Tonga Hut is and always will be a must-visit whenever we're in Palm Springs. We've been coming here for years, and it never disappoints. The combination of great food, creative tropical drinks, and an outstanding staff keeps us coming back time and time again. One of our absolute favorites is the Pupu Platter (shown below) It's perfect for sharing and gives you a delicious variety of appetizers all in one fun presentation. Every dish is consistently flavorful, and the cocktails are always expertly crafted. What really sets Tonga Hut apart is the atmosphere. Palm Springs has a vibe unlike anywhere else, and Tonga Hut captures it perfectly. The staff is welcoming, friendly, and genuinely seems happy to be there, which makes every visit feel special. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime regular, you're treated like family. If you're visiting Palm Springs and looking for a place with great food, fantastic drinks, and an unforgettable tiki experience, Tonga Hut should be at the top of your list. We'll definitely keep coming back for years to come! read more

Man, what happened to this place? It used to be a great spot to soak in the tropical atmosphere, suck down a couple classic tiki drinks, and nosh on the ever-popular pu pu platter. While the first two points are still valid, the food has gone downhill in a big way. It's now $27 for the pu pu platter and it tastes like they bought everything from Costco. Cheap quality frozen garbage. My "beef skewer" looked like a stray flap of rubber from a discarded tire. The chicken was a fat, ugly blob. Coconut shrimp is clearly of the frozen variety. Same for the egg roll. Look, I get it, some foods just come frozen. But this place also has a kitchen, this is a signature appetizer, and there's no reason you can make this stuff fresh, on hand, on the day. I'm fed up with places that raise prices and lower quality and the only way they listen is by doing this. read more

Came here on a Saturday around midnight for a quick cocktail. The bar closed at 1am so not many people were there. We sat at the bar and gave our order to the tender (pain killer and another drink with coconut cream). There were 2 guys behind the bar and one of them dropped a bottle and it shattered everywhere. The guy who took our order started cleaning it up as the one who dropped it kept talking to another client at the bar railing. It took about 20 minutes for the guy to start making our 2 drinks and when we finally got them, it was waaaay to sweet, ended up drinking maybe a third of it, closed out and left. This morning we woke up to both of our stomachs upside down! read more

Been a resident for years then moved out of the area. Came back here for a return visit as this was one of our favorites. Server was direct and many of our party was rude. Basically he bugged everyone. Owner/manager was direct and not as friendly as usual. Its summer and business is slow so expected a good experience. Got not great drinks and not a great experience. Thank God for uno and friends or it would have been a bad experience all around. read more

After a thorough review of tiki options in the valley, Tonga Hut is our favorite. It's beautifully decorated and staffed with enthusiastic and welcoming servers. We always have to sit at the bar because the bartenders (and other patrons) love to chat. My favorite drinks are the Kraken the Dole Whip, Rum Barrel, and Nutty Chi Chi. Ask for recommendations or a surprise because they know what they're doing. I've heard whisperings of a secret room, but the host knowingly responded, "no secret rooms here..." We'll find it someday, because we will absolutely be back. A lot. read more

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Who doesn't love a tiki cocktail? If you don't, I can only assume you just haven't met the right rum yet. Tiki bars make my favorite drinks because they're built from layers of flavor, history, and pure tropical fantasy. The moment I take a sip, I feel like I've washed up on Gilligan's Island and the Professor is waiting for me and about to build me something out of coconuts and bamboo. Step inside and the world shifts: dim with warm lantern lighting, vintage exotica in the background, and instantly my mini vacation begins. The drinks are strong and sneaky. There's a kitchen serving Cantonese-inspired plates, which I fully intend to try next time because of course we showed up already full like amateurs. But it's a great excuse to come back...as if I needed one. read more

Tonga Hut - Painkiller ~ strong AF - Hawaiian Near Me - Palm Springs, California

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Tonga hut is a cool place! My friends and I kept passing it and finally stopped in for a quick beverage. The staff and vibe is so mellow and chill. Everyone was great including the other guests. They have games, a separate restaurant and a Balcony too. I would really love to check out this place at night! Staff is 10/10!!! read more

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Drinks: 5 - very strong drinks!! But delicious Ambiance: 5 - Always love the vibe here, we always stop by here when we visit Palm Springs. read more

Tonga Hut - Mai Tai - Hawaiian Near Me - Palm Springs, California

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Obsessed with this place! The cocktails were boozy, refreshingly tropical/sweet, and affordable for size! Fries hit the spot as well. Various Jenga games on tables were fun activity. read more

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Tonga Hut is always fun. There is a hidden area for large group venues. A friend had his birthday get together at Tonga Hut and it was a blast. Pu Pu platters and drinks for everyone! Lol... This time we enjoyed the chicken skewers and vegetable egg rolls. Very tropical and delicious Kraken cocktails. Enjoy an evening in Tiki Town with balcony seating overlooking Palm Canyon Drive and the Polynesian decor. They also have Happy Hour. read more

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Tonga Hut is a really cool tiki bar in Palm Springs at the top of a narrow staircase. Be careful ascending and descending those stairs! It is a small-ish place. A small bar, some really cool lounge type seating and a small balcony overlooking the street below. The four of us snagged the last seats in the house, a small booth along the wall. We were having dinner elsewhere later that night, so we opted just for drinks. I'm beer only so Kona Big Wave for me. The others opted for the Scorpion Bowl. A giant drink of rum, brandy, orgeat syrup, and tropical juices with fresh fruit garnishes floating on top. Served in a giant clam shell bowl. It was a sight to behold! Fun little tiki bar. Service was great. read more

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We ate the moco loco. Spam,white rice wrapped in seaweed. Tasty. Drinks-kraken the dole whip, Tikitastic,cucumber Caliente and the Palm Springs express. The service was awesome Daniel was amazing. The seating comfortable. We got to check out the secret room. A highlight to my wife's birthday. read more

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Fun tiki bar above downtown Palm Springs. Loves the decorations and atmosphere. It was small but most tiki bars are. Drinks were strong, food was mediocre. The egg rolls were extremely greasy. Loved our server. She had our drinks made in fun cups even though they typically didn't come in one. read more

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A unique experience in Palm Springs! This place can be quite crowded during the peak seasons in Palm Springs, but it is definitely a place one should visit if they are looking for a cool bar to get drinks at! Drinks (3.75/5) The drinks here are strong, but not as well balanced as other similar bars in the area. I ordered the 1934 zombie and it was strong but had a sour aftertaste to it. There is a limit of 2 drinks per person of this particular cocktail but it isn't as strong as you would imagine. My friend ordered an old fashioned and thought his drink was a little too sweet and not that much alcohol in it. There's also bowl drinks one can order it in a large group, but I would imagine that drink would be on the sweeter side as well. Service (4/5) The hostess and bartender were friendly and accommodating; however, the bartender was not that social and kept to himself. The drinks came out fairly quickly after ordering, but there was also not that many other people inside as I went at 5pm. This place does get very busy during the peak season so expect longer waits (no reservations allowed here, walk in only) Ambiance. (4.25/5) This bar is on the second floor of the building but it is much larger than the other tiki bar in the city. I appreciate that this place has multiple rooms and even a secret room to hang out. Also, this bar has a nice outdoor patio that overlooks the street of downtown Palm Springs. The interior is decorated in a somewhat tropical style but it feels a bit dated. While coming here on a day where it was 110 degrees Fahrenheit outside, there was some air conditioning and fans running inside to stay cool. Overall, I would probably return with visitors for a unique bar experience in Palm Springs. read more

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This Tiki bar was a place to visit for the hubby. Great seating and the place is nicely decorated tiki style. The workers were nice and always checking in on us. The drinks were definitely tiki, Mai Tai, and all. The food was good paired with the drinks. Definitely will come back when we visit. read more

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Tonga Hut is all about atmosphere and it has it in spades. If you're looking for a dimly lit tiki bar with lots of vintage wood accents, South Pacific kitsch and strong fruity drinks, this is your place. The folks here are friendly and the food, while not the best, seems content to play a supporting role to the aforementioned ambiance. My wife and I shared a punch bowl (heavily spiked and a great value at $30), sliders, and the appetizer sampler. All were solid--nothing to write home about and the gyozas could have been served a bit warmer. All and all, if you're looking to escape from the brutal heat of the desert and imagine being in a bar straight out of the original Hawaii Five-O, this is as good as it gets. (3.5 stars). read more

Tonga Hut - Punch bowl. - Hawaiian Near Me - Palm Springs, California

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Ambiance: 4/5 Service: 5/5 Food: 4/5 Drinks: 5/5 Price: 3/5 Parking: 4/5 Came by on a Wednesday evening. Kevin was exceptionally kind to us. Maria was our server who did phenomenal. The drinks were fantastic, the food was typical tiki bites but elevated, and the theming was perfect. I highly recommend visiting, and next time I'm in town I'll be here. read more

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Fun tiki bar in the desert! We stopped in this trip for drinks before dinner. The vibe inside is fun and relaxing. The happy hour menu is a great way to save a little and enjoy some tiki atmosphere. read more

Tonga Hut - Mai tai and a dole whip something... I can't remember the name but they were both delicious! - Hawaiian Near Me - Palm Springs, California

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Fun, quirky tiki lounge. Drinks were great! It was hard to choose from all the different choices. read more

Tonga Hut - Hawaiian Near Me - Palm Springs, California

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I look for a Tiki bar in every city I visit. Here in Palm Springs, CA I love the fun decor & there are so many island drinks to choose from with a souvenir glass to purchase. My go to drink is the Mai Tai...full of rums & fruit juices. I ordered chicken skewers that were solid strips of chicken dipped in soy sauce that was filling. They offer a great HH menu if you can make it & the service is friendly. read more

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Old school tiki bar up a flight of stairs in downtown Palm Springs. We opted to sit in the quiet booth area which was pretty lovely. Our waiter was nice if not a little frazzled. We had a shrub old fashioned and a gin Rickey. Loved the tiki take on these drinks. Food was very good! Egg rolls are delicious with sweet chili sauce. Pineapple fried rice had so much flavor. One bathroom for the bar but it was clean and nicely decorated. The booths could use a thorough cleaning - many are dusty on the top and it is visible in the light. There are historical tiki bar artifacts behind glass at each booth. Ours had the Chi Chi bar artifacts but the glass was pushed in/hanging off and was visibly dusty. Seems like overall cleaning can be improved here. They have merch you can purchase as well. Loved seating all the tiki decor. Overall, a cool place to check out if you're in the area and looking for some real tiki drinks. read more

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I went here once a few years ago and wanted to try it again. Soooo fun! Great cocktails, 70s/80s jams, nice people. Going back for sure!

I was on vacation, and me and my friend Monica, headed to this place to kick-off our festive Friday night. This place delivered, in many accounts. There was a stuffy older person that gave turndown energy, otherwise this review would have been a total glow bomb! The place is on the second floor. As soon as I entered the space, I was hit by a wall that gave me Ariel's sea cave vibes. Not because it was full of human trinkets--- like a fork for twirling hair- but it felt like the corner of how the sea cave would be decorated-- full of colors and festive shells, conks and beads and Tiki idols made out of wood. The rest of the space was large and varied. You could be outside in the patio. You could be in the bar. You could be in other rooms with booths, and you be in a room with a giant jenga that was close to the public because the heat of the night kept people in. Regardless of where you looked you saw Tiki motif that was exaggerated but fun in a genuine way. So the place owned its absurdity and won its own race--- it could claim we went over the top with our theme but it was curated exaggeration, we did not lose ourselves in theme so we never became a yard sale gone cluttered. ey I also saw different people celebrating. My favorite was a soon to be wife. She was wearing a white dress and a veil and she was there with her squad. So this place was trusted for a night of a life time--- a bachelorette party! My favorite room was the one with games and a fake fire place. Monica and i shared a huge white shell filled with a rum liquid, that tasted like rum milk. It was delicious. Across the table was Justin and Cindy. They first played Jenga. I was engaged in the game. The moves, the tension, I absorbed it, and clapped after every major move, you know when the block removed could result in a toppled tower. After wards they played uno. When they were going to play Uno again, with giant cards, I asked if MOnica and I could play. They had said yes. Monica and I were former high school losers on vacation so being allowed to play Uno with cool bar goers was like being asked to dance by the prom king when you were a shy girl with big glasses, braces, and pig tails, and you wore red suspenders to the school dance. We had such a good time that in my excitement I tapped a table so hard that I broke the glass. The guy who was at the reception came to clean the broken glass like he was performing a chore of exhaustion. Like these drunk fools should now better, why are they breaking glasses? Uh cause I was having a good time, and forgot my manners but you provided drinks and games and it all conspired to a good time that got a wee rowdy? We did not fight with stools and Uno cards used as ninja stars, I just lost myself in the moment. Sorry. Justin won the game. I thought I had called for a color that he did not have when he only had one car. When it was his turn, he asked Cindy if he pulled red until he had a red card to play, and I started to say how this game had run long, and I did not to take more of the cool kids time, and he put the red card in my face, I had called the very color he had, when I believed I had deduce the color he did not. It was an Uno perfect moment. We had met good friends at a bar and played Uno with them. It was all in good food and festive and this place had everything we needed to make the moment so. It was definetly a good time and I am sorry I broke the glass. But it was a casulty of a good Uno game, I am sure all of glassware has been lots in similar moments. This place is defintely a vibe I mma go back again! read more

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We love a good tiki bar and this one did NOT disappoint. You have to walk up stairs to get to it so it is not handicap friendly that I noticed. The bartender Doug was great!!!! He killed it with the drinks and the menu descriptions. He was good at juggling the people at the bar and the drink tickets coming in! read more

Tonga Hut - Hawaiian Near Me - Palm Springs, California

Only been here many moons ago for a drink. We decided to stop in tonight about 4 pm for dinner. We shared a drink bowl for two that was very good. We ordered the angus sliders & the popcorn chicken buffalo style. The food was all very good. Service was better than it was previously many years ago. Nice small tiki bar. We are locals so we'll be back. read more

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Screw this place, we waited too long for service and then our "server" had the audacity to judge us on the fact we wanted to share our drinks. It was as if he was irritated for having to do his job. I would recommend you try someplace else that actually appreciates your business. read more

Tonga Hut - Happy Hour Menu - Hawaiian Near Me - Palm Springs, California

We decided to drive out to the Tonga Hut & had the burger sliders with fries & the popcorn buffalo chicken appetizer with this really good tiki drink we shared but for reals hands down those sliders were nice & juicy! The fires were nice & crispy. We both enjoyed the popcorn chicken. Love the ambiance of the place & the service was good which we had no complaints about. read more

Tonga Hut - Great little entry way. - Hawaiian Near Me - Palm Springs, California

I was really excited about trying this place. I usually always try to go to different Tiki bars in different cities. I should've known as soon as I entered the restaurant we should have left. There was no air-conditioning whatsoever, but we decided to stay for the ambience. We received our emails within 20 minutes, which wasn't the problem. The issue was we didn't even have drinks in front of us whatsoever. We received our drinks about 15 to 20 minutes after we received our meals. When we received our drink, it was a completely wrong drink. The server proceeded say sorry and came back another 20 minutes with the right drink. I've never had had such horrible service and have I ever had to wait for a drink that long. I was truly disappointed in this place considering that it was a Tiki bar and that is my go to.. so as far as recommending it, I say no definitely not. Don't waste your time or especially if we're going in the summertime. read more

We were warmly greeted by the proprietor. He gave us some options on seating. We chose to sit at the bar. Always the best place to talk to other patrons. As much as I really enjoyed the people in the experience here cocktails were good, but not amazing. I would definitely go back, but if I'm looking for a next level, Tiki lounge experience, this place gets high marked for the ambience. read more

Tonga Hut - Hawaiian Near Me - Palm Springs, California

GREAT service from Daniel. Such a fun server. Good IPA, sliders were tasty, and pineapple fried rice was also good. Loved people watching from the deck. read more

Terrible customer service. Owner at the front chased off two families with kids. Place has gone downhill, better places close by.

Stopped by for appetizers and drinks before heading to dinner down the street. Love the time warp feeling when you step in and head up the steep stairs. I didn't see an elevator, so Im not sure if it's accessible. You can sit at the bar, the patio, a little retro fireplace room, or a dark room with booths. Each has it's own personality. Lots of cool tiki touches. We had a couple of cocktails-- a zombie and a PiYi (served in a real pineapple). Both were really good. We also got some wonton chips that came with a really delicious sauce to dip them in. Not sure what the sauce was, but I loved it! We wanted to order another round, but our server didn't come back to check on us for quite a long time. By the time he came, it was too late because we had dinner reservations elsewhere. That was disappointing. We really liked Tonga Hut. Delicious cocktails! The service could be better, but we will return. read more

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Great service Amazing drinks Fun atmosphere Super good food- (had egg rolls and sliders) read more

Very cool and trendy spot. The food came out quick. Just average bar food but it was good. That said, the bartender was absolutely amazing! She had an incredible memory and knew her business well! Definitely will return read more

Tonga Hut - Bar seating - Hawaiian Near Me - Palm Springs, California

Second time here. First time we had a server who seemed like they wanted to be anywhere but working. Grouchy demeanor and curt. Totally put a damper on the what should be fun tiki vibe. I understand everyone has a bad day so tried again a few months later and coincidentally had the same server who had an even worse attitude this time. So rude we just wanted to leave and spend our money elsewhere. Looking for a fun tiki experience go to Bootlegger and The Reef because you aren't getting it here. read more

The place sits on the second floor above the NY PD Pizza and bar and you may miss it. There is a side entrance. The food was excellent and the drinks are on point. Our server Leslie was very friendly and attentive( also very pretty). The ambiance is Hawaiian style. The happy hour is good! Definitely a must try! read more

Tonga Hut - Mai Tai - Hawaiian Near Me - Palm Springs, California

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As a local growing up in Palm Springs I always was curious about this place but left disappointed. After ten minutes or more no one acknowledge us or came to ask what we would like to drink. When leaving they said "sorry" or "busy night" which didn't seem sincere like a (whatever) body language and tone of voice. The server did acknowledge the table next to us and asked if they need anything but didn't look at us or say I'll be right with you. read more

The ambiance is amazing. Our server was great and had a really outgoing personality, I believe his name was Brian. We ordered Kalua pulled pork slider and potstickers. Will definitely go back. read more

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We've been seeing this place in Yelp for the last few years - while the write-up seems very interesting, we were wondering why the score kept dropping. We happened to be in Palm Springs over Christmas break, so we figured to give it a shot. The entry is archaic....truly. Perhaps to set the mood? You get to the top of their staircase, and a greeter/host asked if you want to sit at a table on in the lounge area. Ok, the smart person would have asked what the difference is. I did not meet that criteria, unfortunately, and chose the lounge. We were seated on these really funky chairs with an even funkier table. Not exactly tiki like - not even remotely Polynesian. Nor remotely comfortable. But, we figured, let's live in the moment. (which, frankly, is about how long to spend there, but I digress). After about 10 minutes, a CLEARLY not happy to be working dude stopped by to see if we wanted something to drink (in a bar, mind you). I asked about beers - he made it QUITE clear that I'm an idiot to be drinking beers in the Tonga Hut (hey, I don't drink hard liquor...pretty sure I'm not the only one). I ended up with a lager, while my wife had a mai tai. The beer was ok, my wife was ok with finishing the drink quickly and getting out of there. Needless to say, she won. On the way out, I did check out the other sections- balcony (great for balmy evenings), the bar, the lounge, and the aforementioned tables. IF I were to go back (which is unlikely, but to each his own - I just was looking for a Polynesian vibe, and got a Palm Springs tacky one instead), I'd sit at the bar - eliminates unhappy waiters. read more

Tonga Hut was quite poppin' on our first night in Palm Springs. I was craving a burger after our flight and this was the closest spot which was also walking distance from our hotel. We were seated fairly quickly and were then forgotten about. Once our server did show up, we quickly placed our orders. I ordered the Pork Sliders and my co-worker ordered the regular sliders. We shared one of each with fries. The regular hamburger sliders were delicious. The shredded pork sliders were not at all flavorful. Our drinks were refreshing. I ordered a cocktail with Gin. But nothing to rave about. The tables were sticky, the furniture was dated, and the dim lighting was not at all romantic. The food was decent. I should have stuck to regular sliders. read more

Tonga Hut - Sliders - Hawaiian Near Me - Palm Springs, California

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