Hollywood old-timers who lamented the closing of 52-year-old Trader Vic’s Restaurant & Bar last year can now get their “tiki” on in the renovated Trader Vic’s Lounge, located poolside in the Beverly Hilton.

Yes, Trader Vic’s has held on to its traditional Polynesian roots, but don’t expect tropical drinks in hokey buddah/coconut/tiki head cups or campy ukelele music. The modern lounge is more of an homage to the kitschy tiki bar craze of the 50’s and 60’s.  Think elegant and contemporary décor with only a handful of obligatory tiki masks and South Pacific artwork on the walls.  And from the dim-lit bar, the view of the serene pool surrounded by palm trees authenticates the island getaway feel. 

Birthplace of the Mai Tai and infamous for their pupu platters (more specifically their Crab Rangoon – a decadent deep-fried cream cheese & crab-stuffed wonton), Trader Vic’s continues to deliver the classics. One thing that must not be missed here: the Scorpion Bowl - a vat of 27 different types of alcohol in, well, a bowl! Your liver will cry, but this is an island-getaway – so drink up! – Josephine Vu