Escapism in Austin

 Since 2007, Texans could experience Hawaiian "escapism" the way it was done 40 years ago by visiting Trader Vic's in Dallas. Although the music they played there would sometimes spoil the experience, the decor and the drinks certainly would make you forget where you were and when you were, pulling in elements of escapism from the golden age of Polynesian Pop.

Alas, Dallas Trader Vic's is no more. After less than 3 years, it's now gutted like a dead fish. Soon we're sure to have another run-of-the-mill sports bar (and maybe some ping-pong tables). Wowee...sounds like a winning concept! 

So now where can one go to get a similar experience that Trader Vic's once offered? The answer: nowhere in Texas, unless you build it yourself.  

For me, that place is at a friends home in Austin. She and her husband have built an oasis that could easily rival any "official" establishment that touts the escapism tag. Outside is not only a pool, hot tub, koi pond and tiki bar, but a night sky far enough from downtown Austin that you could easily imagine you're on an island out in the middle of the Pacific.

Inside their home they've nearly completed a yet un-named tiki room, complete with more hidden treasures than you'd notice in one visit. They've also managed to rescue a few artifacts from the now closed Trader Vic's. 

This is where I now go to experience this type of escapism. If there are similar places, I haven't heard about them, and if they exist they are definitely privately owned. Trader Vic's was the only authentic tiki bar in the entire state.  

If you're interested in local tiki culture or would like to get a heads up for any tiki related events in the state, there is a Texas Tiki mailing list. Send an email to txtiki@gmail.com and request to be added. 

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A "Real" Tiki Bar

This is where I spend most of my time...

This is a wide angle shot of the lounge area next to the bar. I've been to so many bars & restaurants that call themselves a "tiki bar" when they're actually the farthest thing from it. Just because you have some bamboo and serve tropical drinks (probably bad ones) does not make you a tiki bar. It's about atmosphere and escapism. Trader Vic's is the ONLY place in the state of Texas where you'll find it.