We Rated 3 Palm Springs Tiki Bars

[@sonnysoto8337]

Happy New Year guys!!!! Okole Maluna!!!

[@ultimatemaitai]

Completely concur with your opinions. Bootlegger was the best overall and best cocktails, but Tonga Hut probably would be a better overall experience with tiki newbies (we had repeated service issues at Tonga Hut, though). And the Reef? The best place to go when you want to have a good time. All three are worth doing.

[@nrtallarida]

The service at the tonga hut was absolutely horrible the one I went there.

[@jackimyers9364]

Excellent. We are going there in several weeks for the Palm Springs Film Festival.

[@Chejo3]

My wife and I just returned from Palm Springs (my first time) and stayed at the Caliente Tropics and visited all three bars as well. Unfortunately, my wife wasn't feeling great so we didn't get to try many cocktails. We enjoyed the Reef and we were the only ones there as well. We sat at the bar after eating and the bartender was great. I ordered the Ambrosia and we talked about cocktails. I was lucky enough to get the recipe and I can't wait to make it at home. It was a nice cocktail but not my favorite of the trip (#2). We visited Tonga Hut and this is when my wife started feeling down and a little sick. She drank non-alcoholic cocktails and enjoyed their Painkiller. I had the Rum Barrel which was really good. I had the Chai Tai but by this time, I was feeling pretty happy so I don't remember exactly what I thought. It was good I'm sure. Last day we visited the Bootlegger and yup, it was our favorite as well. I loved how intimate it was. We didn't have reservations but they let us sit until the table was needed but we decided to move to the stools. This is where I had my favorite cocktail. It was the Thai Iced Tiki. It was delicious and I loved the "to-go" presentation. Amazing. My wife also loved her non-alcoholic cocktails - the Pod Thai and Mai-Papaya. We can't wait to go back. Thank you for recommending the Ambrosia.

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

Thanks for the reviews!

[@michaelgurvitz9310]

May the New Year 2023 bring you more happiness, success, love, and blessings!

[@SDPBALLCOACH]

I stay at Caliente Tropics almost every time I go to PS.. Not because I "can't afford" other places but BECAUSE it's SO FUN!!! Reef Bar has a "secret" down stairs room where all the Hollywood types used to "party"..!!😊 Soo much fun!!

[@chrish9698]

Fantastic video! My wife and I will have to hopefully visit those three bars one day. Have a Happy New Year from two Canadian fans!! 🥳🎉

[@LagoonofMystery]

"Only three tiki bars in Palm Springs." Spike, that's like two more than most major cities in the U.S. actually have! 🤣🤣🤣

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

Hahaha... we're spoiled in California

[@cjdesign5700]

Another banger...thanks for letting us travel to Palm Springs Tiki vicariously with you. As someone who spent a career in Hospitality (along w/ Art)...Great Service is paramount and can override other weaker details.

[@adamkrauss303]

Really enjoying this series. I wish you had given more detail on the cocktails you highlighted. Thanks.

[@stevemccord7118]

That would make great content for another series. How to make our trip favorites! Of course in the glass they were served in.

[@jackwilliamson1929]

You guys look great you seem to have lots in common and have lots of fun together congratulations on a great year for both of you the next one will be even better.

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

Thank you so much!!

[@ShiverMe22]

Devil's Paradise is the Bootlegger cocktail that you were refering to I believe, I really enjoyed that one too. Spot on with all three reviews

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

Thanks! What a great drink!

[@edwardburke4027]

Happy New Year Spike, Larissa, Sparky, and all Breezetonians! Thanks for this video; I definitely want to go to Palm Springs now; sounds like an amazing trip!

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

Thanks! Happy New Year to you as well!

[@brimstonefondue]

Lol, I move from Long Beach to the Palm Springs area and now this video....are you following me? The Reef is my favorite out here, no contest.

[@scottgoyette3154]

Man this is the content I love! And I’m sure anyone planning a vacation or weekend away does too production quality is always top notch man keep up the great work

[@jsalvemini3439]

I’m glad I found your channel!! I’ve been to Bootlegger a couple of times. I sat at the bar and had great conversations with the bartenders about some of the alcohol variety they had and how they use them!! Great place!

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

Happy you found the Channel!

[@thedoctor755]

Excellent! Palm Springs it is.... I was thinking partway through the vid that that town HAS to be mid-century modern central. Merry New Year, Spike & the Queen :)

[@jameslopez6589]

Thanks for sharing your adventures with us! Best Wishes for a Happy New Year!

[@mrsmartypants_1]

🧜🏽‍♀️🦀🐠🦜🌺 Really enjoyed this vid to kick off the first week of work in 2023. Gotta get to Palm Springs sometime. If you could make a Sneaky Devil (Bootlegger) and/or an Ambrosia (Reef) in a future vid that would be wonderful.

[@jcost0099]

that smoking jacket is...smokin'! The tiki cuff links and tie pin are DOPE! (yeah, I said it). Of course, Murderqueen looks phenom as well. My wife just looked at me and said, WOW.

[@craigrainbird969]

The cuff Links, tie pin and pocket square plus Larissa’s ear rings makes the outfits and tie’s it all together. Does sound like I know what I am talking about?

[@Peiper4965]

Spot on reviews for all three. I remember going to bootlegger about ten years ago, same experience, they were proud that weren’t playing traditional escapism music.

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

I just don't understand that. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Peiper4965]

@@BreezewayCocktailHour Check out Lost Inferno in San Clemente, goonies themed tiki bar.

[@ManzaMediaTV]

Smoking jacket! Love the outfit, Spike. Happy New Year to you both! Cheers.

[@christiandenny7717]

Thanks for another great video! I need to plan a trip to Palm Springs.

[@slugworth99]

That’s what she said. 😅. Great job, guys. Thanks for posting one last show for 2022!

[@nickmckenzie9365]

Thank you intrepid Tikiphiles/RumCaptains for going the extra mile for those of us in Australia (and unable to visit all those amazing Tiki Bars), and visiting the Bootlegger Tiki for us! Mahalo!

[@codyburns4393]

Happy New Years to ya'll.

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

Happy new year!

[@jackimyers9364]

You guys are talking about the Devils Paradise cocktail at Bootlegger's Tiki: DEVILS PARADISE is Doctor Bird, Plantation Pineapple, Giffard Abricot Du Roussillon, Montenegro Amaro, Amaro Ciociaro, Celery Bitters, Angostura Bitters, Devils Blend

[@paulkarr3750]

One of your best episodes! Really well edited and you’re great together, thanks for letting us in on your trip

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

Thanks a ton!

[@eileendesouter9773]

Happy New Year🎉

[@scottm6927]

Aloha, you two! Happy New Year!

[@sffoto1969]

Lol. That last Michael Scott at the end made me laugh out loud.

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

😂

[@carlsprout7903]

The blowfish lamps were a nice addition to the Bootlegger from the last time I was there.

[@BritInvLvr]

Drinking from a bowl reminds me of the Bahooka. I used to drink out of a huge half shell with my date.

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

Aw man.... I miss Bahooka

[@miksologia]

What an epic episode! I still love the cocktail videos more, but these are also very interesting. I wish I would be able to visit any Tiki bar some day, but they're a long way from here (Finland, next to Russia, you know). I'm also very jealous of you Spike to have a girlfriend who is also into Tiki and the drinks and all that stuff. You're such a great couple.

[@arriano99]

San Diego should be next: False Idol, Grass Skirt, Bali Hai, Luau

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

Yeah, I'd love to do San Diego. Unfortunately Larissa has gone home to Brazil. I'll get to SD eventually.

[@cathypiper9373]

I agree on every aspect ratings. I know all three locations and you nailed every place. Well done !

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

Thank you so much.

[@TikiRayinCA]

It’s funny, my wife and I did the same tiki bar tour in the same order you did it! We felt the same about The Reef and Bootlegger. The only difference was what we experienced at Tonga Hut. I’m glad your experience at the Tonga Hut was better than ours. Our server was rude (and I have a fairly thick skin and am forgiving) to the point I just wanted out of that bar. I spoke with our grumpy server and the gentleman seating people about joining their grog log challenge and was told that only the bartender could help me and he was too busy that night, come back another day. Now I could completely understand if the place was jumping but it was a light Thursday night so…… This was our third time visiting them and I must say, we were underwhelmed by them twice before and flat out insulted the third. Like baseball, with their third strike, their off our list the next time we visit Palm Springs. Like you, we see great potential with the Bootlegger. We thought their drinks were tasty and their staff super friendly, a great foundation to build upon. Love your channel and music too! Keep up the great work!

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

Thanks for the comment! Every bar is at least worth your three strike tolerance. I think that was a fair assessment by you guys... Sounds like the place just didn't work out for you. 😕🤷🏻‍♂️ that's a bummer. I'm sure that Murph, the owner, would want to try and rectify that for you.

[@TikiRayinCA]

@@BreezewayCocktailHour I’m all about giving people multiple chances, I hate writing people and and places off. If you pass along his contact info, I’ll reach out to him. On another note, I really enjoy watching your videos and seeing how your bar evolves. You do a great job all around!

[@MattMunn]

Another great show! Thanks!

[@MileHighGrowler]

Great breakdown! The last time I was in Palm Springs was 10 years ago to do the Cactus to Clouds hike (which I don't plan to ever do again). Knew absolutely nothing about tiki back then so I think it's time to go back and visit for a more relaxing trip and explore these spots!

[@Jheat64]

Happy New Year's

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

Same to you!

[@socalifone3044]

Nice review. The Reef has outstanding hamburgers and Bologna Spaghetti. Best Fish n Chips in the Coachella Valley

[@mikegreene4152]

The outtakes are the best! ;-)

[@georgetellado1401]

Finally catching up from Holidays/Family takeover! Love this episode ❤️❤️❤️ it would be so much fun to go out and tour tiki bars with you 2…maybe a Patreon thing one day?! Anyway, you are sooo lucky to have these incredible tiki choices, things are much sparser here in NJ, you have the history there! Happy New Year 🎉

[@kvon432k]

You should’ve stayed in the Alpha Dog room. Great video and happy New Year!🎉

[@BreRMatt240]

Thanks for this! I hope this becomes a series! I’m going to Palm Springs in October and stealing this exact same idea 😂

[@simonsrattanroom]

I agree with you ... the "secret" room at Tonga Hut looks amazing! An almost Mai Kai vibe. Did Tiki Diablo do that build?

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

He did

[@bobsmith5096]

Happy New Year Spike! Q for Larissa…traveling to Brazil for 3 months…Rio or SP and what neighborhood for a safe place to stay. Thanks!!

[@rcbrooks1123]

Great video you two. I appreciate how difficult it must be reviewing two of the bars where we know the owners personally. And they are great people. But I think you did it in fair and balanced nature while still talking up the merits of all 3 venues. BTW, the background music can be a deal breaker for me as it is what I fell in love with 25+ years ago and ushered me into the World of Tiki. Trader Sam's has this down pat. A two hour loop of fantastic tiki bar music. It was a little comical to me that you preferred the Classic Rock as AN IMPROVEMENT over Hip-Hop for a tiki bar. Now there's a comparison I don't what to have to make. LOL. Thanks again to you both for a great video.

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

Haha... yeah, classic rock doesn't really belong in a tiki bar either, but then it just comes down to personal preference. We just don't like hiphop at all.

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

@@reubenzamorano7014 ​ I don't know how that is ridiculous. That was the experience that we received. 10:00 on a Friday night isn't considered 'after hours' as per the bar's website. I have time stamped photos from our trip that day that we arrived there right at that time. And we did go back twice on that trip and the music was contemporary Christmas music... which is perfectly suitable (though there are plenty of great surf bands that put our Christmas records). Our experience at the Reef was fine. I don't believe it to be a negative review of the Reef and we couldn't have put out content any more honest than what we posted.

[@scootsmcgee77]

Shelly! We miss her up here in Portland, Oregon's Hale Pele. I was there for her last night before she headed down to Palm Springs. If you're ever up in Porltand, Hale Pele, is one of the best tiki bars in the country 🙂

[@1booyaka1]

Freaking love Spike! Great video and recommendations!

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

Thank you so much!

[@pkdiddy]

Bootlegger rocks! My favorite of the PS3.

[@shelleydrinks]

Hey there! I’m the bartender in the video they talk about. I just had to quit because of an abusive environment, see my comment. Such a bummer, I was excited to help take it to the next level.

[@darrenandtinasale1502]

Spike, was it the Devils Paradise cocktail. Sounds amazing!! Happy New year to you both! Doctor Bird, Plantation Pineapple, Giffard Abricot Du Roussillon, Montenegro Amaro, Amaro Ciociaro, Celery Bitters, Angostura Bitters, Devils Blend

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

Ah, thanks!! Crazy ingredients!

[@richardelliott8352]

the mention of a transformative time experience reminded me of the unforgettable pam springs radio station that only played Frank Sinatra, no other programming. I thought it a perfect soundtrack to the city.

[@annetteconroy6921]

Watching from New Zealand at a winter midnight

[@gardgarland5293]

Thanks a ton for the info. I want to visit this spring and I appreciate the reviews. As a mug collector I would like to see you include whether these bars have mugs for sale. I know The Reef and Tonga Hut do but I’ve never seen anything from Bootlegger’s. Finally, as a constructive criticism, all those jump cuts are maddening.

[@mktruett]

love to see your rating of San Diego tiki bars 🍹

[@terrorifc]

That jacket is so badass. You gotta tell us more about it. Where do you find stuff like that???

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

Vintage stores over the years...

[@terrorifc]

@@BreezewayCocktailHour I thought you might say that. Damn, I’m about to go to a tailor and tell them make me mysterious like this guy lol.

[@jusayawn]

ambrosia salad is a popular salad they serve at kitch tiki parties

[@geraldschoenherr8686]

I’m at Bootleggers right now and they’re playing Martin Denny. ❤

[@jackimyers9364]

The Ambrosia at the Reef is an off-menu cocktail. You have to ask for it and it sounds wonderful.

[@socalifone3044]

You obviously didn't watch this video 😂

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

Hahaha...

[@donsherpa9833]

Looking great! What kind of jacket is that ?!?? I need one !

[@Steril707]

The Reef's Diver girl is my favorite Tiki Mug. Too bad you cannot even hope to get these in Europe.

[@shelleydrinks]

Hello everyone, I’m the Hale Pele bartender in the video at Bootlegger! Spike and Larissa, it was fabulous meeting you both! Ironically, just today I had to quit Bootlegger Tiki because of abusive work conditions. While I would generally never say something like this in public, due to the public nature of this video I feel I need to tell everyone- DO NOT GO TO BOOTLEGGER. I was minimized, humiliated and gaslit when I brought my in depth Tiki and rum knowledge to the table- the very expertise I was hired by the owner to bring. Yesterday I was forced by the bar lead to stay in the kitchen as punishment, was insultingly lectured on how to properly wash and dry glasses and wasn’t even allowed to go past the curtain to stock them. And what did I even do to him? I guess I stepped on a fragile ego. What a great use of my nerd-level knowledge of Donn Beach recipes and the many styles of rum 🙄 I have had the pleasure of serving many of you over the years at HP, The Alibi, Tiki Kon, Tiki in Waikiki or at my Golden Tropicana pop ups. My reputation as a knowledgeable, friendly and professional tiki bartender goes before me. I know my tiki, I know my rum. And I know my worth. After I got there I found out the old crew were also abused and quit together in solidarity. 🚩🚩🚩 Spike, thank you so much for this great video! A lot has changed since you all came in last week. I have a new gig in the works, can’t wait to make an announcement soon! I promise to make you all the cocktail of your dreams. And I guarantee that proper tiki tunes will be playing! But support bars that treat their staff with dignity. I know The Reef and Tonga Hut are good to their people. Thanks for hearing me out everyone. Hope to make you all a cocktail soon! ❤

[@shelleydrinks]

@Richard Elmore Yeah you dodged a bullet! Outside of being abusive, it’s also unsanitary. They literally keep glass juice bottles IN THE SERVICE ICE. Someone is gonna drink a shard of glass. When I spoke up, I was gaslit and treated like an idiot. In a meeting today I cut the bar lead off mid sentence when he began gaslighting me. I got up to leave and told him to have fun with his amateur hour mess of a bar. Not to toot my own horn, but when you hire someone from one of the worlds best tiki bars, you show them some respect and relish the opportunity to learn a thing or two. I was hoping to bring them up a level. But no way I’m taking a step down.

[@shelleydrinks]

@Richard Elmore If this other gig doesn’t work out I plan on going there! I’ve also heard they’re looking, and they need multiple people. Tiki bartending is so much fun, you should definitely apply too! I’m here for the long haul, hope to see you around!

[@joanthompson8014]

Shelly, you are amazing and very skilled at what you do! People pay to have you at their events and make awesome drinks, but these people took someone from one of the top tiki bars in the world and then banished them to the kitchen? They don't have a clue about your reputation and did not deserve you.

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

Oh WOW! I'm sooo sorry to hear that Shelley. No business should be treating their employees like that (especially when you relocated your life for them). Someone of your talent should be cherished for what you could bring to their business. We were super excited to see what you were gonna do with the place. Can't wait to see where you go from here!

[@shelleydrinks]

@Mikeywithak Thank you Mikey! Rum Club is actually a FANTASTIC place with a kind-hearted owner and very happy, professional staff, plus their cocktails are some of the best in town. I know them well and love the place. Don’t listen to the Karen’s on Yelp. You should definitely go and tell them I said hello!

[@streetpi1010]

Happy NY Spike & Larissa. Enjoyed this & the SF episode. Extra points for the Elvis honeymoon house mention!

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

Happy New Year!

[@wyldebill4178]

Spike I love you. But what’s with the Jacket from Kenny Rogers’ The Gambler?

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

😂

[@AdorabellaChristina]

10 years ago you were at the Bootleggertiki when I served you, remember? Hahaha probably not. Sorry about the music, they just couldn’t grasp the tiki vibe. Good times!

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

I do remember that :)

[@Disney-art-craft-fan]

Can you do a video on the best tiki bars or bars that do tiki drinks in OC CA?

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

That's a great idea!

[@zzeegermantube]

🤣 @ "It's really hard." "I know. That's what she said."

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

lol

[@carlsprout7903]

When I'm driving the Virgin Painkiller from The Reef is great.

[@spartif]

Hi-Tide Records should put together an app that shuffles Tiki Surf and Exotica music and make it easy for the bars to have great music to go with the great service, great decor, and great drinks. If only there were a big shot Hi-Tide Artist to suggest such a thing…

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

That's a great idea, although they do have great playlists on the Hi-Tide Spotify channel!

[@spartif]

@@BreezewayCocktailHour do you artists get paid for streams on Spotify? If so I’ll switch over to that platform.

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

@@spartif I don't think anyone is getting paid anything for music anymore. In theory, yes, we are getting paid by Spotify... but not hardly anything. But Spotify IS a great service, imo.

[@frankmartinez4856]

Live 16 miles away 😮never been to them 😅seen the Tunga Hut! When I go to SHAG store 🥹will stop by! Great review! Thanks Kat & Kitten 🐱

[@patlanspery6157]

Matt, was the favorite cocktail called the Sneaky Devil? 😈. Bingo!!

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

Yessssss

[@AzimuthAviation]

6:56 PSP local that loves giving tiki newbs their intro at the Tonga.

[@kentfoster4112]

Any fellow tiki-philes know the recipe for the Ambrosia? Perhaps it should be Spike's next drink!

[@SpaceWolfPainter]

San Diego next?

[@scottgoyette3154]

Hell yea that would be great!

[@SubLaGoon]

Great idea! And that's a lot of tiki bars!

[@wyldebill4178]

That’s what she said

[@spacini]

Meeeooowww!

[@stevemccord7118]

Matt is lossening up on camera more. LoL

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

It's only taken two years... lol

[@clellandm]

“The Devil Something”?

[@JEdgar1019]

Those cuff links!!!!!

[@BeauYarbrough]

Is Toucan's no longer open in Palm Springs? (You referred to these three as all the tiki bars in Palm Springs.)

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

I didn't know about Toucan's until someone mentioned it after the video had posted.

[@brimstonefondue]

Toucans is about as tiki as Taco Bell is fine mexican food lmao

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

@@brimstonefondue lol

[@Dr.Killdevil]

Aloha!,

[@KUSTOM-ms9tj]

Aloha, Dude!

[@marknoble5411]

A few bloopers at the end !

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

I figured that we could bring them back if I just got rid of the Spike and the Camera slide. I think people didn't realize that there was more after that.

[@RadioActiveTiki]

Hi Spike 👋 Here’s your helpful algorithm comment

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

Hahahaha...

[@BrandonIveyATL]

hey dude!

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

😂

[@duranbodasing]

Doin it right my son

[@spacini]

Mele Kalikimaka

[@spacini]

By the way, while I was watching this excellent video, I was trying to remember the last time I went motorboating. Not sure why, but I'm certain you can relate.

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

@@spacini 😂😂😂

[@carlsprout7903]

Tiki drinks are like Lay's Potato Chips, you can't have just one.

[@aaronrichards4416]

What about Toucans lol

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

I'm afraid that we missed Toucans. I heard that it wasn't a 'real' tiki bar? Maybe we'll take a look the next time we're in town!

[@aaronrichards4416]

@@BreezewayCocktailHour yes you are correct it’s not a real tiki bar but great drag shows! Lol

[@carlsprout7903]

Test Pilot?

[@themidnightlycan8116]

Hip-hop may not be tiki But it can be nautical! Check out trippie redds neon shark album.

[@mattwhitten4296]

It's dead season on palm springs right now

[@paulmiraldi7192]

i would recommend skipping Bootleggers, overpriced drinks, music playing was Led Zepplin, not tiki music, staff were rude wearing football jerseys and F trump shirts, do not recommend; clown tiki

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

Wow, I think the was the previous staff...

[@mrsmartypants_1]

You’re a fan of the orange yellow belly, draft dodging, 2-bit Manhattan con man? The malignant, narcissistic, silver spoon, unAmerican loser who attempted the first Russian style coup on our republic? Seriously? 🤡

[@scottduke2809]

can't take you seriously with those costumes on

[@DavidMartinez-rn7oq]

Palm Springs Tiki Scene 👎🏽. I was very disappointed.

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

Really? What disappointed you? (Serious question)

[@SeansLawnCare]

She seems a bit… bored?

[@cursedtiki213]

I've been to The Reef a few times and I've never had anything that impressed me another than the Hot Hula Hibiscus. Their drinks and food really leave something to be desired. Hotel isn't very comfortable, either. That said, I'm glad it exists and is being kept up. Bootlegger has gone downhill in recent years, in my personal opinion. I LOVE Tonga Hut, tho!

[@BreezewayCocktailHour]

When was the last time that you were there? These kind of places tend to change all of the time.