here for a Bachelorette party.
What a fun theme bar! Amidst the chlorine smell, there were multiple levels of tiki-​fied everything! Tiki waterfalls. Tiki drink cups. Tiki lei’s. Tiki chairs. Tiki walls. Tiki ceilings. Tiki, Tiki, Tiki!
Cheap drinks. Fun dance floor. Quiet downstairs. Fun photo-​ops! It was the perfect place for a big party of people with various interests.

Come out with a group of friends. And get the big drink on fire lol get DRUNK and have fun a super BALL!!! Dance hard. 21 and up

I honestly had no idea what we had walked in to. I felt as if we were in Legends of the Hidden Temple and were about to play the blue barracudas for the win.
It was definitely tropical themed and they even passed out leis at the door. There were fish tanks and water falls, tiki cocktail glasses and rainforest décor. Over all this would have been a fun place to hang out if it weren’t for a few problems I had.
First of all, I ordered a cherry bomb and she gave me the gun fake «red bull». She didn’t tell me they didn’t have regular red bull before pouring my drink and it is not good. I decided to drink it anyway because I was in a good mood. Second, the hallway with the bathrooms smelled awful. Almost fishy. Which fits with the theme but is not something I want to smell in a bathroom. They were really cool on the inside with shell sinks and rock walls, but my amazement was ruined by smells of a fish tank. Lastly, the dance floor was WAY too small. We could barely move let alone dance. With all that room in that building, they should really expand that area.
I would give it another chance for the fun idea of it.

Psssst! Hey you… have you heard about South Seas Thursdays at Tiki Lounge in the Southside yet? No?! Well, let me clue you in to one of the best kept secrets in the Tiki underground of the ‘Burgh.
Lucky the Painproof Man… yes, THAT Lucky, the one who Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museums have determined to the the #1 sideshow act in the world… AND the lovely grass-​skirted Greta concoct and create AUTHENTIC tiki drinks made with top shelf rums and many other of only the best-​of-​the-​best liquors, housemade AUTHENTIC falernum, orgeat and other tiki syrups and liqueurs and fresh-​squeezed juices. Nope, these aren’t the overly sweet, garishly hued cocktails that you used to THINK were tiki, these exotic cocktails are made from the recipes of none other than Trader Vic and Beachbum Berry and from various classic 40’s, 50’s and 60’s tiki bars that created the laid-​back, liquid lifestyle that is tiki.
On a recent Thursday my cocktail of choice was Planter’s Punch — and yes, it certainly packed one. A punch, that is. I’ve also enjoyed a Hurricane — nope, not the Hawaiian punch-​colored (and, unfortunately, flavored, too) sort, but a REAL Hurricane made with fresh-​squeezed juices; a lovely Mai Tai; a Lucky original with coconut, coffee, rums and I’m not sure what else — amazing; a Jet Pilot; Grog… and so, SO many others.
Whether your choice of poison is a Sufferin’ Bastard, a Zombie (enjoyed by many on Halloween, no less!), Singapore Sling, or a Mai Tai… whether it comes in a tiki mug or a glass adorned with colorful paper umbrellas, cherries, wheels and wedges of citrus, fancy straws or even a tall, spiky pineapple leaf… whether you come with a group or all by your lonesome, you WILL enjoy the cocktails and the company of fellow tiki-​philes.
Making Thursday evenings even more special are the exotic sounds of DJ Dr. Zombo who sets the tiki mood with South Seas sounds and surf rock. Gotta love those marimbas and jungle bird calls! And if you’re REALLY fortunate, you might hit on a night when Dr. Zombo breaks out the guitar and joins fellow musicians for surf rock sounds by Vertigo Go!
You can get tiki drinks at the Tiki Lounge any day of the week, but ONLY on Thursdays from 4 – 9 pm can you get the best of the best of tiki cocktails made by masters. Need a get away? This is it! Sigh… I only wish EVERY night was a South Seas night.

This is the kind of place where someone would just take a dookie on the floor, and you’d be like, «Whelp! Its the Tiki Lounge!» and keep dancing
But you’re messed up and on the south side, I understand. Its ok. We forgive you.
Try the Lava place instead, much more interesting.