The Golden Tiki

The fact that about 75% of the experts surveyed took the time to recommend The Golden Tiki (mostly in the Tiki Bar category, of course) demonstrates how universally beloved this place is. That’s because its creator, Branden Powers, approached the project with the passion and attention to detail one would expect from a Disney Imagineer (if Disney allowed its staff to program the animatronic birds to spew foul language, and decorate the rides with antique penis statues).

The décor alone, which also features the shrunken heads of local and international celebrities, makes this place a must-visit part of any Las Vegas vacation. But the Tiki complements that with a kick-ass bar program created by mixologist extraordinaire Adam Rains and executed by a team that obsesses over the details, even when serving inebriated tourists.

Not to be missed among the Polynesian-influenced tiki cocktails is an enlightened beer list with a handful of local brews such as Able Baker Calutron Girl Mango Hefeweizen, Big Dog’s Las Vegas Lager and CraftHaus Czech Pilsner. There are even two collaboration beers made exclusively for Golden Tiki that can only be found here: Astronomy Aleworks Moons of Uranus Coconut Coffee Porter and HUDL Tiki Tangerine Cream Ale.

The Tiki also boasts a menu of very solid Polynesian, Hawaiian and Chinese-leaning bar food. And there’s entertainment from some of Las Vegas best DJs (with guest sets by an unusual assortment of punk and new wave legends, and former '80s TV and movie stars).