Really nice bartender Doug says he's new but he iis #1 & Also had fun chatting with Great "bar mates " real Friendly vibe here ! The upstairs location offers a patio overlooking the "main drag" which is maybe fun during winter ... the AC was welcome during our June Happy Hour(4-?) Visit ! They open at 4, upstairs location...stairs are on side of building. Of course one has to "ASK " about Secret Rooms the staff was nice enough to give us a private tour to show us how to access- the infamous "Secret Room " ! How fun ! Fo sho do not miss this ! Classic tiki . The SPAM FRIES were the perfect salty treat to pair with our HAPPY HOUR MAI TAI(s) ! read more

Tonga Hut - Doug the best bartender! - Hawaiian Near Me - Palm Springs, California

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

Immediate paradise is activated after walking up a set of stairs. I'm not sure if there's an accessible entrance. Colorful lights and art transports you to a tropical climate. There are various options of seating depending on if you want a dinner table, casual seat, or a street view for fresh air. We grabbed a couple of appetizers and a drink. We were entertained by the decor and kindness of staff. We were giving recommendations and we were set up for success. Next time, I want to try coconut cocktail that gets lit on fire!!!! Appetizers were nothing special but I appreciated the nosh. Our drinks were indeed tasty. My favorite was the chai tai, I can't describe why but it was tasty! Definitely explore the drinks and try something new. In addition to the cute vibe, the playlist highlighted Elvis, surf tunes, and more. read more

Tonga Hut - Entrance sign - Hawaiian Near Me - Palm Springs, California

Best tiki bar! Got the Tonga hut treasure which is a shareable clamshell drink for 2. Sweet and boozy! If you love coconut this is the drink for you. The interior is beautiful. Lovely patio which on looks the street. Staff were super fun and helpful. The owner even took us around and gave us a private tour explaining the history and the "secret rooms". I would definitely come here again because the drinks and the vibe are so good. read more

See all

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

Loved the atmosphere. Very small place. Ok limited menu but good. We went on a weekday early so not too crowded but I would think weekends may be a mess. read more

Tonga Hut - My drink in a pineapple . Have no idea what is in it. - Hawaiian Near Me - Palm Springs, California

See all

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

Warm Tiki lounge vibe and exotica music to match, drinks were on point here with a bit of customization ( I don't like too sweet) food is good, games and comfy seating. There are secret treasures in here if you look really hard you may find a secret spot? He he. read more

See all

Tiki nerd here and was excited to visit Tonga Hut in Palm Springs since I don't know when I'll be in LA to see the original. Tried to go a few times on our short Palm Springs visit, but they aren't open every day and don't open until 5. No one answers the phone and they don't reply to emails nor social media messages. Very poor communication. Showed up at 5 when they were supposed to open and stood with a few other people outside. Door was locked until maybe 10 after 5. A grumpy guy opened it and we all filed in. There are many seating options: patio, bar, tables/booths. It's a time warp for sure and fun to see. Drinks were solid. Service wasn't great. It's clear none of the employees like working here. That was a bummer. Purchased a mug to go and it was defective. Sealed box and didn't discover until after hours. Called, messaged that night and the next day and never got a reply. Great customer service for $120 mug. read more

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

See all

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

I love this place!! So cute. What I love most is that they have a classic cocktail section to their menu. If you love the tiki feel bit May not want a sweet drink, there is something for you. The food was good (get the beef skewers!) and the service was excellent. They open at 3:00pm but worth the wait. read more

I think the setup is kinda tight for entering and while they were busy they seemed slow to sit us and annoyed at us just looking around. We really enjoyed the games they have and the vibe. I think the drink i got was good but super sweet and many of their drinks are similar variations of each other. Nice waiter named daniel i think. During busy hours i see how it could be really really slow service. read more

Tonga Hut - Hawaiian Near Me - Palm Springs, California

We order and waited over an hour. After checking with the bar 3 times we got one of our drinks. We never got the second. After an hour and a half we left. We paid over $50 for two drinks and the tip. It was very expensive for drinks we did not receive. read more

Don't know what to say but the waiter was definitely not Ohana , was rude and told me he could not sit my party of 14 . I said no big deal split us up at multiple tables, so he pushed us out on the deck in 110 heat . At that point their where lots of empty tables inside! Been coming here for years due to the food being great and the staff not so great . Been in the private room many times but I'm always here for my birthday and the party has grown will not come back ! read more

See all

Unique taste of Hawaiian while your in Palm Springs food is light and reasonable price, ambience like aromatic hiden spot .

Small quaint wonderful little upstairs bar with wonderful playful drinks, tasty bites, excellent service and an overall good vibe. We always have a great time coming here. read more

See all

The food was really great, however we came here more than once the staff just doesn't want to be working bad attitude bad service . Wanted to split the check and we're told we didn't order enough how much is enough our tab was over $100 ??? So sad I always love this spot. read more

Had the opportunity to visit the secret room. Great drinks. Fun bartenders. Love the classic tiki atmosphere. read more

See all

I know locals and regulars probably love this place but as an out of towner, I was not impressed. A coworker suggested this place, said it was a Palm Springs staple. It was a dark vibe, ambient light (probably to hide the dust). Seats, tables, AND menus were sticky. Residue left on menus. They had these dingy dirty jenga games on the table that looked like EVERY ONE had touched, and wrote on, and some other hook game. The place was filled with people, they seem to be enjoying themselves. Everyone one of there drinks on the menu were make with either whisky or rum, only 2 tequila options. I got 1 drink, hibiscus something. Now the drink was phenomenal! And strong. That's the only thing I should have gotten. Food wise I order the fish & chips, I've had better fish and chips from Carls Jr. The Cod noticeably OVERCOOKED, and the slaw was gross. The fries were the best part, ranch was eeeh. We had a lady waiter who took our order and brought the drinks out, but a male server who brought us the food. The tall guy looked/acted high/half asleep every-time he approached, very dence. The lady was ALL over the place. At the end we got fortune cookies, mines was empty; just my luck. If by any chance I do decide to come back it will only be for drinks. read more

See all

LOVED this cute spot for post dinner drinks. We sat out on the terrace and it was major vibes with the Hawaiian music and weather and tropical drinks. The nutty chi chi was our favorite, I'm a huge macadamia nut fan! The kraken dole whip was good too but was a little too sweet for my friend who actually prefers sweeter drinks. The glasses and umbrellas our drinks were served in were to die for and the staff was so kind! read more

Tonga Hut - Nutty chi chi and kraken dole whip - Hawaiian Near Me - Palm Springs, California

Fun spot to escape the heat! Inside feels like it should be apart of Disneyland. Decor & overall ambiance is calming and thought out perfectly for the 60's vibe. Drinks are delicious and beautiful. I also ordered a side of fries and they were great. read more

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

This spot is amazing, great drinks, service with an attitude ! Kind of funny. Games to play and chill out by the fire place. Great indoor and balcony spot on the strip. Opens 4pm read more

My husband and I were seated quickly in a booth. This is our fourth visit, and we always love the island vibes. The Polynesian decor instantly takes us back to the islands. The Mission Spotlight music adds to the island vibes. We only had drinks this time--my husband enjoyed a Mai Tai, strong but delicious, while I had a Piña Colada, dangerously smooth and sweet, like a tropical milkshake. We shared the pain killer. Drinks are great. Service is a hit or a miss. We keep going so we get more hits. Give it a try. read more

See all

Doug at the bar was awesome Come in for drinks and stay for the mystery and cool atmosphere and maybe a second round ? Loved the SPAM FRIES for a salty bar snack read more

Tonga Hut - Secret room - Hawaiian Near Me - Palm Springs, California

See all

Tonga Hut check in summer 2024: As mentioned in last year's review, I expressed my distaste for the QR code menus, and this year, upon entering, I was told to take a picture of a QR code for the menu. STILL? I've decided to update my review each yearly visit, removing one star annually until they bring back the paper menus. Overall, my experience was good enough that I'll be back. Bring back the paper menus. read more

Tonga Hut - Exterior of Tonga Hut Palm Springs - Hawaiian Near Me - Palm Springs, California

We ordered the Fish bowl and poo poo platter to share and it was perfect. Our server Daniel was amazing and gave good recommendations. Thank you! read more

Tonga Hut - Fish bowl and poo poo platter - Hawaiian Near Me - Palm Springs, California

See all

This place is just classic...oldest Tiki bar in the LA area and a must-stop for any tikiphile. Drink menu with all the traditional tiki cocktails...or get really saucy and try something from the Grog Log. We came over to LA this weekend specifically for the St Paddy's anniversary party with a new Tonga Hut mug release and it was everything we hoped for...great people, great vendors and a great vibe. This will ALWAYS be a stop on our LA adventures. read more

Tonga Hut - Drooling Bastard - Hawaiian Near Me - Palm Springs, California

See all

. :::10s across the board!::: Stumbled up here from a cannabis lounge and decided I should probably travail the bullshit stairs once before I move far, far away. Always gave Date Festival/End-of-Grease funhouse vibes. Bellied up to the bar just after 9pm and tried the pu pu platter (girl, no), PI AI, 1934 zombie, strawberry colada and enjoyed the show! Service was warm and friendly for sure! As they say, the freaks come out at night, and the floorshow in this bar lounge starts after 10 when the disco music starts. Food and drink were authentic and therefore mid. psst! locals only tip, the bar area is legit an upside-down pineapple couples vacay destination cruising hot spot when the disco beats drop! read more

Let me start with, Wow! The painkiller I had here was phenomenal! We only got drinks, however the smell of the food in there was amazing, and I definitely want to go back to try some of it. We got there in time for the happy hour which had some good prices. When you go in you immediately go upstairs and wait to be sat. We sat in a lounge area that had plenty of comfortable seating and an array of games to choose from. I think this area could use some more ambient lighting though. The service was very friendly and our server was helpful when we were deciding what drinks to get. The restrooms were very clean and nice. read more

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

I love a tiki bar, and this place was popping. I would say drinks are either hit or miss depending on your palate. The macadamia chi chi was good yet strong, but the blue hawaiian my friend ordered was way too sweet and they could not finish it. Honestly the virgin piña colada was the all-around best drink of the night. Also docked stars because of strange service. Our server took our order, didn't return for a very long time, and then came back to ask us if we wanted our check or round 2 when we clearly had not even gotten our first round yet. Then when she finally brought our drinks out she set them down and spilled liquid onto the table. But she either didn't notice or didn't care and left. Had not even drank half our drinks when she came back and set the check onto the table without saying anything, asking us if we wanted anything else, or looking at us. It was as if her eyes were glazed over and she stared right through us in that moment. Ultimately we did order a second round and a different server brought the drinks to us. Then the same first server returned and gave us another check even though we were clearly not done: we hadn't even been there 1 hr. We noted amongst ourselves that when she served other tables, she'd constantly look to check if we put our card down to pay. It was an uncomfortable feeling, and one that we won't be returning to experience. read more

Tonga Hut - Virgin piña colada - Hawaiian Near Me - Palm Springs, California

See all

Worst service in Palm Springs which pains me to say because our last trip here (over 5 years ago) this was one of our favorite places. Our server was non-existent most of the time and he certainly didn't want to be there. Everybody around us waited, and waited, and waited for him to grace us with his presence. First our order was lost (he blamed the bar, not sure how the bar lost a food order) then it came out wrong. All that being said we were going to get past that and have a second Mai Thai but we could not get him back to the table to take the order. Once we asked another server to find ours we just wanted to escape. Their loss. The ONLY reason for the second star is the Mai Thai's. They were indeed delicious. We had intended to go back the next day for lunch and more Mai Thai's after our spa but that is not going to happen. If you are willing to be treated like s**t but really like Mai Thai's then this your place. Otherwise I'd give it a pass... read more

I had fun at the Tonga Hut. The stairs are a bit daunting, especially AFTER having a drink, but we were greeted by a friendly host and met our friends on the patio. We had the Scorpion Bowl between five of us. It was not weak, we all felt it. We had no food, so I can't comment on that. But the service and the ambiance were wonderful and I will return. read more

We sat at the chair area for over an hour without being attended to. A word of caution to future guests: avoid sitting on the three small chairs directly in front of the bar, as servers seem to overlook that spot while focusing on other tables. When we finally did get service, the attitude we received was not welcoming. We had only ordered one round of drinks, finished them waited for our server to come by and he never did. He walked past us multiple times but never checked on us to ask us if we needed anything else. After about 40 minutes we flagged down the host to order more drinks, was told he would get our server and never did. Waited another 20 minutes, before our server came and we decided to just ask for the check, he gave us attitude and just started at us like we were dumb. Then walked away. 15 more minutes went by with no check, we had to flag down a different server to ask for our check before finally our original server gave it to us. We've had the same server about 3/4 times and at first his vibe was funny in the "i don't care" sassy sense, but after a few more times it didn't change and then it got tiring/exhausting. We actually came this time and were like "I hope this guy doesn't serve us", and yup he did. This time was the worst time yet. We probably won't ever come back, tbh. This is coming from a local who been coming here since 2016 read more

Classic Tiki Bar. I believe the LA location has been in operation since 1958, I am not sure when the Palm Springs location opened, but it perfectly captures the mid century Tiki Bar atmosphere. The drink menu has classic Tiki cocktails ( Mai Tai, Navy Grog, Zombie, Painkiller, etc.) as well as bar signature cocktails. I ordered the Shrub Old Fashioned (pictured) which tasted like a Tiki twist on the traditional cocktail. The food menu is Polynesian, consistent of the Tiki Bars of the 1950's, complete with a pu pu platter. I had the pineapple fried rice with Spam, which was great. If you are looking for the classic Tiki experience from the early days of the Tiki craze, definitely check out Tonga Hut. read more

See all

I didn't read the reviews, so not sure how this place isn't a solid 5 star all around. I'm a bit of a tiki guy and I loved this place. Don't want to dis on any of the other local tiki bars in the area but this rose above imo. Great decor and vibe. Great drinks. For food we only tried the musubi, which was delicious (ordered a second order after the first). Tianhi was our bartender and she was great. Been there over 10 years so you know she's got some legit skills. The owner Kevin was the host and was busy taking care of everyone. He offered us a quick tour of the hidden party room which I didn't know about but it was very cool. The bar has several sitting areas as well as the bar itself plus the balcony overlooking the street which is fun to watch all the action below. It's right in the middle of all the action. We tried several drinks and all were wonderful. They have merch for sale as well. Will definitely be back! read more

See all

We had just finished having Italian food down the street and walked around the strip for a bit. We were mainly trying to kill time before meeting up with the rest of our friends and stumbled upon this tiki bar! My bf and I LOVE trying new tiki bars and although we have this one at home near us, we still haven't gone so we decided to try it while waiting! We walked over and headed up stairs where they are located. Super cool and seemed like it was a hidden gem! The bar was super packed and the room was slowly filling up as well. Luckily the guy seated us right away outside on the balcony. Super cool seating so you see the view of the strip. We sat down and looked at the menu via QR and it took a good 30+ minutes for someone to finally come and take our order. It seemed like there was only one lady taking orders and a solo guy sat at the table next to us shortly after we sat down and the worker walked up to him to take his order before even acknowledging us! Shortly after that (although 30 minutes had already passed) she stopped and looked at us on the way to one of her other tables and asked if anyone already helped us and we said no and she said she'd be right with us. It sounded like there was supposed to be another worker who was supposed to take our order but they were nowhere to be found. She took our order and everything was great after that! I went for this Pina colada that had macadamia in it so it had a nutty flavor and tasted amazing!! Might be my new favorite. My bf got one of his favorites which was some kinda Grog drink (I forgot the name) but he really enjoyed it as well. We also got some wonton chips with a sweet chili dip and some meat egg rolls with Chipotle aioli dip. We loved everything and had a great time after finally ordering. The lady worker was very sweet and checked on us a few times to make sure we were good after. Definitely coming back next time we're in town! IG: @ammysalamii read more

See all

Tiki bar in Palm Springs, our friend recommended and it was a great little spot to pop in for a drink. We sat outside to enjoy the weather and had a nice view overlooking Palm Springs drive. Stop by next time you're in Palm Springs for pina colada! read more

Tonga Hut - Hawaiian Near Me - Palm Springs, California

Great atmosphere. Recommend the three dots and a dash (drink.) My second time here - love it!

What a great Tiki bar! Guess what? Food was great also! It's a real must visit. Hawaii in the desert. read more

See all

Cute bar been here a few times unfortunately never felt a reason to leave a review. Seems to be service is going down hill. My friends and I ordered the larger party drink again and don't believe it had much alcohol this time. Oh well the award part was the waiter warning us there's a lot of shootings In their parking lot? We were just viewing off the balcony when he had to tell us that ruining the moment and making it very threatening feeling rather than a place to have fun. New guy never seen them but also I go once a month so unsure read more

Tonga Hut - Scorpion fish bowl for four - Hawaiian Near Me - Palm Springs, California