The Tiki Terrace is a rare treat: a modern-day Polynesian restaurant with a floor show. This second location opened in April 2008; the original location
This new location is much larger, and the decor is even more elaborate than before. The walls are lined with tapa cloth, lauhala and bamboo, and many massive moai guard the perimeter of the room. The dining room seats 90 in a number of cozy booths separated by bamboo and tall, carved tiki poles.
The restaurant is owned and operated by the Zuziak family, with traditional floor shows performed each weekend by its sister company, Barefoot Hawaiian productions.
Owners are great. The performers are awesome. We had gone to a Sunday lunch buffet and it was lots of fun. Very Polynesian and Islander themed. Music before the show was quite traditional. Tiki mugs and vessels with drinks tastefully done. My only complaint is that the drinks were a little weak and did not include all the traditional preparations and ingredients, but still better than any above average regular tavern. I thought the food was good. I was surprised to find out from the owners and that the bar is open for drinks and they have food menus at times when they don't have the show going on. I would like to come back at another time when there is not a show and just enjoy the T Keene's and the drink and the food for what it is. Beautiful décor. Awesome tiki sculptures. The bar every figure was carved by hand from wood by the original owners. There's quite a bit of really nice art here. Great vibe. I would definitely recommend this place. Go, support them and enjoy.
Owners are great. The performers are awesome. We had gone to a Sunday lunch buffet and it was lots of fun. Very Polynesian and Islander themed. Music before the show was quite traditional. Tiki mugs and vessels with drinks tastefully done. My only complaint is that the drinks were a little weak and did not include all the traditional preparations and ingredients, but still better than any above average regular tavern. I thought the food was good. I was surprised to find out from the owners and that the bar is open for drinks and they have food menus at times when they don't have the show going on. I would like to come back at another time when there is not a show and just enjoy the T Keene's and the drink and the food for what it is. Beautiful décor. Awesome tiki sculptures. The bar every figure was carved by hand from wood by the original owners. There's quite a bit of really nice art here. Great vibe. I would definitely recommend this place. Go, support them and enjoy.
Wife and I came here strictly for the floor show, which we booked in advance. We were pleasantly surprised by the experience. Not only was the show top drawer, but the drinks were solid, and the food was really good. Definitely a good place for dinner and a show.
I came to visit for the floor show. So rare that a tiki joint still has an old school polynesian floor show. The inside had a wonderful tiki vibe. The food was better than tiki average (Which doesn't say too much) but still great. The packages and pricing were fair. I wish more glasses were served in tiki mugs. And they should play some exotica. But overall a worth treat if in the Chicago area. I would recommend over the new tiki bars popping up, as this still has the floor show
We went back with several friends a couple weeks ago for their new early show (at 5:15 p.m. on Saturdays). The price is lower, and the earlier start time made it more practical for a day-trip from Madison. The place was not full, but there was a respectable crowd. The show was enjoyable. Our drinks varied in quality. The appetizers were good and entrees OK. Unfortunately, since there was another show later, we were hustled out of the place almost as soon as the show ended (and before we could order dessert). We'll have to keep that in mind the next time we go (and maybe put the dessert order in early).
I've visited here in the last few years off and on. They are located in a strip mall,,, but hey, they are pretty Tiki inside and are purposeful about it and that beats a Tiki bar that claims to be, but isn't. The drinks are served in tiki ceramic mugs, bonus! They are sweet, but they have a punch to them. The food isn't too bad and the interior is full of Tiki visuals...more like Disney than nostalgic, but again and A for effort. They have the Barefoot Hawaiian Dancers that perform some nights, but never had the pleasure to enjoy. You should make it to Tiki Terrace at least once if your in proximity!
We've been here twice, once on a weekend night for the dinner show (when the place was packed), and once on a weekend afternoon for a late lunch. As a bonus, there was a wedding rehearsal party there that afternoon, so there was a show for their party. Other than the wedding group, the place was nearly empty, so it was a very different vibe. However, both times, everyone present had a good time and really enjoyed the ambience and entertainment. The food is decent, and they get points for serving poke (although it is seared, not completely raw). The drinks are like a home attempt at a tiki drink, in appropriate mugs (or bowls), festive but not top-notch. It's still worth the trip from Madison.
Afgter visiting Hala Kahiki earlier in the day, I needed something to lift my tiki spirit. The white plastic chairs in the outdoor courtyard, cluttered, kitshy and dirty gift shop and the Bennigan's-esque drinks at the Hala Kahiki made the place sadly unremarkable. So, now I am heading to a place in a strip mall?
The Tiki Terrace is truly a tiki oasis in the Chicago burbs. My zombies and fog cutters were mixed well -- smooth, but with a nice punch. Nice Hawaiian options on the restaurant menu, which is a change from the usual Cantonese offerings. I recommend the Killer Kalbi!
This place offers great escape and the minute one walks into Tiki Terrace you are immediately immersed into a far away, exotic place. The Polynesian show is quite enjoyable and functions very well in very tight quarters. Thank you Tiki Terrace for satiating my tiki soul -- just when I had seen one too many white plastic chairs!
I had dinner and drinks here with my husband in July of 2009. The decor, the crowds, and the show were wonderful. We tried several of the tiki drinks on the menu and were very disappointed. If you like Hawaiian punch or prefer that your drinks taste more like candy than the wonderful authentic tiki drinks at places like Hala Kahiki or Trader Vic's, this is your bar. The food selection was limited, mostly fried items. Definitely come for the entertainment, not for the drinks or the food...let's hope that both improve.
We took the family here while visiting Chicago and had a PHENOMINAL time. The help was great and very friendly. The decor was fun, dark and mysterious - lots of bambo, great lights, foliage and tikis - though some of the tikis were less traditional and more playful (think slanted towards florida style). The couple drinks we had were very good. The best part was the polynesian show - you gotta go on the weekend. The wahines were smokin' and the kane was smooth. They brought people up on stage throughout the show (myself included) which added to the fun. I think it was a great mix of modern feel with old-time style. There's definitely something for both die-hards and tourists alike. Would love to have one of these in my neck of the woods.