Tiki Terrace

First off I am partial to the Islands and the tiki theme. I get to Hawaii every chance I can and enjoy various tiki events around the country. This place is as good as any on the mainland and could hold it's own in Honolulu. The drinks are refreshing and authentic. The food island inspired and excellent. My recent favorites are the kalua pork sliders when I am just in for a snack and the Big Island Rib when I am serious about eating. They have a very entertaining Hawaiian show on Friday and Saturday which is usually packed and reservations needed (you can sometimes sneak a seat at the bar if you are a last minute person). I enjoy the more mellow weeknights where you can get a Zombie or two and just take in the vibe to get away from the stress of life in the city. Check this place out. You won't be disappointed.

Pros: Great food, drinks, atmosphere, wait staff and vibe.

Cons: It's still freeking cold when you walk outside!

Posted 11/14/08

Okay, so it's not exactly in the heart of downtown Chicago -thank God. There's actually freaking parking! This place is a little tucked away gem. You walk in and there's tropical greenery from head to toe, soothing Pacific island tunes, and some really crazy Tiki's peeking out all over. You can't help but feel the stress of your day wash away, particularly if you take advantage of their drink menu, which is longer than the food menu...watching all the bottles of liquor the bartender uses makes you realize there's nothing frou-frou about drinks that sport umbrellas.
Really, they cater to everyone with a delectable daily dinner/lunch menu, family friendly dinner shows on Friday-Saturday nights, and a late night club scene that follows. The venue is small enough that you can rent out the establishment for a private party or function. I've seen bachelorette parties, graduations, corporate stuff, etc. It's just a fun twist to your regular going out routine. I bring friends coming in from out of town a lot, since it's about a 3min. drive from O'Hare Airport. [Which also means that you can take the Blue Line and then cab it, if you are located in the city.] I don't think I've ever really encountered a place like it out here in the Chicagoland area, definitely a must-try, must-see, must-taste!

Posted 11/13/08

Tiki Terrace is like no other restaurant around. Tiki Terrace is not only a place for good food but also an island adventure. The decor is amazing and the Tiki's are hand crafted by the owners. Parking was a breeze. I have fallen in love with the feeling of entering into hawaii without taking a plane ride to get there. There is an amazing list of tropical drinks. They are all made with great tasty ingredients. So many to choose from and served in tiki mugs. I recently ordered the ahi tuna Salad. The portion was huge and presentation was beautiful. The Ahi melts in your mouth along with the fresh mixed greens that are crispy with a perfectly seasoned dressing on the side. If your in the mood for a real hawaiian show...The entertainment is on Friday and Saturday nites. The stage is elevated and centered that there is really no bad seat in the house. A great way to enjoy the feel of hawaii without taking a plane ride to get there.

Pros: decor, parking, island setting, great staff, and wonderful food, drinks and entertainment

Posted 11/13/08

This place has some of the best appetizers around...wings, calamari, egg rolls... Yeah, you can easily say "I can get it at some other restaurant too", but honestly, come in and try their appetizers. You'll see why people rave about them. Their entrees are delicious too! I've been here many times and have not been disappointed in the food or drinks. Loco Moco, steak, short ribs, pasta...ALL GOOD! And what makes this place really unique is the live hula shows they put on during the weekend. I learned how to spin poi ball s when I was 17, and really enjoyed seeing the poi ball routine that they perform here. And the way they celebrate birthdays here is very unique compared to the usual "Let's get the wait staff to sing for your birthday!"

Pros: You're not in Chicago anymore. You feel like you're in Hawaii at this place.

Posted 11/13/08

This is one of my favorite restaurants! My friends and I had dinner here a few weeks ago and the food and service was excellent. The only thing was the food took a little longer because they were pretty busy, but it was definately worth the wait. We had a little bit of everything .... from coconut chicken, snapper, kalbi - my new favorite dish!! They have sooo many drinks it was really hard to choose, but we had their most popular ones and they were all great ... definately the Best Mait Tai I've ever had! The atmosphere really makes you feel like you're really in Hawaii. I definately recommend this place.

Pros: Food, Service, and Drinks were great!

Cons: Nothing major, just a little wait time for the food.

Posted 11/13/08