In the Pacific Northwest, there is a hotel and restaurant chain called McMenamims that specializes in unique dining or bar experiences in unusual locations. No two are alike.
Having themes is big with McMenamins, and tiki has popped up in at least three locations that I am aware of. In Eugene, OR, inside of the North Bank location along the Willamette River, there is a tiny tiki bar called Kapu Hut. Clearly the bar was designed for people who have never been to a tiki bar before. While not terrible (and I would love to have it where I live, as there are NO tiki bars anywhere near), it’s just not all that good either.
McMenamins struck again with the North Shore Lagoon at Anderson’s School in Bothell, WA. This bar/restaurant is built high above a tropically-themed public swimming pool. There are good spaces within the bar, but there is something that is still lacking. On my visit, the drinks weren’t quite right, but were adequate. The vibe was…wrong. It was okay–but didn’t work for me. (Again, still better than the NOTHING I have near me.) Disappointing.
In Tacoma, WA, McMenamins took up residence at the restored and refurbished 1916 Elks Temple a few years back. They also gave the tiki bar theme another shot. The Old Hangout is located on the 1st floor of the Elks Temple.
After visiting the chain’s other tiki locations, I can honestly say I was not expecting much. At all. But walking in (the back entrance. Who knew?), I was pleasantly surprised. McMenamin’s almost finally got it right.
The Old Hangout is housed in a huge, massive room. Whoever designed it did a wise thing by placing a long bar in the center. That left plenty of bar seating all of the way around the bar, and allowed for generous booth seating on either side.
There was a round, indoor fireplace at one end of the room. It also had seating encircling it. Just beyond that, there was a large fountain. These elements were not tiki typical — but not unwelcome either. They were just…unexpected.
What was expected was a decent drink menu (with decent drinks to back it up). The menu did have a great variety of interesting-sounding cocktails to choose from, several of which were offered in unique mugs that you could keep for an extra fee. Wow! You really don’t see that much any more. Places have mugs for sale, sure… But the mug and cocktail combo has kind of disappeared. So, of course, I planned my cocktail choice based on the mug it came in.
I liked the look of the mug advertised for the Voodoo Brew. The drink sounded like a hex-ellent concoction…and I could have the mug for only $32 more than the price of the cocktail alone.
Except they were out of that mug. They were out of all of the mugs. Swell.
Instead of the mug that was supposed to be available–or any of the other mugs showcased on the menu–I was offered this strange, little mug in its place–for the same price. Hmm. It was at least stamped McMenamins… (Of course I bought. Shameless!)
The Voodoo Brew arrived, complete with a stick of smoldering cinnamon. It was a decent drink. I will say that.
The friend I was with ordered an El Diablo. It had a nice and clever presentation. (The horns are slices of a red pepper.) Unfortunately, my friend was not that wild about it. Hmm. I tasted it and I wasn’t too thrilled either. It wasn’t horrible, but…
Aside from the lack of advertised mugs and the hit & miss cocktails, what didn’t I like? The music. Geez! I know the bar needs to make money and attract a crowd (and is in competition with Devil’s Reef just a short, walkable distance away), but it was blasting out punk rock. LOUDLY! It was such a deal-killer. My friend and I couldn’t have a conversation–and we were sitting right across from each other. The music literally drove us away after only one drink. UGH!
While I get it–this isn’t my grandmother’s tiki lounge from the 1950s–it’s also not a night club. It’s a tiki bar, (usually) a place to unwind and relax.
Would I give it another chance? Sure I would. The build out seemed pretty well done. I’d love to look the place over some more and sample some of the other drinks. But when it is not quite so LOUD.
As I said, Devil’s Reef is just up the street. If the Old Hangout wants to pump up the volume, that’s fine. I can go hangout elsewhere.
The Old Hangout at McMenamin’s Elk Temple
565 Broadway
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 300-8754
Website: https://www.mcmenamins.com/elks-temple/home/
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Monster A GoGo - The Tiki Tourist 
Love that it’s in an old Elks Club and looks like they did a great job with the decor … but 100% agree that the music can kill the vibe, and it’s unfortunate they did with blasting punk rock. I can dig punk rock in the right time and place, but surely not in a tiki bar. I mean, if you’re going to go to such great lengths they did to create a cool tiki experience, why not fully commit to the theme with the music? It’s like grilling up a perfectly medium rare ribeye and dousing it with ketchup….
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Mr. Ostrowski! Deeeee-lightful to see you here, as usual. And yes–you are right. The music literally drove us AWAY. I’d have loved to try other drinks and explore the bar further…but the music was so loud, my fillings were rattling in my head. It was just the one & done. Unfortunate… But I appreciate your visit and input.
CHEERS!
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