Kahuna Tiki Tu

The Space

Walk through the doors at Kahuna Tiki Tu and the outside world drops away. Thatched roofs hang overhead. Carved tikis watch from corners. Fishing nets drape the ceiling. The main dining room sprawls across the historic 1957 building with Japanese architectural touches left from its Mikado Sushi Bar days. A massive moai statue anchors one corner while smaller accent tikis line the walls.

The layout offers choices. The Jungle Bar tucks into a dark alcove with three thatched booths and vintage velvet paintings. The sushi bar runs along one side where you can watch chefs assemble rolls. The main hall has regular tables and bamboo booths. A party room features a working jukebox and windows overlooking the adjacent Mikado Hotel pool. Outside, patio seating faces that same pool area, good for warmer evenings when you want tropical drinks with actual outdoor air.

The decor quality stands out. These aren’t mass-produced decorations. The collection includes pieces that serious tiki enthusiasts would recognize and covet. Some elements nod to Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. Others pull from classic adventure films and maritime history. The mix works because it commits fully to the theme without tipping into cartoon territory.

Food and Drinks

The menu reflects the building’s sushi bar heritage merged with Polynesian cooking. Fresh sushi rolls share space with Hawaiian fried rice, kalua pork, beef short ribs, and coconut shrimp. Portions run generous. The spicy tuna burger gets frequent mentions from regulars. So does the lobster mac and cheese. Quality ingredients show up across the menu.

Cocktails take center stage with over 60 options spanning tiki classics and house creations. The rum selection is extensive. Drinks arrive properly garnished, often with fresh fruit, paper umbrellas, and elaborate presentations. Classic mai tais, zombies, navy grogs, and painkillers line up alongside inventive house drinks like the Mystic Mayan and Headhunter Martini. Cocktails run strong. The bartenders don’t skimp on alcohol. A Scorpion Bowl at $38 serves multiple people. Most individual drinks fall in the $14-17 range.

The bar stocks beer, wine, and sake for those who skip the rum drinks. Happy hour runs weekdays 4pm-6pm with discounted drinks and food. Sunday Hangover Brunch from 2pm-5pm offers special cocktails alongside the regular menu.

Entertainment and Events

The calendar stays busy. Tuesday nights feature burlesque shows with dancers from the Electric Luau troupe. Live jazz musicians rotate through other evenings. Comedy nights happen monthly. Hula performances pop up regularly. The entertainment adds energy without overwhelming the dining experience. You can book early reservations for quieter dinners or come later when the crowd picks up.

Private events book into the party room. The space accommodates groups with its own atmosphere separate from the main dining area. Staff handle event coordination and adjust menus for parties.

Practical Notes

Service quality varies based on timing. Early reservations on weekdays mean attentive service and manageable noise levels. Friday and Saturday nights get loud and crowded. The kitchen can slow during rushes. Most reviews praise the friendly staff, though peak times test patience.

Parking is plentiful compared to most LA restaurant experiences. The location sits right off Riverside Drive near the 101 freeway. The setting next to a vintage motel adds unexpected charm rather than feeling like a drawback.

Gluten-free options exist, including dedicated gluten-free soy sauce. The kitchen accommodates dietary restrictions with advance notice. Kids are welcome, though the vibe skews toward adults, especially during evening entertainment.

Reservations help, particularly for weekend dinners and special events. Walk-ins work on slower nights. The large space can usually absorb smaller parties without advance booking, but the Jungle Bar’s thatched booths fill quickly.