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    Test Pilot

    4.4 (425 reviews)
    Open 4:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 2 months ago

    Test Pilot Photos

    TEST PILOT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Casual
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    Recommended Reviews - Test Pilot

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    Ube pina colada
    Steph H.

    STEPH JUDGEMENT: Fun place that puts a gentle twist on tiki classics. We were game for another stop after dinner and found out about this place, which we learned was affiliated with The Good Lion up the street. Since that's where we'd had a pre-dinner drink, it seemed quite fitting that we should have a post-dinner drink here. It was sizable and nicely decorated, with a convivial atmosphere. It was also mercifully uncrowded on the night of our visit. I got the Ube pina colada, which had a hint of ube to make things a little different and wasn't too sweet, like so many tiki drinks. The hubby got the Thai iced tiki, which had passion fruit pearls you fished out with a little wooden paddle--another interesting touch. The drinks were good but tended a bit toward the sour side. If you're in the mood for tiki drinks off the beaten path, give them a try.

    Mackenzie M.

    The place was cute inside, a good little vibe. The drinks were cool and tasted good. The prices were ok. The bartender was not efficient. You would walk up, he would apologize for the wait, take your order 5 minutes later, and then proceed to take 5 other groups orders and close everybody out and still didn't get my drink...... i ended up ordering 2 drinks at once since i was not going to do that again.

    Jen H.

    Cute little tiki bar in the funk zone! Went there early on a Friday and ordered two Ube Piña colada. Perfectly balanced cocktails! Staff was nice and service was fast.

    Bananacapa
    Morgan H.

    The drinks and atmosphere were a hit for us at this tiki bar in the Funk Zone. It was pretty packed but we were served quickly after we selected from the fun menu options. As a fan of banana, I loved the Bananacapa and found it to be well-balanced. We sat outside because the neighboring winery was hosting a DJ but I would definitely return to enjoy the music and vibe inside.

    Melissa L.

    Happy that my friend introduced me to this spot and we came for a pre-event cocktail. I'd always heard great things about Test Pilot so I was excited knowing that I was finally going to get the chance to try them. Test Pilot is giving tropical, sailboat, jungle vibes lol. This spot is fun, festive, and inviting. It's dimly lit inside and spacious enough as they have bar seating, cute little table nooks, and some outdoor space. The bar isn't too big but when we stumbled in it was still quite so easy access to some seats. Unfortunately I forgot the bartenders name but he was very nice and kind. He knew my friend so they chatted for a bit and he hand crafted each of our cocktails beautifully. I opted for the purple Mai Thai and it was super good. Refreshing, pretty presentation, the right amount of sweetness and not overly strong. A solid drink and the menu here is really creative and fun. I wish we could've stayed longer, but I'll definitely be back. There were so many different cocktails on the menu that I need to come back to try and I can confirm that at least what I ordered was a 5/5.

    Ericka B.

    I was really excited to check this place out but I probably just came during peak hours because service was super slow. I also noticed a lot of people getting helped first before my group which wasn't too great. I got the ube pińa colada and it was a tasty drink and you can taste a hint of ube but I was just a bit bummed of the drink to ice ratio. I mentioned it to the bartender but he didn't do anything about it and just handed me the drink. I also had the Thai iced tiki which was pretty good and I really like the popping boba on top! The interior was nice and they have lots of seating as it shares an outside seating with a winery next door. I would like to give this place another shot but hoping to visit when it's not too busy.

    Emi G.

    Had to come back for the Millennial Falcon Fizz. This cocktail is my favorite in the entire world. It was one of the first cocktails I ever tried back in 2021 when I became of age to drink and started to explore downtown SB. The bartenders here are attentive and there is ample seating outdoors. It can get pretty crowded inside by the bar but they'll always get your order in!

    Outdoor indoor fun
    Aurora L.

    Great drinks. Great service. Great for big groups. Great indoor and outdoor setting. Martini espresso is also great :)

    Thai tea tiki
    Jenny N.

    Small parking lot, street parking. Good outside tables. A little small inside but why not enjoy the good weather outside. Bathrooms behind the bar- 2 stalls for the women's bathroom. Clean Drinks looked really fun. I loved the Thai tea tiki I got! Bartenders super friendly too. Would be back :)

    Hotel Nacional Special - Delicious and pretty
    Angela R.

    Test Pilot is one of those places in town where you go to if you're in the mood for an inventive cocktail that's giving tropical vibes. It's categorized as a tiki bar, but would I deem this place a tiki bar? Not really, but the cool tiki mugs give you that Polynesian vibe. It's also the only place in the Funk Zone that provides tropical drinks. My only gripe is that they tend to be overly filled with crushed ice, and leaves you wondering how much drink did you really get for your money. Aside from the crushed ice, the drinks are packed with a punch so you won't need that many to make you feel buzzy. Every cocktail that I have tried had a well balanced blend of exotic flavors making each sip enjoyable. On my latest visit I tried the Ube Pina Colada. Not only was this drink a beautiful purple color, but the taste was yummy! I don't like sweet drinks, but this one was perfectly made. The Thai iced tiki was a nice creamy drink that I also enjoyed. The vibe here is lively on the weekends, and tends to be busier. If you're lucky, you just might catch a DJ spinning great tunes outside. They do have a fair amount of indoor seating as well as outdoor patio seating. I love sitting in the hanging egg chair whenever its available. Great photo opp! Overall, whether you come here with a group of friends or enjoying a solo adventure in the Funk Zone, this is a great place to check out.

    Tatiana G.

    Manny, Kate, and Will were excellent! We had an amazing experience at Testpilot. The drinks were amazing & the vibes were high!

    Kentucky
    Ashley R.

    You want a badass bartender? You've come to the right place! This spot makes delicious tiki drinks. I really love their themed drinks and cups. I was just drawn to watching the bartender make everyone's drinks. It was entertaining to watch. The vibe is casual and relaxed. It's a cool spot to enjoy well made spirits. Do try their Kentucky drink, I have to say it's the best one on the menu.

    Zombie and Oaxacan dead
    Alyssa V.

    I absolutely love tiki drinks. We always make it a point to come here when we are in town. I've been trying different drinks on the menu. They've all been fantastic. My favorite is the jungle bird. We finally tried the purple Mai tai which seems to be a favorite for many and it was good. Service is always fantastic and we love sitting both inside and outside depending on the weather

    Thai Iced Tiki with passion fruit popping boba

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    3 months ago

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    3 months ago

    chesco is the man! Great cocktail selection, boozy slushies, and the vibes are dark and mysterious. 6/5 stars.

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    3 months ago

    Chesco is the best bartender, always with good service and good vibes unforgettable moment!!! Check him out best of the best !!!

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    10 months ago

    Great wine, we went on Wednesday which was bingo night and made it fun to interact with all!!

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    2 years ago

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    5 months ago

    Drinks were so good and service was great, Edgar aka Chesco made my experience the best, I will definitely be coming back!

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    1 year ago

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    11 months ago

    Will is awesome. I'll come here to order a cocktail and have a true Santa Barbara experience anytime. 10 out of 10.

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    2 years ago

    Very very good drinks. Can get a bit crowded on weekends when it's nearly impossible to get a drink at the bar.

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    3 years ago

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    11 months ago

    Wish they had a set up like this in Los Angeles. Bar tender was chill & communicative. Drinks are up to the hype.

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    5 months ago

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    Adam S.

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    1 year ago

    Best Mai Thai in the country, if not the world. Absolutely stunning flavors and exactly what I was looking for

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    Page 2 of 11

    Ask the Community - Test Pilot

    If we throw a wedding welcome hang out over there, will you let a 20 yr old in if they are a part of our group?

    Hello Aerosin, Unfortunately our type of liquor license does not allow anyone under 21 to be within our licensed area, including our patio. I would suggest Shaker Mill, our… Read more

    Are kids allowed?

    Hello Aimee, Thanks for checking. Unfortunately Test Pilot is strictly 21+ at all times. However our sister bar Shaker Mill, located at 418 State St just around the corner,… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    The Good Lion - Passionfruit Fizz

    The Good Lion

    4.6(455 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    The Good Lion is my go to whenever I'm downtown. They always nail it when it comes to creative…read morecocktails. I especially love the names they come up with for each drink. The environment is casual, with indoor and outdoor seating. I love to people watch here! Located next to the Granada and the perfect spot to grab a few drinks before a show. Happy hour is Monday - Friday from 4-6pm and offers a small menu of $9 cocktails. Sometimes it gets pretty crowded depending on what events are happening downtown. My only gripe is that I wish they had two bartenders during the busier nights. They could be short staffed though. Nonetheless, it's still a great spot for good quality cocktails.

    STEPH JUDGEMENT: Cool artsy bar with great cocktails…read more We were looking for a place to wet our whistles before dinner and this place looked promising. Located right next to the Granada Theater on the main drag, it looked to have undergone recent renovations and had a very chill but stylish ambiance. There was plenty of seating on a Wednesday night, and our bartender was a friendly young woman. The hubby got the spiced rum old fashioned, which had an ice cube with a lion's face etched onto it--a nice touch. I got one of their tiny Negronis, which came in a cute tiny mug and cost $5 (it sounded fun). Both tasted great and we had a nice time sipping our drinks and taking in the decor. Alas we had to be on our way so couldn't linger long, but we'd definitely love to stop by again the next time we're in town.

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    Bar

    The Good Lion - Edgar - Ken-tiki Kentucky

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    The Imperial - White negroni and 2 hot toddy's

    The Imperial

    4.5(204 reviews)
    7.4 mi
    $$

    Oh boy the amount of times I have been inebriated here. Birthday parties, coming home celebrations,…read morecheeky post-work cocktails that accidentally turn into two in the mornings; New Years Eves, Potlucks, Aloha Sundays, Halloweens and everything in between. This is a great bar and there's just no way around that. The drinks are tough, the vibes are immaculate, the bartenders have teeth and the regulars are absolutely bananas. I love it here. It's probably the only bar you can roll into by yourself as a woman and feel comfortable. As if things couldn't get any better, there's a treasure of a human in there who spins vinyl on Friday nights (maybe Saturdays also, but don't quote me) and you really shouldn't miss that experience. Thank you Imperial and staff for your phenomenal service. You've truly cultivated something wonderful.

    What an amazing hidden gem in Goleta!…read more While visiting the town, we were looking for a lounge walking distance from our hotel. We found this cool spot via yelp. A for atmosphere. You are transformed into a tiki/tropical/ vintage/bohemian not sure what to call it atmosphere. Super mellow and chill. We sat at a corner couch across from the bar. Comfy and relaxing, and dim lighting. Drink menu was diverse. Great selection. From cocktails to all types of alcohol. With an average price range of $15. Bartender knew his craft. All drinks ordered were great! C for service. The service dept needs some help, and I get it, with one person serving 15+ people. It is impossible to provide a5 star service. Initially service was great with a smile when we first arrived @ 6 pm. But soon after the bar became super busy. The wait was 20-30 minutes for an order. It was time to leave. We asked for our check and it came non-itemized. If it was 2 or 4 drinks that would be fine, but we were party of 3 with over 10 drinks. Then we had to wait again after asking for an itemized check. Waiter stated they need to hand write as their "machine" was not working. That took more time than needed. Ahhhhhh.... Ah well.. you can't get it all. Hence the 3.5 stars. I recommend, to sit at the bar and maybe pay cash to avoid hurdles I experienced.

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    The Imperial
    The Imperial - First Wednesday--yes, it's a thing.

    First Wednesday--yes, it's a thing.

    The Imperial - Jungle Bird

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    High Roller Tiki Lounge - Amazing lamps and decor

    High Roller Tiki Lounge

    4.0(300 reviews)
    28.3 mi
    $$

    One thing we quickly noticed in Solvang is that there aren't many places open late, so finding High…read moreRoller Tiki Lounge open until 11 PM was a huge plus! After a delicious dinner nearby, we stopped in for drinks, live music, and a good time and this place delivered. They had a great live band playing fun tunes that really set the atmosphere. The vibe was relaxed, lively, and exactly what we were looking for to end the night. Their drink menu is packed with creative and fun options. I ordered the Mango Michelada, and it absolutely did not disappoint. Our waiter was also fantastic, very attentive, friendly, and kept checking in on us throughout the night. If you're in Solvang and looking for a fun late-night spot with good drinks, music, and great service, High Roller Tiki Lounge is definitely worth stopping

    I want to start by saying that I have never in my life experienced such a negative response when…read morewalking into a place. I wanted to love this place because of the aesthetic however, the owner (guy who wears the golf cap) immediately seemed annoyed that my friend and I wanted to grab a drink there. He just handed us the menus without acknowledging us. For reference it was not busy. So we sat down and he did stop by to take our order. There was one couple next to us and WOW! He came and asked them "Where are you guys visiting from?" And that was a whole conversation. He then came back a few minutes later to ask how their drinks were. And my friend and I were not acknowledged one bit and we were sitting right next to them and were the only ones in the room with them so it was very obvious. We did not feel welcome at all. It was such a bad feeling so I will definitely not waste my time or money at this place if I were you.

    Photos
    High Roller Tiki Lounge - Booths in Club 433

    Booths in Club 433

    High Roller Tiki Lounge - Seating area

    Seating area

    High Roller Tiki Lounge

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    The Cruisery - Indulge in the perfect blend of creamy Baked Brie, local honey and fresh strawberries with toasted sourdough!  Great with glass of wine.

    The Cruisery

    4.1(858 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$
    Full bar
    Pet friendly

    Super cute place that's dog friendly with outdoor seating under trees. Very friendly staff and…read moreservice. Lots of games and couches to lounge and chill. We came in for Happy Hour on a Thursday before a Bowl show and had a great time. Drinks were yummy!

    We went to The Cruisery for my dog's 12th birthday, and I'm honestly obsessed with this place…read more I've reviewed this spot before, but this visit deserved an update because it was such a fun and unique experience. It's right on State Street and extremely dog-friendly--like, dogs of all sizes are welcome and actually celebrated here. Not just tolerated... celebrated. They offer dog birthday packages (yes, really), and for $49 it was such a fun experience. Lobo got a full birthday setup: a reserved table, a sign with fun facts about him, a birthday portrait, cake, a gift, and his own birthday dinner. I ordered him the filet and sweet potatoes, but they do have other options on their dog menu too. And for the humans--they don't slack either. They have a great food and drink menu. I ordered the Flaming Lips cocktail and it's such a fun one... I won't give it away, but yes, there are actual flames involved . I also got the Korean Crunch (fried chicken with red pepper sauce) and it was so good. Everyone else loved their food and drinks too... but I'll be honest, I was a little more focused on Lobo. Kyle was our server and he was amazing--super friendly and made the whole experience even better. Honestly, everything about it was just fun. It's such a unique idea, and I love that places like this exist. We come to Santa Barbara often, and this is 100% going to be a regular stop for us now. Already planning Lobo's 13th here

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    The Cruisery - Savor creativity: Our chef's unique happy hour bites and craft cocktails, served on our inviting patio. A taste of innovation.

    Savor creativity: Our chef's unique happy hour bites and craft cocktails, served on our inviting patio. A taste of innovation.

    The Cruisery - Experience culinary artistry: Chef's unique Tuna Crudo, an exquisite blend of flavors and textures, a visual and tasteful delight.

    Experience culinary artistry: Chef's unique Tuna Crudo, an exquisite blend of flavors and textures, a visual and tasteful delight.

    The Cruisery - Embark on a brunch adventure with our French Toast Flight featuring delectable options like mascarpone, torrijas, PB + J and Cinnamon Babka!

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    Crocodile Restaurant & Bar - Parmesan Crusted Salmon Lunch

    Crocodile Restaurant & Bar

    3.9(183 reviews)
    2.5 mi
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    At Crocodile, their culinary focus is centered around fresh, locally sourced ingredients and…read morecreating dishes that are both flavorful and nourishing. My family and I came for Mother's Day and overall had a nice experience. The restaurant is attached to the Lemon Tree Inn/Motel and was fairly quiet during our visit, which I actually appreciated because it made for a relaxing meal. The only downside was pit server as he forgot to bring cutlery with the food and when we mentioned it, he kind of just shrugged it off, which did not feel especially welcoming or hospitable. We ordered the: *Parmesan Crusted Salmon-parmesan crusted salmon on steamed vegetables, creamy lemon caper sauce *Lemon Chicken Salad- grilled chicken on mixed greens with feta, artichoke, tomato, lemon vinaigrette *Coconut French Toast-texas toast, cinnamon, vanilla, fresh coconut shreds, maple syrup, butter, banans and berries *Mud Pie-homemade oreo crust with cappaccino ice cream Everything we tried was enjoyable and the food itself is what would bring me back. Another plus is the parking situation. Since the restaurant shares the motel parking lot, parking was very easy and free, which is always a bonus.

    Was staying in Santa Barbara and decided to try this place out. As we walked in I noticed this…read morerestaurant is a little tired and really needs some updating. Service was amazing it was a young man his name was Jack. He had awesome customer service he was very friendly and had a nice smile on his face! He suggested the clam chowder. So we ordered the Clam chowder and a burger. He wasn't wrong the clam chowder was a 8 out of 10. It had a lot of tasty clam in the soup. The burger was nice and juice. So if you're in the area ask for Jack and order the clam chowder!

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    Crocodile Restaurant & Bar - Lobby

    Lobby

    Crocodile Restaurant & Bar - Skinny margarita and an old fashion! We were served with our drinks some little nibbles. Bread and a tasty dip.

    Skinny margarita and an old fashion! We were served with our drinks some little nibbles. Bread and a tasty dip.

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    999 Tiki Bar

    999 Tiki Bar

    3.9(20 reviews)
    39.4 mi

    Ha!! What a freaking cool spot I love that I walked in the door and completely felt like I was at a…read morelittle bar in Waikiki lol The bartender is freakin cool and fun which is how a bartender should be! Drinks are strong and you better believe all the drinks are only 9.99 which is freaking fantastic in today's economy I'm used to having to drive to LA for cool spots and so happy we are now gettin hip local spot!! I had dans pink drink and the mai tai both were hitters and you order food too Amazing decor and vibes

    Ate there on 3/25/26, The Chipotle chicken and Canadian pizza was okay, not much flavor in the…read moresauce. The Tiki bartender, didn't even acknowledge my wife and I as we walked in. He was in a lengthy, loud conversation with 1 lady sitting at the bar. There was one other man eating, at the table next to us, he was an employee. I had to go up to the bar and mentioned to him it was our first time here. He didn't seem to volunteer, any information on how to order, until I asked him. Then he just said there is a number on the table to order. I asked if he had a menu, he seemed bothered that I asked for a menu. He mentioned I could order from the hostess, so I did. She was very nice and polite and took our order. While waiting for the pizza, trying to get the napkin dispenser on the table to work. They were not even popping up to use. Bar tender ignored the tapping the dispenser on the table. So I switched one dispenser from another table to ours. He never said a word when I tried to get the napkins to pop up. The bartender looked and took the faulty ones and placed them on the bar counter, and never tended to the problem. He didn't even say anything, not a sorry about that, He just continued talking to the lady. Pizza was delivered and we had a few slices left. I just went to the hostess and asked her for a box. She was very fast and we thanked her on our way out. He did not do anything behind the bar, other than talk to the lady. Then he served her a drink, and then waved his hand over the screen, it appeared he didn't charge her for the drink, He did not type in anything. Then a man walked in and sat at the bar, he ordered a beer. Then suddenly bar tender, has lots of work to do, moving around the bar like he is supposed to. It was like someone knows somebody in the business. He was slacking and ignoring us, he never asked, is everything okay or if we needed a pizza box to go, I was already asking the hostess for a box. Probably because I got my own napkins, because I didn't want to interrupt him talking to the lady. We will not be going back to the 999 pizza Tiki bar. I am giving 1 star for the bar service. 5 Stars to the hostess.

    Photos
    999 Tiki Bar
    999 Tiki Bar
    999 Tiki Bar

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    Tiki-Ko - Inside decor - Tiki-Ko

    Tiki-Ko

    4.5(286 reviews)
    76.7 mi
    $$

    Nobody plans to spend an evening in Bakersfield. You pass through it on the way to somewhere else…read more-- Mammoth, the Sequoias, the long flat grind up the 99 to Sacramento -- and if you stop at all, it's for gas or a bathroom or because your BMW's brakes have decided, somewhere around the Grapevine, that they'd rather not. Thank you, Weatherford BMW of Berkeley, for the near-death experience and, inadvertently, for one of the best nights out I've had in years. Stranded and waiting on repairs, we checked into The Padre, the only hotel in Bakersfield that feels like someone with a subscription to Dwell had a hand in it, and set out walking through a downtown that time has treated with more kindness than reputation suggests. There's a Woolworth's luncheonette still hanging on. There are old brick facades and wide sidewalks and the particular quiet of a Central Valley evening when the heat finally breaks. And then, on 18th Street, there is Tiki-Ko, and suddenly you are no longer in Bakersfield at all. You are, instead, inside someone's magnificent obsession. Tiki-Ko is a proper tiki bar -- not a tiki-themed cocktail lounge, not a place that bought some bamboo at a craft store and called it atmosphere, but a genuine, committed, floor-to-ceiling shrine to mid-century Polynesian fantasy. The carvings are real. The lighting is correct -- which is to say, barely there. The mugs are serious. There are pufferfish lamps and carved totems and the whole glorious taxonomy of tiki ephemera, accented here and there with a skate-culture edge that keeps it from feeling like a museum. It's reverent without being precious. The drinks are the real thing. Mai Tais built with actual orgeat. Zombies that earn the name. The bartenders make them with the kind of care and enthusiasm that tells you this isn't a gig -- it's a calling. They want you to be here. They want to talk about rum. They want you to try the Painkiller. In a city that most Angelenos regard as a punch line, somebody built a world-class cocktail bar and filled it with joy, and the regulars clearly know it. You will not plan a trip to Bakersfield. But if you find yourself there -- by mechanical failure, by accident, by the peculiar mercy of a bad brake job -- walk downtown. Find the tiki bar. Order a second round. Stay longer than you intended. Bakersfield has been underestimated, and Tiki-Ko is the proof.

    Haven't been in here for probably 15 years. It's changed- a bit. I love Tiki bars and I go to every…read moreTiki bar I can find. It's tiny- like a lot of tiki spots. Decor is nice. Little hidden gems. Lighting is dark with bits color and neon popping through. The Bar Top curves around the bar- there are two booths that seat 5-6 and two short tables next to them- one seats 4- the other will comfortably seat two. There are a few bench style seating areas at the front with some short coffee tables. Think- skater tiki bar. The drinks were good- small menu if you're not sure what you want or are new to tiki. Both sides of the menu are the same menu. There are some nice mocktail options as well- you don't see that often. The service for me is mixed- it wasn't busy- steady but not busy- 1/4 full. I ordered two drinks to start for our table- (no cocktail servers here/not unusual for a small Tiki bar) I asked for a soda water- the bartender looked at me without a word- popped open a can of soda water and walked away. When he walked back by, I asked for a glass of ice- he said nothing and I got an eye-roll huff. I almost left. I don't think providing a glass with ice to pour your canned room temp soda water in, is too wacky an idea to be perturbed by the request. The female who took the order was friendly, smiled and was professional. We got a third cocktail- the Mai Tai. The grumpy bartender was friendlier this time. So, that helped. Maybe he felt overwhelmed and I threw off his groove by asking for water- then a glass... either way- being annoyed wasn't cool. The music.... Wasn't Tiki- it threw off the "Tiki Vibe" and made it feel typical small local bar that serves only Tiki drinks with some Tiki decor. It didn't take you to the land of Tiki- disappointed. Drinks were good.

    Photos
    Tiki-Ko - Interior booth

    Interior booth

    Tiki-Ko - Sunken Ship

    Sunken Ship

    Tiki-Ko - Interior. bar area

    See all

    Interior. bar area

    Test Pilot - tikibars - Updated June 2026

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