Tiki-Ti

Bar
4427 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, California, United States
Ph: (213) 669-9381 - Website
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Wed-Thu 4pm-1am
Fri-Sat 4pm-2am
Opened in 1961
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Defunct tiki not included,
distances are as the crow flies.
C. P. Three Prop House, Los Angeles 1.9 mi
3.1 km
Trader Vic's, Los Angeles 3.8 mi
6.1 km
Rock-a-Hula, Los Angeles 4.1 mi
6.5 km
Damon's, Glendale 4.0 mi
6.5 km
Tiki No, North Hollywood 6.2 mi
10.0 km
picture, 173
text, 164, 172-173
Jun 25, 2008
Jun 26, 2007
Nov 11, 2006
View all 4 mugs & other items
Looking up towards the bar at Tiki-Ti in Los Angeles
June 2008, photo by Slacks Ferret
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Humuhumu’s description:
This famous little bar is a Los Angeles institution—opened in 1961 by Ray Buhen, it is now entirely owned and operated by Ray's son Mike Buhen and grandsons Mike Buhen, Jr and Mark Buhen.

The Tiki-Ti drink menu has over 80 drinks, but picking one can feel a little bit like picking a race horse—the menu is divided into sections for the base alcohols, but beyond that, it's just a list of colorful names. These recipes are closely guarded family secrets. There are plenty of classic cocktails on the menu, but many of the drinks are the creation of Ray or his son or grandson. One of Ray's creations, Blood & Sand, is named for the Tyrone Power bullfighting film by the same name, and as it is being mixed the bar's patrons call out "Toro, Toro!" Mike or Mike will happily take the time to ask you a few questions and guide you to a drink you're sure to like.

On Wednesdays, a tribute is made to Ray—a bell is rung five times, and the whole bar stops what they're doing to toast to Ray.

Because Tiki-Ti is owner-operated, it is one of the very few places in California that can allow smoking. The Buhens close the bar when they go on vacation; be sure to check the Tiki-Ti website's calendar to make sure they are open before you stop by. Tiki-Ti is extremely small (just 12 barstools and a small handful of tables), and is incredibly popular—if you don't like crowds, be sure to get there right as it opens, preferably on a Wednesday. Be sure to bring plenty cash—they don't accept credit cards.

How to find it:
Tiki-Ti is in a small, free-standing building on the north side of Sunset Blvd, just past where Sunset merges with Hollywood Blvd. It is between El Chavo restaurant and the KCET studios.
Parking:
There is free parking available on the street in the neighborhood. Some folks used to park in the lot directly across the street, but this is no longer advised.
There are 13 comments.
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Cap'n Ron
August 1, 2009, 4:56 PM
I went on a Wednesday at 5pm and got a nice seat at the corner of the bar. I tried a signature drink, "Ray's Mistake" and, even though its got gin in it, its great. imagine my mood when the guy sitting next to me told me that it was happy hour on that particular drink, and it was half price. it tasted even better. Then I figured I should try a drink that the founder actually meant to make, so I tried "Ray's Triumph" or "Victory" or something like that. Very different and very good also.

Meanwhile there was entertainment at the other end of the bar (about 8 feet away) where Mark the bartender was making--or I should say performing--a "Blood and Sand." its impressive to watch, and i would bet its impressive to finish. Next time!
Cap'n Ron has visited Tiki-Ti.

Builtiki
September 4, 2009, 4:01 PM
the drinks'll kill ya, the smokers make you feel like you're at a real bar and the back bar decor keeps your mind wandering...a great place to drink!
Builtiki is a semi-regular at Tiki-Ti.

Builtiki
September 11, 2009, 7:59 AM
had three Ray's Mistake yesterday, great drink, cool peeps...
Builtiki is a semi-regular at Tiki-Ti.

Dalisair
January 25, 2010, 7:26 PM
Last time I was there they had an ATM in the back...
Dalisair has visited Tiki-Ti.

swormadam
April 2, 2010, 2:20 PM
I went on a tiki bar crawl last year for my birthday April 17th which culminated to the tiki fest with the teriyaki orchestra at don the beachcombers. The highlight of the day was going to the Tiki Ti!!
swormadam has visited Tiki-Ti.

Chippy
June 28, 2010, 6:15 PM
When a few weeks back with my good buddy Pete. we had a chance to sit and chat with the bartenders and a regular named Jim. I was able to partake in a Ray's Mistake and a Skip and Go Naked and they were both outstanding. Looking forward to my next outting to try and concour a Blood and Sand but that may be asking too much. Great LA Tiki history. Thanks for the trip Pete.
Chippy has visited Tiki-Ti.

Devin
September 22, 2010, 12:48 AM
An excellent, cozy tiki destination or neighborhood hang. The menu is a bit overwhelming, especially given how cloaked in secrecy it is, so good luck remembering what you dug after you've dug yourself in. Also, don't come expecting a private booth or table; but, that said, enjoy the crowded, "Ooga-Booga!" resounding, locals-bar feel.
Devin is a semi-regular at Tiki-Ti.

Fishboy
March 31, 2011, 6:50 PM
Was sent to LA on business and was thrilled to finally have a chance to see this place in person. In addition to the info you find about the place on this excellent site, do yourself a favor and check out the web site at Tiki-Ti.com, too. Study the drink list: it's really well-organized, helpful, and a lot of fun to use. Also, check out the instructions for new patrons about policies and what to expect. There's a good QnA, too. It may sound crazy to do some homework before your first trip, but it will really pay off. I had the Penang--really tasty. I arrived early on Wednesday and shared the whole place with maybe 6 other people who were regulars. Can't wait to go back.

forgotten tikiman
December 21, 2011, 10:53 PM
This is the best tiki bar. Mike, Mike jr, and mark are awesome. Bar is full of tiki swag and a great place to hang out. Just the way I like a tiki bar to be. My favorit drink is the 151 rum swizzle. I got sick drinking their blue hawaiian but thats because I drink to much and got a bad mix. Went to Bamboos Bens garage sell the next day and winded up yaking in his front lawn :). Mrs Bamboo gave me water and a banana. Good times. Sorry Ben.
forgotten tikiman has visited Tiki-Ti.

Tiki Kiki
February 22, 2012, 3:15 PM
Of course the drinks are awesome and so much tiki stuff to see behind the bar. Be prepared to pay big bucks though and in cash. They picked my pockets clean, but it was well worth it. I don't get down to area much, but I would really love to go back.
Tiki Kiki has visited Tiki-Ti.

Kim Reynolds
February 28, 2012, 3:47 PM
What can I say that has not already been said. Tiki-Ti is small but it packs a lot of punch. Mike and Mike Jr. are the best'est when it comes to what makes you happy. You pay a little more but you get the closest thing, in my opinion, to a real, fresh tiki drink. Can't decide what you want, spin the wheel or... try Ray's Mistake. A few of these and you will be knee-walking home. Trust me on this one.
Kim Reynolds has visited Tiki-Ti.

LunaVideoGames
May 14, 2012, 7:43 PM
The best tiki bar for sure! My favorite BAR in the world! If you haven't been here yet, you are missing out. The bartenders are the most chill people in LA. Over a hundred drinks to choose from. No beer here, only tiki drinks. If you aren't from around here, plan a vacation and go to Tiki Ti!!

PackmanWSU01
July 8, 2012, 11:37 PM
This is the kind of place that makes me wish I lived in LA just so I could be a regular. The place itself is a single room bar, but every nook and crany is filled with tiki style stuff. And the drink list...probably the largest in the world. They have like 85 different tiki drinks. Can't decide? No problem. Spin a wheel and your decision will be made for you. I tried a Ray's Mistake (one of the best concoctions I've ever had) and also another good drink called a Pearl Diver, courtesy of the wheel. Oh, and the owner and bartenders could not be more kinder and courteous. Currently they only have a 50 year commemoration tiki mug, and I'm hoping they get more. If only I could become a regular...
PackmanWSU01 has visited Tiki-Ti.

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