Tacoma Cabana was opened by owner and bartender Jason Alexander and Robyn Murphy in Tacoma's downtown in 2012. The establishment was a mix of traditional midcentury Polynesian Pop, with some more modern-day Hawaiian influences. The bar had a large selection of rums, and a particular focus on the quality of the cocktails.
Alexander and Murphy opened a new tiki bar nearby, Devil's Reef
, in January 2018, where they lean harder into full-on tiki. Over the next months they worked to shift their efforts entirely to the new business, and closed Tacoma Cabana on September 1, 2018.
What!?! TACOMA CABANA has closed? ARGH!!! I had no idea it had closed until I returned to this Critiki page in anticipation of a return visit this next fall. I know everyone love's it's younger sister, DEVIL'S REEF, but I preferred the CABANA much more. (I had such an AWFUL time at DEVIL'S REEF. Sure it was beautiful, but the service SUCKED...unlike at TACOMA CABANA.) You can read my thoughts on TACOMA CABANA (and DEVIL'S REEF...as well as other Seattle-area tiki spots) in my blog. If you'd like to have a peek, you can visit it here: https://monsterago-go.blogspot.com/2018/03/im-freaky-for-tiki-12-super-seattle.html
Farewell TACOMA CABANA. I only just got to know you...
I was fortunate enough to get to visit Cabana, 4 times, the last time being on "CLOSING FOREVER" night, and I enjoyed Every visit to this 'Tiki-flavored' Rum Bar.
Brandon, the lead bartender is excellent in his craft, and Jason and Robin are fabulous hosts.
I really liked the extensive drink menu, which fortunately will mostly be carried on at their New place Devil's Reef.
TC will be missed, as it had a delightful, friendly atmosphere, and substantial kitchen, but, while nothing lives forever...the best of this place will carry on, 3 blocks away, at the at the Reef,
What!?! TACOMA CABANA has closed? ARGH!!! I had no idea it had closed until I returned to this Critiki page in anticipation of a return visit this next fall. I know everyone love's it's younger sister, DEVIL'S REEF, but I preferred the CABANA much more. (I had such an AWFUL time at DEVIL'S REEF. Sure it was beautiful, but the service SUCKED...unlike at TACOMA CABANA.) You can read my thoughts on TACOMA CABANA (and DEVIL'S REEF...as well as other Seattle-area tiki spots) in my blog. If you'd like to have a peek, you can visit it here: https://monsterago-go.blogspot.com/2018/03/im-freaky-for-tiki-12-super-seattle.html
Farewell TACOMA CABANA. I only just got to know you...
I was fortunate enough to get to visit Cabana, 4 times, the last time being on "CLOSING FOREVER" night, and I enjoyed Every visit to this 'Tiki-flavored' Rum Bar.
Brandon, the lead bartender is excellent in his craft, and Jason and Robin are fabulous hosts.
I really liked the extensive drink menu, which fortunately will mostly be carried on at their New place Devil's Reef.
TC will be missed, as it had a delightful, friendly atmosphere, and substantial kitchen, but, while nothing lives forever...the best of this place will carry on, 3 blocks away, at the at the Reef,
I had the pleasure of visiting Tacoma Cabana on a recent Saturday evening. The place was bustling with energy and everyone seemed to be having a great time but in a sophisticated manner (for something more unruly, check out the other bars on Pacific on a Saturday night).
The drinks here are very well done. My Mai Tai was high quality, though it used Rum Agricole which isn't my favorite. Service is outstanding. The music was straight exotica, so quite good at setting the mood. Decor is a mixed bag and definitely a little bit of a DIY vibe. This is a very large establishment with several rooms (some not currently being used), so it's a little disorienting.
Definitely worth visiting even if nearby Devil's Reef is better in basically every respect.
So get this...11-day "vacation" planned with the in-laws, starting with 3 days in Seattle and followed by 8 days on a cruise! Could I find any retreat?! More importantly, could I fiind a way to Tacoma Cabana...secretly, my preferred vacation destination?! But what reason could I give to slip away an hour's drive to Tacoma?
Fortunately, those first 3 days were close quarters and we all sought our space...and I was able to convince my wife and a few of the "kids" to make the trip to Tacoma Cabana (introducing one of them to a true tiki destination).
Jason was the consummate and most generous host! What a great evening in a delightful space! We didn't get to try the food, but the 5 of us worked our way through the drink menu without disappointment. I particularly liked the division of the space with different areas having a slightly different ambience.
So worth the trip...and may have been the best part of that 11-day "vacation"! Thanks, Jason!
tikiwithray was a regular at Tacoma Cabana, and was usually there Weeknights.
April 30, 2016, 10:26 PM
I live in Seattle which is 45 mins north of Tacoma. The drive is even longer with traffic but Tacoma Cabana is so worth the trip! Jason Alexander (The Bartender and owner) has won awards and if you try his drinks, you will see why. What I love most about Tacoma Cabana is that you can tell the owners Robyn and Jason are totally into Tiki culture and it shows in their bar.
If your coming into Seattle, I highly, highly recommend taking the trip down to Tacoma Cabana. You won't regret it!
Here is my full review of Tacoma Cabana:
http://www.tikiwithray.com/tiki-bar-review-2-tacoma-cabana-tacoma-wa/
An authentic Tiki bar less than three miles from where I grew up! Incredible. Every time I visit the Cabana, I feel like I'm in a dream. The drinks are superb and authentic (Jason knows what's up) and the food is fantastic (try the rumaki and thank me later). Can we get a Seattle location too?
We stopped by the Cabana while on the way to Seattle. My Mai Tai was one of the best and Allyson's Jet Pilot was spot on. We got the whole history for Robyn while we were there. It was too busy for meet Jason formally, but his cocktails were superb. This will now be a regular pitstop when heading north.
Great place. Jason is very knowledgeable about rums and recipes and a lot of fun to talk with. I've never had a chance to try the food but the bar is great. And their mugs are awesome.
Farewell TACOMA CABANA. I only just got to know you...