The Golden Tiki

The Golden Tiki at 3939 Spring Mountain Rd, in the Chinatown district west of the Strip in Las Vegas, Nevada, is a theatrical 24-hour tiki bar styled as a kitsch grotto. Pirate skeletons, shrunken heads and carved decor fill the room, and staff and effects add a sense of show to the evening. The crowd is a mix of locals, hospitality workers finishing shifts, cocktail fans and visitors who want something more playful than a casino bar, mostly aged twenty-one to forty-five. Dress is casual and no code is enforced. The atmosphere is dark, noisy and fun, with groups sharing large drinks and celebrating birthdays. Music is a retro and party mix at a moderate-to-loud volume, without a formal dancefloor. The drinks programme focuses on tiki cocktails, including rum-based and fruity house creations, served in theatrical glassware and sharing vessels. Prices are about $$, moderate by Las Vegas standards. The bar is open 24 hours daily, so there is no weeknight versus weekend closing difference, but Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest and mid-afternoon the quietest. There is no cover charge. Reservations are not typically required for small groups, with seating generally first-come, and larger parties can enquire with the bar. Bottle service is not part of the offering. Because the bar is in Chinatown, visitors often pair it with a meal at one of the many restaurants along Spring Mountain Rd. Transport home is advisable after strong cocktails.