I like a bit of tiki from time to time and have been to some great tiki joints world-wide. And,…read morewhile I'd say Paris' first foray into this particular cocktail culture is baby steps, they are definitely heading in the right direction.
First off, the decor is spot on. They've tricked the place out with the appropriate masks, floats, thatched bar, kitschy murals and wood carving in every available corner.
Drinks-wise it's a bit more simple & straightforward. The small menu features the appropriate tiki drinks - although I would like to see a bigger selection of both drinks and rhums. Yet, even so, my drink was one of the better mai tais I've tried in Paris. Although I do agree with Adrian's comment that some drinks are booze-heavy while others feel so light you're left wondering if there's anything stronger than fruit juice in there. But that's not too unusual for tiki drinks - I'm sure many have met their downfall on a high-octane tiki drink that was "nothing but fruit juice"
I love the fact that it's in the area of the bar-heavy 10th, but just a little removed on a much less busy side street. So, if you're bar-hopping on Oberkampf and can't find something to suit your mood, you can easily make a five minute journey to a street that's not busting with student bars and find something a bit more quirky.
On an international scale, I'd probably give them 3 stars, but the fact that they are the only ones doing this on a full-on scale in Paris and still bringing it even without any competition, earns them an extra star in my estimation. I've been popping in on some tiki forums and die-hard local tiki fans seem to be delighted with the place, which I think says something.
Also of note: they're friendly on both sides of the bar. They seem to already be drawing in a pleasant & laid-back clientele and the bartenders/owners aim to please.
