Tonga Hut

This a great little Tiki joint. I have donned it's doorstep on many a festive occasion, particularly when there was a Tiki Art night put on by Atomikitty. And because it's local, I have had many group gatherings - especially on holidays like Thanksgiving and Xmas. I heard the stories about the place before Jeremy took over, but I'm glad I took a chance 'cause now it's one of my faves.

Many happy memories were made there, and many more are sure to come.

Oh and the jukebox could use a LITTLE sprucing up, but DEFINATELY doesn't suck(like someone previously commented).

I started going here back in the mid-90's; a young & new transplant to LA. It was pretty dive-y back then, but still kinda fun. (Although, when I'd visit, I was pretty sure that I was the only person in the bar with an interest in tiki.)

I've been back & again throughout its few changes & handful of owners -- and, now, it's the best it's ever been.

I can only imagine that the low scores in the Critiki rating (as of this writing) are from reviewers that visited the Tonga Hut before its current incarnation. For, there are reasons a'plenty to love this place.

The Tonga Hut is a great example of a working, neighborhood bar that embodies the best of tiki culture: great drinks, friendly service, bartenders that care about the quality of the drinks they pour & a laid-back atmosphere that makes the place a pleasure to visit.

Plus, out of all of LA's tiki destinations, the Tonga Hut seems to play host to more events than any other (great art shows, holiday fetes and the CD/DVD release parties of the likes of the Tikiyaki Orchestra & Tiki Bar TV).

While it will never have the lineage of a Tiki Ti or the interior design budget of a Trader Vic's, the Tonga Hut holds its own as a great tiki destination. It's a gem of a bar & fine place to do your drinking.

It's also worth mentioning that the Tonga Hut is the oldest (currently running) tiki bar in LA!

Being the OLDEST tiki bar in Los Angeles makes this a MUST stop on any tiki trek. The vintage fountains are beautiful and unique. The bar is a great vintage shape and design.

The jukebox has a great selection of tiki and oldschool rock that kept the people dancing. The crowd was a mix of locals for a Monday nigh, great energy and sexy girls filled the space.

Ok, I went to the Tonga Hut once, and it was clearly a bad time. I was there EARLY so that already is a no-no, I attempted to check it out around 6pm and sadly the entire bar was full of beer drinkers. I tried their Mai Tai, and their Zombie Juice, and I was pleasantly happy with the drinks. The overall vibe was just not there since it was early. I'll need to do this again on a proper EVENING.

This place has come a long way in just a few short years. After my first time, I saw no reason to ever return. Now, I'm happy to visit as often as I can! The decor and upkeep of the place is improving each time I visit, as are the drinks. The addition of the Grog Log drinks and Order of the Drooling Bastard very welcome and exciting additions. While the jukebox ranges from early Van Halen to Herb Alpert, it can be hit-or-miss, but there is good tiki and tiki-appropriate music on there. Well worth another try!

My experience here was great! The decor is more than I expected and the bartender, cute and attentive. I only wish that they played exclusive tiki music. My problem with most tiki bars in SoCal is that there are more beer and vodka drinkers than tiki drink fans, including DTB, Tonga, and Trader Vic's. The TikiTi is the only spot where folks come for the drinks but smoking is allowed. = \ I still love these spots.

My first visit here was great. I just loved that I was walking into Tiki history. Drinks, music, ambience, and decor are all great. Mid-century Tiki beckons at this establishment. For it is one of the original and oldest Tiki bars in CA.

My wife and I visited here on our vacation in mid-December 2012 and it was the perfect end to our day. The bartendress was friendly and attentive, we met her mom who was there to pick her up after her shift and had a blast getting to know her too. We've been to most of the tiki places in the LA area, and this is our new favorite.