
Experience an endless summer at these tropical hideaways.
Hold on to that feeling of beachside sunshine, fruit-flavored rum, and entirely too colorful libations that come in all shapes and sizes by coasting into one of Houston’s top tiki bars. [Featured image: @leilowhtx]
1. Lei Low Bar
Known as the tiki bar that started a movement in Texas, Lei Low is an over-the-top Hawaiian haven tucked inside a strip center in The Heights. At Lei Low, Hawaiian shirts are encouraged, and rewarded come happy hour, with a menu that covers all rum-soaked surfside favorites. Be sure to swim over to Lei Low on Wednesdays for a steel guitar performance.
2. Under the Volcano
While identifying more as a Day of the Dead, Malcom Lowry-inspired craft cocktail bar, Under the Volcano is decked in tropical hues, Latin American relics, and funky Tulum flare. In addition to a brilliant array of cocktails, Under the Volcano in the Museum District serves a delicious assortment of tacos, empanadas, and tamales. Plus, check out their weekly live music, DJs, and performances!
3. The Toasted Coconut
Inspired by the 20th parallel north, The Toasted Coconut is a laid back, rum-swirling tropical outpost in the heart of Montrose. Their libation menu courtesy of award-winning bar director, Sarah Troxell, features refreshing, tropical, and “Big N’Boozy” cocktails. Order a Vamos A La Playa with Del Maguey Vida mexcal, Uruapan Charanda-blended rum, pineapple shrub, and lime juice, to accompany their delectable tiki-inspired bites.
4. Tikila’s
You can take the tequila out of the tiki but you can’t take the tiki out of the tequila. Engulfed in towering palm trees, its patio is furnished with an manicured turf populated with lush greenery, beachy huts, and dappled lighting. Their menu is laced with mezcals, craft tiki cocktails, and frozen bevvys, while weekend features include tiki-twisted Micheladas, Bloody Marys, and mimosas.
5. Be More Pacific
Newly opened bar and restaurant, Be More Pacific takes you through a gastronomic journey through the rich cultural flavors of the Philippines. With specials on the reg, crushable tropical cocktails, and mouthwatering Kamayan Feasts for the whole squad, Be More Pacific is a unique island-like experience found nowhere else in Houston.
6. Double Trouble Caffeine & Cocktails
Get your buzz fix at Montrose outpost, Double Trouble Caffeine & Cocktails. Whereas other tiki-based establishments go sheets-to-the-wind in flare, Double Trouble takes a more subtle approach. Parked next door to Sig’s Lagoon Record Shop, the bar serves a variety of vibe-y libations that include its Frozen Suffering Bastard, made with bourbon, gin, lemon, angostura and ginger beer. If need a little extra in your morning pick-me-up, DT also offers a perky mix of coffee-infused cocktails.
7. High and Dry
Described as more of a tiki-inspired rum bar, High and Dry in Downtown, Houston is another project from Levi Tatum of Kanaloa bar. With over 200 rums behind the bar-top, classic tiki cocktails, and DJ-spinning Island Time Fridays, visitors will have no trouble getting into the tropical spirit at High and Dry.
8. The Spot
Readers will be surprised to find out that a higher congregation of tiki and beach bars are located by the beach. While the definition of beach is more flexible concerning Galveston, the area does shore a number of tiki bars, including The Spot. The beachfront “Island Famous” bar and restaurant serves a savory assortment of burgers, fresh seafood, and hand-dipped onion rings. The massive, two-story hut and patio parades all things tropical, not limited to five venues, a sideyard for beach games, and a tiki bar capable of serving 100-ounce Piña Coladas and margaritas.
9. Flip Flops Beach Bar & Grill
Boasting its prestigious and exclusive residence as the only Galveston bar located directly on the beach, Flip Flops offers a unique beachside atmosphere by which to enjoy beer buckets, frozen cocktails, everything from burgers to pizza to quesadillas, and live jams.
10. Better Luck Tomorrow
What they lack in decor and true tiki status, Better Luck Tomorrow in The Heights makes up for in truly delicious tropical cocktails. In the festive and colorful atmosphere, be sure to sip on a Bahama Mama made with rum, pineapple, lime, orange, pomegranate, coconut.