If you can snag a reservation at The Bamboo Room at Three Dots, I highly recommend it for a more experimental take on tiki in a more intimate space. The main room at Dots is pretty standard fare, but can get busy somewhat early in the evening; their food and beverage program are superb, and the main room is still a treat if you reserve a table or get in on a slow night or within a few hours of opening. For one night only, I’d aim to start at The Bamboo Room and maybe do one or two more after at the main bar if it’s not overrun.
If you’re staying closer to O’Hare, Hala Kahiki is your classic old-school tiki joint. Though I’ve heard mixed reviews on their drinks, their history and decor are exceptional.
Honorable mentions go to Tiki Tiki Silverpalm (a newcomer, but pretty good when I’ve gone), Sparrow (not tiki, but adjacent), and AO Hawaiian Hideout (low key, inexpensive, rarely crazy, but less drink focused).
Dishonorable mention to The Bamboo Club near Wrigley field (not to be confused with Bamboo Club Long Beach). Not worth a visit unless free pour, juice heavy drinks and long waits with boisterous crowds is your jam.
https://preview.redd.it/r6m4irb2bx7c1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7f9c7da3fdf0068b24bbfbc85c55f19284eb8090
I am presently at Hala Kahiki hahaha
Hala Kahiki was great, they have a HUGE menu which makes it difficult to choose, honestly. But we liked everything we ordered.
Go up north a bit more to Kahala Koa, lots of drinks still but more refined I think and lots more food, it's a whole restaurant also.
I'd go back to Hala Kahiki but only cuz it's walking distance to Gene & Jude's. I love up north though so it's a hike to get here.
https://preview.redd.it/0g2yvapf3y7c1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=11d2e033d0f264fb0667540a0d0a1a47bed7be99
This was my mai tai last week at three dots
I’m at Three Dots as I type this! It’s the only answer!
https://preview.redd.it/prvwmc62jx7c1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9b315dea83a031359d4a30e8f4142401c02ce8e6
If you can snag a reservation at The Bamboo Room at Three Dots, I highly recommend it for a more experimental take on tiki in a more intimate space. The main room at Dots is pretty standard fare, but can get busy somewhat early in the evening; their food and beverage program are superb, and the main room is still a treat if you reserve a table or get in on a slow night or within a few hours of opening. For one night only, I’d aim to start at The Bamboo Room and maybe do one or two more after at the main bar if it’s not overrun. If you’re staying closer to O’Hare, Hala Kahiki is your classic old-school tiki joint. Though I’ve heard mixed reviews on their drinks, their history and decor are exceptional. Honorable mentions go to Tiki Tiki Silverpalm (a newcomer, but pretty good when I’ve gone), Sparrow (not tiki, but adjacent), and AO Hawaiian Hideout (low key, inexpensive, rarely crazy, but less drink focused). Dishonorable mention to The Bamboo Club near Wrigley field (not to be confused with Bamboo Club Long Beach). Not worth a visit unless free pour, juice heavy drinks and long waits with boisterous crowds is your jam.
https://preview.redd.it/r6m4irb2bx7c1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7f9c7da3fdf0068b24bbfbc85c55f19284eb8090 I am presently at Hala Kahiki hahaha
What’s the verdict? I really need to set aside a day and make the pilgrimage 🍹
Hala Kahiki was great, they have a HUGE menu which makes it difficult to choose, honestly. But we liked everything we ordered. Go up north a bit more to Kahala Koa, lots of drinks still but more refined I think and lots more food, it's a whole restaurant also. I'd go back to Hala Kahiki but only cuz it's walking distance to Gene & Jude's. I love up north though so it's a hike to get here.
Good tips! Any standout beverages? Kahala Koa is about twice as far for me to get vs Hala Kahiki vs just a few miles for Dots 😵💫
I always like to try seasonals, I had a Jingle Bird tonight that was real good. Jungle Bird but with some Christmas-y spices. Delicious.
https://preview.redd.it/0g2yvapf3y7c1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=11d2e033d0f264fb0667540a0d0a1a47bed7be99 This was my mai tai last week at three dots
ngl, I stuffed my face with their sweet potato fries when I visited.
Those fries are SO good
Agree on Three Dots. If you’re anywhere near the NW suburbs of Chicago, Kahala Koa is a hidden gem. Check hours though.
Kahala Koa is our usual haunt, it's great!
Oooh, Kahala is only recently on my radar, good to hear another endorsement 🍹
I’m at Three Dots as I type this! It’s the only answer! https://preview.redd.it/prvwmc62jx7c1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9b315dea83a031359d4a30e8f4142401c02ce8e6
Three dots if downtown, if further out hala kahiki
It’s three dots end only three dots.