Trader Vic's

Comments about Trader Vic's

DanTiki

DanTiki has visited Trader Vic's.

September 10, 2018, 5:33 PM

While the decor is still vintage, this is nothing more than a hotel bar with a tiki theme. No music, and the tv was showing CNN. Not the tiki escape I expected. Garnishes were a joke, a canned cherry and a pineapple chunk. Drink quality was ok, but seemed very meh. I can only imagine this place must have been like in the 70’s swinging with some mood music.

Miss Catwings

Miss Catwings has visited Trader Vic's.

July 4, 2018, 1:46 PM

I think I what some people here are missing is that this IS the quintessential tiki bar before they were called tiki bars. The ambiance here reeks of tropical drinks and pacific and Asian food fare. Although not many tiki’s and the disappointment of no tiki barware I felt like I was transported to another time and place. I didn’t feel like I was in the lower level of the Atlanta Hilton in the middle of the business district. I felt like I could’ve been in Honolulu in the 70s, the only thing missing would’ve been Don Ho. I went at happy hour time and it was relatively empty since that’s right when it opens and as I left more people started to fill the restaurant. Aside from the annoying couple next to me that were talking incessantly to the bartender about how they come down a two times a year and how into “Tiki” they are were (although it sounds like they had only been to a small handful of bars in their hometown- they didn’t even know what to call a swizzle stick) and shit-talking the S.O.S. in Decatur, I still had a wonderful time next to the quiet businessmen enjoying their tropical cocktails in regular old glasses with tropical garnishments and the other young couple soaking in the lowlight of the bar. I decided to try their signature drink since I was in Atlanta, “Atlanta’s own Peach Tree Punch.” It was served with half a canned peach, and was a blend of rum, peaches and bit of orange. It was a delicious and delightful spin on a tropical drink southern style. I ordered the Mac Nut Encrusted MahiMahi which was served with a side of ratatouille and sweet potato mash. It was PERFECTLY cooked. I was amazed since this is a land-locked city and I’m from Hawaii and have fresh fish all the time. It made up for the bill and was still amazing the next day as leftovers. I’m very thankful I got to visit this Trader Vic’s. A taste of kitsch and old tiki bar culture. A hidden oasis in the middle of Downtown ATL.

neanderthal85

neanderthal85 has visited Trader Vic's.

June 18, 2018, 8:03 PM

I'm not sure if the rating is based upon visits from the past, but this was the most disappointing Tiki bar I've ever visited. I was absolutely dismayed, and it was one of the main reasons I visited Atlanta.

While the decor is nice, it pales in comparison to other vintage Tiki I've visited (Mai Kai) or newer locations (Three Dots and Dash, Archipelago, Smuggler's Cove). I could see cars driving through the back on the restaurant.

The bar was embarrassingly paltry for a Tiki classic. NO tiki mugs - there were two bowls if you ordered a larger group drink. Otherwise, glass (or even plastic) cups. I ordered a classic Mai-Tai. It was an abomination. As a few other recent comments have mentioned, the drinks are very "packaged", as in cheap OJ from a jug, bottled lime and lemon juice, sweet and sour mix, etc. It was so sweet, almost mouth puckering sour. I didn't even stay for a second drink.

When I asked about purchasing a mug for my collection, they said that all they had were small Mai-Tai glasses and hadn't had mugs for sale for awhile. While they claimed it was because each was handmade, I couldn't help but think, "You're a Trader Vic's!"

Of the many drinks I saw go out, there was no flair or artistry. It was a pick with a pineapple piece, a cherry, and a mint sprig - every single drink.

The bar has a TV. This visit, it was tuned to FOX News and Tucker Carlson's face. I felt so relaxed and Tikified seeing a defense of separating children from their parents.

This place, with a simple shift to classic, well-prepared drinks, could start to flourish again. However, it seems that it is what it is - a basic, bottom-of-the-hotel bar with terrible drinks.

If you are a Tikiphile and happen to be in Atlanta, go, but just to say you went. Take a few photos, walk in to the place, but save your money and head somewhere else. This is a sad, run-down roadside attraction of a Tiki bar.

tikitami

tikitami has visited Trader Vic's.

May 8, 2018, 8:43 PM

I made a special trip into Atlanta to cross this one off my Bucket List. In my opinion it does not hold up to Trader Vics standards. Yes, the bar is in a hotel but the details I find at other Trader Vic bars seem to be missing at this one. There were no decorative drinkware unless you got a Rum Barrel. I was pretty disappointed but still happy that I can say I got to come and enjoy if even I probably wouldn’t go out of my way to come back. They have some cool hidden and more intimate areas but it kinda seemed like they lumped everyone together which takes away from the vibe you were trying to enjoy...

Jennifer Wood

March 26, 2018, 8:51 AM

We visited on St Patty's day for a friend's birthday. It was fine. All tikiphiles should visit just for nostalgia. That being said. They don't have falernum. The bar was packed at closing time and they called a hard last call. Then the busser walked through and said "Get out." Hardly the aloha spirit. If you're in Atlanta, go because you need to. Expect syrupy cocktails and apathetic staff, but enjoy the surroundings.

Tikikahuna

Tikikahuna has visited Trader Vic's.

March 9, 2018, 7:50 PM

Let me start by saying I'm a big fan of Tiki Bars and of the Trader Vic's franchise, so my expectations here were high. This was my first visit to the Atlanta Trader Vic's. I've been to several other Trader Vic's, most of which, sadly, have closed. So I was excited to finally visit Trader Vic's Atlanta, one of only 2 Trader Vic's left in the United States.
I was solo, so I decided to just eat at the bar. I was hoping for an old school, tiki bar experience, but no sooner had I sat down than the experience was corrupted. To my left was a big screen TV with ESPN. While this would be a fine addition to many bars, it is anathema to the experience one seeks in a tiki bar. I came here to escape for a short time to a mythical South Seas paradise. A place far from the modern world and it's trappings. Barbie and Ken commentators gushing over Labron James does not help set that mood! I swear, I did my best to ignore that damn TV, but found my eyes being drawn to it far too often. Much of my downgraded rating to 3 stars can be attributed to the lack of commitment to the tiki atmosphere.
So let me get to food and drinks. I ordered the Imperial Beef, an oriental dish of beef and vegetables cooked in a wok. It was my wife's favorite when we used to go to the Trader Vic's in Bellview WA when it was still open. I have no gripes with the food. It was as fantastic as I remembered it.
I had 3 drinks. A Menehune Juice, a Suffering Bastard and a Zombie. The first 2 were surprisingly similar and overly sweet for my taste. Although I do believe they were prepared properly, if not enthusiastically. For my last drink I didn't want another super sweet drink. I mentioned to the bartender that I didn't see the Missionaries Downfall or the Dr. Funk on the drink menu. He responded that the Dr. Funk used to be on the menu but he was unable to reliably stock Pernod. To which I suggested substituting Absinth, to which he informed me he didn't have enough demand to keep it stocked. Fine, I get that. But seeing as Trader Vic's was one of the originators of the "craft cocktail" it just seems to me that they might make a little more effort to keep an impressively stocked bar. He ended up suggesting and making a Zombie for me. Again there was nothing really wrong with it other than it was uninspired.
I may seem to be a little harsh in some of my criticisms. Let me say that the decor in the restaurant was impressive. I would love to come back for group or even a family dinner here, but there are just so many things they could easily do better. Atmosphere and authenticity are critical in pulling off the tiki bar experience, and they need to work on that.

Johnny Junior

Johnny Junior has visited Trader Vic's.

December 8, 2017, 1:39 PM

The decor and the history truly are the main draw here. I stopped in a few times over the summer while in Atlanta for work and was instantly charmed by the atmosphere. Inside you will find a sprawling layout with plenty of large tiki statues and a good old fashioned feel. It has been kept so well over the years that you feel like you’ve traveled back in time the moment you walk in. The fact that it is located semi-hidden below the Hilton hotel adds to its mystique. I came in around 5 pm on a weekday and sat at the bar. It was a bit stuffy and sleepy at this hour but I was into it. Service was friendly and efficient. A TV behind the bar was showing sports while the bartender talked to a rowdy patient about professional wrestlers. I appreciated the lively conversation but could see how one might be turned off by the vibe. I started with a Mai Tai which was good though rather generic and artificial. I saw bartenders putting store bought Orange and Pineapple juices in cocktails which was a bit disheartening if not entirely sacreligious. I tried some chicken satay which was surprisingly good. The staff didn’t seem to take much pride in tiki culture or know much about it other than having the recipes on the menu memorized. Overall it was a bit of a let down given how excellent I know a tiki bar can be. Especially one that wears the official Trader Vic’s label and has such an amazing location. All of that said, it is worth a visit if you are a die hard tiki lover and I would definitely stop by again next time I find myself in the area.

thejetpilot

thejetpilot has visited Trader Vic's.

October 4, 2017, 12:24 PM

If you’re going to go, I suggest going for the history.

The transition from the Hilton to the bar/restaurant still does it for me here, it’s cool coming down an elevator and seeing massive tiki statues with cool lighting.

We sat at the bar, which had a TV at each end playing sports. Kind of didn’t help with the vibe much.

We both got the Mai Tai, it was suuuuuuuper sweet and corn syrupy. Pretty sure it was house syrups in it.

Bartender and other guests were yelling loudly about sports the whole time. Nothing wrong with liking sports just didn’t contribute a lot to the experience. Screaming baby in the dining room too, at 11:15 on a Saturday. Rough.

Couple of the patrons made an in appropriate comment toward my wife. Rebuked them, got our check and politely left. I know the bar is under a Hilton and you get all kinds at hotels but a totally subpar experience.

Jasper Meer

Jasper Meer is a semi-regular at Trader Vic's.

July 22, 2017, 9:27 AM

This is the only vintage Tiki bar left standing in my hometown, so I should talk it up... but, I can't. The frat party, bro-vibe is overwhelming. While no joint can be entirely blamed for its clientele, this is a corporate hotel chain bar at its core. Expect the classic drinks, but do not expect any craft or premium ingredients to go into'em. Yeah, yeah, yeah... Ok, Hilton, Inc. does get a lot right, too. Someone's made an effort to put together regular programmed nights for Tikiphiles and those are perfect. Truly. And the Chinese wood-fired ovens are no joke. They're the real deal. And... the kitsch is on point. I might love this place more than I let on.

Ohhoe

Ohhoe has visited Trader Vic's.

June 22, 2017, 5:59 PM

It's so bad in everything but decor I'm almost offended. Live band is currently playing yacht rock, which I'm down with, but not when I'm at a tiki bar. The mai tai was horrendous, I forgot the other drink I had but it tasted like cough syrup . The bartender was irritated when I asked him for a swizzle stick.

And there's a tv showing baseball.


Cool for the history.... but ugh

Disarmed

Disarmed has visited Trader Vic's.

April 8, 2017, 9:50 PM

Maybe I was there on an off night but I was not impressed. Sports on the TV, bro patrons, and weird-almost rude encounters with the bartender.
Vic's brand rum and mixers do not help things...

It's a beautiful subdued bar though. Very different than Emeryville.

Fishboy

Fishboy is a semi-regular at Trader Vic's.

January 19, 2017, 1:40 PM

My happiest of happy places. Once those elevator doors open in the basement, I get a whiff of the thick bacony aroma of meat under heat. I get a rest for the eyes with the lights turned-down low. And I am transported away. Tiki mission accomplished, again.

KevinCrossman

KevinCrossman has visited Trader Vic's.

October 3, 2016, 11:26 PM

A gem for sure but honestly having visited Vic's in Emeryville I don't understand the high praise for this location. It was certainly a lot of fun and the drinks were high quality as with all Vic's locations. It's just the decor was plain and the layout didn't flow very well.

Cheap bastard

Cheap bastard has visited Trader Vic's.

August 27, 2016, 5:08 AM

One of the classics for sure. Certainly top 5 east coast tiki destinations for sure. Classic vibe, very mod feel. Drink menu very extensive. Souvenir mugs are a little pricey but every collector should have at least one. Great location to take a tiki virgin. It's a great restaurant too. Everyone should visit Trader Vic's.

Schwafish

Schwafish has visited Trader Vic's.

June 11, 2016, 8:58 AM

Tvs in the bar:-(

Mai hopohopo

February 1, 2016, 10:54 AM

Trader Vic's Atlanta is a very, very cool place. Not just a tiki bar, or restaurant, it is the culmination of everything tiki is, pulled off with a very high level of sophistication. This is luxurious tiki, with a dark, mysterious vibe. Low lighting, wonderful decor and many different rooms make this a slightly different experience every time you go. The drink menu is legendary and the bar tenders are very good at their craft. Food is prepared in a wood-fired, ceramic oven and is classic polynesian with some new items appearing on a regular basis to change things up a little. This is serious tiki folks and well worth the time and cost.

White Devil

White Devil is a regular at Trader Vic's.

February 16, 2015, 9:29 AM

I've finally worked my way through the entire cocktail menu, and I'm ready to start over. Don't forget the Bananas Foster! My best-of choice for Georgia. Bring back the Bongo Bongo soup!

Vince Martini

Vince Martini is a semi-regular at Trader Vic's.

February 3, 2012, 11:39 PM

Oh, one other thing...not ever tiki bar has a waiter named "Ku." How cool is that???

Vince Martini

Vince Martini is a semi-regular at Trader Vic's.

February 3, 2012, 11:30 PM

In my mind, all Trader Vics are swanky hideaways in the basements of big Hilton Hotels. I love this place!!!

retro_rick

retro_rick is a semi-regular at Trader Vic's.

March 20, 2011, 4:10 AM

First of and foremost, although Trader Vic's is a golden standard for Tiki, the food here is quite good. Every quarter or so the head chef gets to flex his skills and do a fancy prix-fixe menu. They usual pu-pu platters and currys are great, but my Money is is anything that comes from the Chinese wood ovens. For Desert: Bananas Foster Flambe table-side with macadamia nuts will just ruin you.

Now, that the food has been praised next stop: DRINKS.

I must say that the bartenders there not only know their menu items inside and out but they also know their rums. If they are not slammed I say ask for something special, they will surprise you. Be forewarned: they pour with a heavy hand, so plan accordingly.

Each drink is made with precision and care, with the appropriate glassware. We once ordered a Tiki Bowl, and they told us that they were all in the wash, and wanted to know if we minded using a Rum Keg Bowl instead. That stuff doesn't matter to me, but keeping the theme of each drink is important to the staff. Simple details like this make Trader Vic's a superior choice. That and the Mai Tais are perfect each time, as they should be.


Make sure to go on a Thursday Night when Mai Tais are $6. Local band Tongo Hiti plays classic Exotica and Hawaiian tunes from 8-midnight. These guys can jam. Novelty being a big deal to me, I find myself in awe as they break off into solos using anything from the steel bars to the theremin. Did Mention Mai Tais are $6

Triva: For the Halloween show one year, Mike from Tongo Hiti dressed up like a werewolf, his hair was perfect!

hoho

hoho is a regular at Trader Vic's, and is usually there Thursdays....or whenever they're open....

July 18, 2010, 9:01 AM

Thank GOD for T.V.s, Atlanta. Like others have mentioned, there is no other comparable tiki around for hundreds of miles & this is just tops. In the mid 2000s a few tikiphiles dedicated some attention to the place, holding events (including the first Hukilau), having live bands, talking mgmt into having drink specials & hiring a true drink expert as their main bartender. I'm not crazy about the food, but at a tiki bar, that's not really the priority anyway, is it.

bobtiki

bobtiki has visited Trader Vic's.

February 25, 2010, 4:00 PM

Excellent spot. I went there on a Monday and Tuesday night where the most of the hotel guest were booked in banquets that week, so it wasn't crowded at all. In fact, on the first night, since I was the last guy there, the bartender Joel took me around and gave me a tour of the place. Excellent drinks and excellent service.

The next night (the Tuesday) I came with a few friends and we had dinner. The Indonesian Rack of Lamb seemed to be a bit rarer than what I had asked for, but I like rare meat, so it wasn't a problem. All-around the meal was excellent and the drinks were strong and tasty, especially the Suffering Bastards.

Sideshow Bob

Sideshow Bob is a regular at Trader Vic's, and is usually there Mai Tai Thursdays!.

January 18, 2010, 10:48 AM

Always a blast!
Mai Tai Thursdays with Tongo hiti!

Cheers!

yesyesyes

yesyesyes has visited Trader Vic's.

July 5, 2009, 10:13 AM

Not only the only Tiki for miles, one of the best on the planet. Words can't do justice. Mysterious rooms and talented staff!

bubba

bubba has visited Trader Vic's.

June 22, 2009, 11:25 AM

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome. This place feels like you are stepping back in time decor, atmosphere, and Mai Tais amazing. The food was also very good. Prices are a little high on the food but oh well definatly worth a stop if you are even remotely close to Atlanta. We went in the side entrance and there was no one there to seat us as most of the traffic goes through the main hotel lobby.

John S. james

February 6, 2009, 9:36 PM

When I am in Atlanta I always visit this Trader Vic's because it is a classic - and reminds me of the Trader Vic's in Scottsdale that closed in the early 90's. I almost lived at this location during the Summer Olympics!

Articles about Trader Vic's in Critiki News

Regulars and Visitors of Trader Vic's

Regulars

People who go to Trader Vic's at least a few times a month.

• White Devil
• Sideshow Bob
  Mai Tai Thursdays!
• rocktiki
• Hekele Tiki
• hoho
  Thursdays....or whenever they're open...
• GeekboyATL
  Thursdays, 9-12mid
• Tikihut Honeycutt
• Enchanted Treehouse
  Once a week sometimes more
• Lonesome Echo
• Rumjourney
  At least once a month for the seminars.
• policywank
  Many Thursdays and Saturdays
• ANTIPANTS
  once a week
• ms.swizzlestick
  Thursdays
• RUMAWAYWITHME
  EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT

Semi-Regulars

People who go to Trader Vic's at least a few times a year.

• 
  Swanky
• 
  Trader Mike
• 
  Mike the Headhunter
• 
  Gilligan
• 
  Fishboy
• 
  Tiki-Tari
• 
  ParTiki
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  phinz
• 
  Jawi42
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  retro_rick
• 
  FezMonkeyWahine
• 
  Vince Martini
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  ratfink
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  murrman
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  TikiKeith
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  TastyHighFive
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  LonePalmBJ
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  oneparticularparrot
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  Pelvis
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  Pyynkerton
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  Sea Witch
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  Wernsiki
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  anuanu
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  newlegendmike
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  terrylee
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  kemika_popoki
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  jokeiii
• 
  allbacktofront
• 
  Hahai
• 
  Jasper Meer
• 
  Lucky Pearl
• 
  SouthernFriedTiki
• 
  DMB
• 
  BobDance

Visitors

People who have been to Trader Vic's at least once.

• 
  Humuhumu
• 
  Slacks Ferret
• 
  Zombified
• 
  virani
• 
  MrBaliHai
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  kawikasurf
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  radiotiki
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  The Jab
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  TNTiki
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  wayne-tiki-tiki
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  ExoticSabina
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  Tikitastic
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  Rosstafari
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  Rugby Matt
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  Scott Pairan
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  Trader Tom
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  NautiTiki
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  tikitabby
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  Tiki Greg
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  bobtiki
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  yesyesyes
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  pittsburgh paulie
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  RumRandy
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  bohemiann
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  Tiki T
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  TikiT
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  Trott
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  Unknown_Rangoon
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  Ladewig
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  Ukulele JJ
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  TabooTiki
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  bubba
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  Larry9247
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  Joannebot
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  Bill-Roy
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  AtomicToby
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  Tiki Lord
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  SweetieTiki
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  Malakina Kalei
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  tim
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  paulynesia
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  slickster
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  tikiwagon
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  Sailor Lars
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  creepy tiki
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  gooneybird
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  TallTiki
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  Dodger
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  abtiki
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  KevinCrossman
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  Tikikahuna
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  Travner Ravenweird
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  Hank
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  thedrunkentiki
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  Grog_Zombie
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  Hawgness
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  tedtiki
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  Tiki Toli
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  LitClique
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  Dr. Coruba
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  monkeyman
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  creativenative
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  A'Pau-ling
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  JimNeumayer
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  StrangeLibations
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  Ho'i Hou Ke
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  Makai
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  Lucy Diamond Tiki
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  jessploitation
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  Witty_Pseudonym
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  TraderBrandon
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  SarntLee
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  TikiGator
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  paideia
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