Add a few theatrics to the tiki experience with a visit to this Portland bar, where ordering a flaming Volcano Bowl cocktail cues a few of the booths to rumble. There is also an occasional thunder-and-lightening experience that happens throughout the evening, not to mention the colorful puffer fish lights that dot the ceiling. But despite all that, it’s the strong menu of drinks that keeps people coming back. Classics that pay homage to other famous tiki bars, and island-inspired small plates like Hawaiian bread and weebimbap, enhance the experience. Those worried about a few too many can order based on strength, thanks to a numbered legend by each drink.

If credit could be given to someone for helping to resurrect the tiki movement, Jeff “Beachbum” Berry would likely receive many nods. Berry has resurfaced many “lost” tiki drink recipes, created a tiki app and, most recently, opened one of New Orleans’ hottest bars, naturally one that specializes in tiki drinks. The menu features many of the unearthed recipes, including the blended cinnamon-rum Nui Nui, along with Berry’s own takes on the classics; there's also a menu of playful cuisine, including a dumpling burger, a mahi mahi banh mi and chocolate-dipped wontons.

Named for a popular drink from Don the Beachcomber in the 1940s, this River North bar helped ignite Chicago’s passion for all things tiki. The space is like escaping to an underground Polynesian haven: Walking down the stairs, guests are instantly transported to an upscale tiki hut decorated with hand-carved tiki totems, bamboo walls and Hawaiian-print-clad servers. In addition to the classic, modern and large-format drinks — many sparked with flames, oozing smoke or garnished with creative touches like a banana dolphin — the bar offers rotating specials, nearly all served in namesake vessels, like porcelain sea anemones or giant treasure chests. There's even a bar within the bar: The Bamboo Room is an exclusive reservations-based lair, offering progressive rum tastings, unique cocktails and a true in-the-know tiki experience.

Tucked within Craft & Commerce, this hidden tiki getaway, has drawn from the best of tiki: the expertise of Martin Cate, the design of renowned tiki artist Bosko Hrnjak and designer Ignacio “Notch” Gonzalez. CH projects has stocked the bar of this Little Italy bar with over 350 rare and vintage rums. Their cocktail list includes the classics, and their own riffs like the Enigma de Muerte – inspired by the Demerara Dry Float made with unaged tequila, passionfruit, a heavy dose of lime and maraschino served with a 'side of danger' aka mezcal.