The essence of the tiki culture conjures exotic visions of Polynesian culture embraced by WWII soldiers stationed in the South Pacific: Swaying trees, exotic fruits, warm and soft sandy beaches, and of course, gorgeous people dancing half-naked, eating delicious food and drinking exotic cocktails.
There are many excellent tiki bars in Los Angeles that transport you to another time and place – preferably an untamed, mid-century island where you can literally drink in your surroundings. Lono Hollywood may not be up to a tiki purists standards in decor, but their food, drink, and attitude definitely screams e komo mai – Welcome, come in!!
Ambiance: Subtle South Seas Vibe
The front room at Lono can best be described as “tiki light.” Its lighting is brighter than other Polynesian bars and the decor is clean, refined and airy, spiced with requisite rattan seating, large leaf potted plants and a wondrous curio cabinet filled with exotic memorabilia from other tiki bars owners Austin Melrose and Zach Patterson brought back from their travels. The modern feel is peppered with just enough kitsch to give it a welcoming tiki vibe paired with a touch of L.A. chic.
We took a seat in one of the bar’s candle-lit booths with cushy tufted upholstery. Definitely an homage to the 1950s, a would-be-gaudy-anywhere-else leafy wallpaper covers the length of the wall behind us and a warm, low seating area with fireplace beckons to the romantically inclined.
Drinks: Old School Meets Mixology
Lono’s cocktail menu is an inviting mix of old-school favorites with a Lono twist: Mai Tai, Painkiller, Suffering Bastard, and flaming bowl drinks are all really well made and share the menu with house-made newbies like Banana Boo Loo, (DELICIOUS!!!) Curse of Lono (with a requisite fiery splash of cinnamon embers) and off-menu mixologist specials. Definitely try at least one “bartenders choice” when you visit.
Between us, we tried the Banana Boo Loo, Navy Grog, Mai Tai, Zombie, Samoan Fogcutter, Rum Cannonball, Daquiri Drop Shots, and a custom Lono concoction which was wonderful, though none of us can remember the name. All cocktails were exceptionally balanced, seriously delicious and dangerously drinkable – not a “meh” one in the bunch. Lono’s garnish is also top drawer tiki, with everything from dried banana chips to fresh flowers and of course, many paper umbrellas.
Food: Appetizing Apps and Epic Entrees
Lono Hollywood offers an unusual mix of pseudo-Polynesian apps, (tasty coconut infused ceviche, surprisingly yummy barbecued Spam bowl, and everyone’s favorite popcorn shrimp) alongside mind-bending main courses, though it was the big dish’s big prices that blew me away. They offer a tomahawk ribeye that sounded delicious, we just couldn’t bring ourselves to pony up $150 a serving. Likewise, the $75 pork belly.
While I’m not entirely certain we’d head to Lono for dinner if they didn’t pair their food with luxurious liquid libation, I can say we thoroughly enjoyed a number of appetizers that paired well with the drinks. Our empty plates would make any mom smile.
People: Maikai Lehulehu (Good Crowd)
Everyone we chatted with was friendly, warm, enthusiastic and accommodating. One standout was Jack Morrocco. She asked questions about our flavor preferences, offered recommendations and made certain the drinks were to our liking.
The crowd was a people-watching mix to be expected along Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Everyone was in a great mood, laughing and taking selfies. After all… who wouldn’t be happy after downing a Zombie (or two?)
Bottom Line: Top Shelf
When classic cocktails and a trendy speakeasy-style bar just won’t cut it, Lono is a worth-the-rideshare destination in the heart of Hollywood.
Lono (Hawaiian god of rainfall) serves tasty tiki drinks from 5:00pm to 2:00am Tuesday through Sunday
Lono Hollywood
6611 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
323-848-4475
info@lonohollywood.com
LonoHollywood.com
Salt, Sweet, Spirits. 