There’s something about a tiki drink in the summer that transports you away to far off islands, like the Caribbean. Whether these cocktail bars stick true to form and rules or subvert everything for a little fun, these are our favorite places to drink tiki in Denver. Kick back, drink up, and relax at a tropical oasis in your own backyard.
1. Adrift Tiki Bar
This Polynesian/Caribbean inspired tiki bar is the perfect place to get your tropical vibes this summer. With delicious Polynesian-inspired snacks like coconut shrimp and spam misubi and deliciously fun cocktails, like their Adrift Mai Tai, Singapore Sling, and Hurricane, they’re guaranteed to hit the spot. We especially love Adrift for their huge punch bowls, big enough for 2 – 4 people, and their outdoor patio where you can sit back, sip your cocktails, and forget your worries. Don’t forget their happy hour, which is all day on Tuesdays, called Tiki Tuesdays, and from 5-7pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays and 4-6pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Where: 218 S Broadway Denver, CO 80209
2. Hell or High Water Tiki
What’s haunted and gay and tropical all over? Hell or High Water Tiki, the newest endeavor from the makers of the Electric Cure. Hell or High Water Tiki is known for its zany and fun take on a cocktail bar, not to mention, it’s situated inside an old haunted saloon that’s been in Denver history for many, many years. And, it’s pirate themed. Their menu has tiki cocktails with kooky names like You’re My Land-Ho, with coconut-washed rum and Pervy Scurvy, made with mezcal. Definitely give their menu a look to see what you’ll be sippin’ on this summer. By the way, ignore Google. They’re open.
Where: 1526 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202
3. Swaylo’s
A little farther out of the way is Swaylo’s Tiki Restaurant and Grill, where you can escape the city in this tropical paradise complete with tiki drinks and good grub. A few other great reasons to love Swaylo’s are their seafood, tropical vibes, and environmentally friendly initiatives, and that’s not even counting the tiki drinks. Their menu has frozen cocktails, fruity tropical-forward tiki cocktails like Mai Tais and Zombies, and “island favorite” like Dark & Stormys and Mojitos.
Where: 1315 Dry Creek Dr, Longmont, CO 80503
4. Jungle
A tiki spot that doesn’t appropriate and loves Chaka Khan. A tiki cocktail bar that knows it’s a tiki cocktail bar, with fun glassware and cool names. Try their I’ll Show Chu Mine with gin, schochu, passion fruit, sesame, lime, and fennel that comes inside glassware designed to look like an Instant Ramen Cup, and pair it with a burger. A quick note: Their happy hour runs from 4-6pm and they’re closed on Sundays.
Where: 2018 10th St, Boulder, CO 80302
5. The Electric Cure
One of the most eclectic tiki cocktail bars in this list, Electric Cure is an amazing spot that offers a variety of different activities alongside their tiki cocktails. From horror movie trivia to drag pop-up shows. As for their tiki cocktail drinks, a lot of them are as tropical as they are engrained in Denver culture. Their Casa Bonita Cliff Diver as well as their Rocky Mountain Flamingo are two such, with the former a mix of rum and mezcal and the latter made with dark rum, campari, and guava. Or try Satan’s Satanic’s Satanists with aged rum, ginger, lemon, and pineapple, and made big enough that it can be shared with up to 6 people, depending on the size you get. Either way, there’s no way you wont be having the tropical time of your life here at this quirky urban paradise.
Where: 5350 W 25th Ave, Edgewater, CO 80214