Seattle did not avoid the Tiki craze that swept the nation in the 1950's.  It's been surmised that G.I.'s, returning from South Pacific after World War II, brought an affection for the islands back with them, and Tiki Fever caught on with the nation. 

Seattle, being located on the Pacific Rim, has always had a special tie to the islands of Hawaii and the South Pacific.  Where folks on the East Coast often vacation in the Bahamas and other Atlantic destinations, Hawaii is a popular destination for many people living on the West Coast.  The absorption of Hawaii into the United States in 1959 represents the apex of the cult of tiki; when investment capital began developing Hawaii as a tourist destination, some of it boomeranged back to the mainland. Tiki may represent the first stirrings of the notion of the Pacific Rim

Seattle had many Tiki and Polynesian themed businesses over the years, and leading the pack was Trader Vic's, located on the first floor of the Westin Hotel. 

Trader Vic's

Trader Vic's was probably the most famous Tiki restaurant in Seattle and closed in 1989.  The good news is another version of it will be opening the Spring of 2006 in Bellevue at Lincoln Square.  Of course, it's Bellevue.  And it can be nothing but a pale imitation.  But as long as it has a Puu-Puu Platter and Mai-Tai's it will still be fun.  Trader Vic's in Bellevue Trader Vic's Article from Seattle Diner A Bellevue Trader Vic's from The Seattle Times

The Polynesian

There's a long list of long-gone tropical Tiki has-beens in Seattle and around Washington State.  Many people remember The Polynesian Restaurant on Pier 51 in Seattle.

The Polynesia cost $500,000 when it was built in 1961. It was situated on Pier 51 in downtown Seattle, overlooking Puget Sound. It closed twenty years later in 1981, when the government condemned the pier... they wanted more space to expand the ferry terminal at Coleman Dock. The building with three A-frame roofs (minus interior fixtures & furnishings, which had been removed) was put onto a barge and moved to temporary site on the Duwamish River.  It was later burned down for practice by the Seattle Fire Department.

In October 2005, the bowling alley was sold to a developer for $6.2 million.  In March 2006, the bowling alley's 36 lanes will go dark forever to make way for apartments and shops. It's a turbulent farewell for Leilani Lanes bowling alley from The SeattleTimes. Wrecking ball to silence bowling pins at landmark Leilani Lanes / Seattle TImes

2007 Home Lounge Tour Produced by DJ Terence Gunn 5 incredible Home Lounges were on the tour over two days.  We visited Peter's Monkey Skull Voodoo Lounge in North Seattle, Marlow Harris and JoDavid's  "Dead Elvis Lounge" on Capitol Hill, Tammy's "Starlight Lounge and Cabana Bar at The Atomic Abode, and Pat and Sandi's "Fantasy Island" in West Seattle We ended the party at Terence's  "Shrunken Head Lounge" in West Seattle.

The Islander   206-344-8088    
96 Union St, Seattle   Downtown
If you need a bamboo fix, this spot will do the trick. Flowered patterned chairs complete the picture. Menu items include sushi, stir fries, noodles and combo plates. They also offer a number of "fast lunch" dishes for you busy downtown types. The really good news? They have access to that wonderful rooftop in front of them for one of the best views in the city.  
Specializing in Polynesian, Catering, Banquet, Sushi, Outdoor.

In a warm and inviting South Seas atmosphere, The Islander offers a unique dining experience influenced by timeless Asian style.

Bold flavors and cooking techniques enhance the skillfully prepared menu of delicious, modern interpretations of Pan Asian mainstays.

The decor celebrates the carefree feeling of the Pacific Islands and the expansive deck offers a view of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains that is nothing short of spectacular!

www.TheIslanderSeattle.com

Click HERE for a tour of 5 Home Bars & Lounges in Seattle, some Tiki, some Exotic!

Otto von Stroheim and Roq La Rue Gallery
"Tiki Art Now" from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

Up-to-the-minute Tiki  News on www.TikiCentral.com

The Art of Shag

Shag (aka Josh Agle) is a painter of swank
scenes and hipster motifs, including the tiki
and lounge scene.  He's from L.A. but has
visited Seattle in the past and shows at
Roq la Rue Gallery

www.Shag.com

Linkation