This Trader Vic's opened in the basement level of the Hilton Hotel in downtown Atlanta in 1976. This is the only one of the Trader Vic's locations in the United States today that has not been updated in a way that removes some of the original charm. There have been ebbs and flows in the quality of the drink offerings over the last decade or so, but its value as a piece of Polynesian Pop history has helped it remain an important attraction.

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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...

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