The new tiki bar in Long Beach, the Puka Bar, opens tonight. It’s still mostly a mystery to me — as reported earlier, I know that Crazy Al Evans did some work there, but that’s about it — so my guess is as good as yours as to what it’s like.

Also, a report of another who-knows-how-tiki-it-is place, this one in West Hollywood. As reported in ALL CAPS by someone at Tiki Central, the Voodoo Room is “NEO TIKI” and “SMOKING HOT.” Couldn’t find any information online, but a quick Google of the address (8948 SANTA MONICA) gives me the impression that this is one of those cursed restaurant locations where a new place gives it a go every six months.

• PUKA BAR opens tomorrow!!!! [Tiki Central]
• Puka Bar, Long Beach [Critiki]
• New Tiki Coming to Long Beach: Puka Bar [Humu Kon Tiki]
• VOODOO ROOM, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA (restaurant) [Tiki Central]

Tonga Hut in North Hollywood

Following up on my report from a month ago, things are looking bright indeed for the Tonga Hut in North Hollywood. The new management has been true to their stated intentions to “preserve the tiki vibe of the place.” This is the third owner in as many years, and they’ve only had the place since November, but positive changes have started already — the beer signs are gone, a map of Tonga has been restored, the tikis are still happily in place, and work is underway to get the fountains working again. Bartender Cyd, who has been there for nearly three years, says “it is so nice to finally have owners that care!” Work is taking me to Los Angeles this week, I’m hoping to pop my head in myself to see how things are coming along, and get some pictures.

• Tonga Hut, North Hollywood, CA (bar) [Tiki Central]
• Tonga Hut, North Hollywood [Critiki]
• Tonga Hut Under New Management [Humu Kon Tiki]

Heater and Suffering Bastard

Above left, a heater in a Norwegian apartment, posted on Tiki Central by makutiki. Above right, a Suffering Bastard mug from the 1960s, from the collection of Maori_man. Have I been looking at tiki mugs too much?

• coolest heater ever? [Tiki Central]
• Suffering Bastard [Ooga-Mooga]