Talk about your Tiki Atomic bomb of an announcement! According to LA Magazine, the legendary TRADER VIC’s is coming back to Los Angeles, opening up a flagship restaurant and tiki bar in West Hollywood in 2025. Most of us realize what a big deal this is, but for those of you who may not know, Trader Vic’s arrived at the Beverly Hilton in 1955 and quickly became a Hollywood and Southern California mainstay, hosting some of the biggest celebs and Polynesian fans the world over.
It thrived in all its mid-century glory, a Polynesian masterpiece of design, tropical drinks, music, and the obligatory kitsch of glass fishing floats, torches, glowing puffer fish, and carved totems. And let’s not forget perhaps the most important part—Trader Vic’s gave us the classic Mai Tai, which has become a staple of the tiki movement.
Along with the Mai Kai in Florida and the Kahiki in Columbus, Ohio (sadly, now-closed), these three restaurants became some of the most popular tiki destinations in the country. But after 52 years, Trader Vic’s closed in 2007 its Beverly Hills flagship outpost, leaving a gigantic hole in the tiki-loving heart of Southern California.
Rhett Rosen, CEO of Trader Vic’s Hospitality Group, says the new restaurant, which will be located in a century-old brick building at 9091 Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, will harken back to the original Beverly Hills location, with some of the original decor. Also, customers will love the fact that the full classic Trader’s menu is returning, along with live music, tiki mugs and everything that made Trader Vic’s such a must-visit Beverly Hills spot for over half a century.