Since 1958, this iconic bar has been serving tasty tiki drinks that make you feel like you’re on a faraway Polynesian island. Thanks to its old-school charm, long history, and strong local community, it’s easily one of the most legendary bars in Los Angeles, and actually the oldest tiki bar still open in the city.
Tonga Hut first opened in North Hollywood during the 1950s tiki boom. It was started by two brothers, Ace and Ed Libby, and quickly became a favorite hangout in the neighborhood. While most tiki bars closed over the years, Tonga Hut managed to survive. With its bamboo-covered walls, red lighting, and vintage jukebox, it still feels like stepping into a piece of the past.
In 2005, the bar got a second life when new owners Jeremy Fleener and Ana Reyes took over. Instead of changing things, they kept the original style and added even more retro decor. They also brought back the fun with themed nights, art events, and a fresh focus on quality tiki cocktails.
One of the coolest things about Tonga Hut is the Grog Log Challenge. Inspired by the book Beachbum Berry’s Grog Log, this challenge asks you to try all 78 drinks listed in the book. If you finish them within a year, your name gets added to a plaque on the wall near their famous fountain, the “Drooling Bastard.” It’s a fun and boozy way to dive into the world of tiki drinks, and earn a little fame along the way.