5 best tiki bars in Las Vegas: tropical drinks & neon escapes

Golden Monkey is inside Resorts World on the north Strip. It provides the resort-lounge interpretation of tiki, with tropical cocktails and sharing bowls. Stray Pirate is downtown in the Arts District; the other recommendations are separate off-Strip destinations.

Stray Pirate at 1321 South Commerce Street is the downtown Arts District option in this guide. Its pirate-dog story and underwater setting make it a distinctive tropical-cocktail stop. Plan transport from Fremont rather than assuming the two neighbourhoods are the same walk.

The operator strongly recommends reservations. Friday and Saturday evening-to-midnight bookings can have prepaid non-refundable minimums credited to the bill; table size and availability affect the amount. Reservations are for two hours. Read the current terms and carry a valid physical ID.

Frankie’s Tiki Room advertises 24-hour opening every day. The Golden Tiki also lists 24-hour opening, with holiday exceptions published on its site. Check your actual date and do not assume kitchen service or entertainment runs throughout the bar’s opening hours.

Red Dwarf pairs its tiki drinks with Detroit-style pizza and a programme of punk, surf, rock and other live events. Check the official calendar and kitchen hours for your night. It is off-Strip on Vegas Valley Drive.

Read the ingredients, serving size and price, particularly for bowls shared between several people. Ask about nut, dairy or other allergens and any non-alcoholic options directly. Tiki mugs are not necessarily included as souvenirs. Budget for tips and transport as well as the menu price.