Aku Aku Tiki Bar

Bar · South Eola ·

Aku Aku Tiki Bar

Bar · South Eola ·

Tropical decor, rum libations, kitschy glasses & stiff drinks

Information

431 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801 Get directions

$10–20

@eater

390,870 Postcards · 10,986 Cities

Orlando’s 18 Best Cocktail Bars | Eater Miami

"Even those with a love/hate relationship with tiki culture will find it hard to find fault with this nostalgia-filled bar — if only Richard Rodgers and Captain Morgan were alive to revel in its South Pacific kitsch. Rattan furniture, grass skirts, and over-the-top cocktail vessels aside, there are some stiff drinks to be had, most notable of which is the “Tiger Fucker” — a fuschia-hued drink of 44° North potato vodka, jalapeno-blackberry syrup, lemon juice and passion fruit juice in an ice-filled schooner glass. It’s then garnished with a flaming sugar cube sitting atop a lemon slice. Needless to say, it’s lit." - Faiyaz Kara

https://miami.eater.com/maps/best-orlando-cocktail-bars

Aku Aku Tiki Bar

@eater

390,870 Postcards · 10,986 Cities

Orlando’s 18 Essential Cocktail Bars

"Even those with a love/hate relationship with tiki culture will find it hard to find fault with this nostalgia-filled bar – it’s got enough South Pacific kitsch and rum to keep Richard Rodgers and Captain Morgan amused. Rattan furniture, grass skirts, and over-the-top cocktail vessels aside, there are some stiff drinks to be had, most notable of which is the signature and rum-less, “Tiger Fucker” – a fuschia-hued drink of 44° North potato vodka, jalapeno-blackberry syrup, lemon juice and passion fruit juice in an ice-filled schooner glass. It’s then garnished with a flaming sugar cube atop a lemon slice. Needless to say, it’s lit." - Faiyaz Kara

https://miami.eater.com/maps/best-orlando-cocktail-bars-guide-map

Aku Aku Tiki Bar

@cntraveler

40,925 Postcards · 5,494 Cities

15 Best Bars in Orlando, Florida | Condé Nast Traveler

"Aku Aku is a dark, moody cocktail den that transports you straight to French Polynesia. Faux thatched roofs, lamps with hula dancing ladies, and black-and-white shots of '50s babes on beaches set the scene. The drinks line-up consists of classic tiki (think Zombies, Painkillers, Mai Tais), with a focus on high-quality rums—the bar stocks more than 70 bottles. And the bartenders only add to the cool island vibes." - Laura Ratliff

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-bars-in-orlando-florida

Tina Sargeant

Aku Aku Tiki Bar

Francisco Javier Perez Herrera

Google

Amazing little Tiki bar in downtown Orlando. The prices are great, specially since they use good liquor bottles, which I personally checked. They got all basics covered, plus their special drink is unique. The bartenders are great and friendly, Dereck is super chill in particular. I definitely recommend, one of the best bars in the area for sure.

Tom Delgrosso

Google

I was excited to try this place for the first time. I love tiki bars. Pluses are the decor, sizes of drinks are very good and prices are fair. I sat at a table but had to go up to the bar and wait just a little bit for the bartender to show up to order my drinks and go back up and pay for them. Not sure if the table serve or that's normal. I would not describe the drinks as well made, handcrafted and certainly not well balanced. I always try the mai tai first to judge the quality of how they approach tiki drinks. Instead of using almond syrup known as orgeat, seemed like they were using simple syrup so my Mai Tai tasted very heavily of simple syrup and the rum came out tasting like tequila. We also tried the tiger fucker. Pretty unbalanced with what seemed like a lot of grenadine, the jalapeno flavor and just gasoline with alcohol. I'm willing to try another visit or two and sample some more drinks. The tables were not cleaned off and we're sticky and the menus look over used, worn and again we're sticky. The place did not feel very clean. If I'm in the area again I'll give it another try but I really wasn't impressed at my first visit on a Sunday late afternoon early evening with just a few patrons in the bar. I want to like this place but it didn't measure up on this visit. Didn't notice that they offer food here so zero stars for that, service was friendly so 4 stars and the drinks 3 stars for being harsh and unbalanced.

Heather H

Google

Super fun time! We stopped in at about 11p after a comedy show a few blocks away. My husband is a tiki fan without being one of those over-researched fanboys, so I’m not going to try to argue with anyone whether or not this fits the bill there. I will say that the drinks were delicious, the bartender was nice and helpful, and we didn’t have to wait 45min post-order for our drinks like we did at Latitude 29 in New Orleans. We don’t venture to downtown Orlando much, but when we do, we will return here.

john smith

Google

Amazing atmosphere. Very fun sippy stuff. Literally took us out of Orlando and put us on Hawaii. Kudos on all levels.

James Pennock

Google

Cocktails are amazing. Ambiance is spot on. Bar tender was attentive and the patronage was friendly. Love this place and plan on returning soon. —— update 8/17 ——- Just wanted to update my review to say how awesome this place is. I’m addicted to their drinks. I’ve been coming every Sunday and the bartender, the patrons, and the drinks are beyond exceptional.

Ben Nevins

Google

The atmosphere here is fantastic. The theme is so well executed and the location by the lake makes it a perfect spot to bring friends and family. I’ve visited many times and always appreciate the vibe. However, the service is consistently disappointing. On average, I wait about 30 minutes for a drink which is far too long. On my most recent visit my group waited over 30 minutes for just three drinks and there were only a few patrons in the bar. The bartender spent most of the time chatting with a patron and coworkers instead of focusing on service which was frustrating enough that we considered leaving. Additionally, cleanliness seems to be an issue. We sat at a table that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in a while with white globs and spills all over it. Most of the tables looked similarly dirty. The bartender or coworkers didn’t offer to wipe it down. While I love the location and atmosphere the slow service and lack of attention to cleanliness make it hard to recommend.

Christopher Orsini

Google

This is such a cool Tiki bar!!! The drinks are on point, music is on point, bartender is on point and decor is on point. Well worth the visit!

Joya Sampson

Google

Duncan IS really a great bar tender. I actually ended up going back there the next night! i expressed that the customer service i received both nights was absolutely outstanding. The drink i was recommended was also really good, and I’ll definitely be coming back into town again!

Austin B.

Yelp

A truly exceptional Tiki Bar located in the heart of downtown Orlando right next to Lake Eola. From the second I stepped foot in this place I did not want to leave and that tells me for one how amazing the place is going to be when it came to both the drinks and the service I can say that I was absolutely Head Over Heels about my entire experience aside from a little hiccup right when me and a few other people got there. The bar opened at 4:00 and when I went in, the bartender looked at me and the other customers as if we were nuts for getting here right when the doors opened. He acknowledged us but then didn't do anything for at least another 10 minutes so we all kind of sat around waiting for him to give us menus. Once I got my menu I decided to get the zombie and let me say this drink was truly exceptional! The zombie is a drink that once you have two of, you will not be walking out of the bar straight whatsoever. It even says right on their menu that this is one of their strongest drinks and let me say they are right. For the price tag at $13 you get a drink that is basically no mixer which is something that I love to see when it comes to mixed drinks. The flavor of this was truly exceptional and the fresh lime and Bitters mixed beautifully with the Blackwell Jamaican and Hamilton 151 that they put in this. The tiki mug it was given to me and looked like a zombie and looked like it had brains on top. I absolutely loved the flavor and despite there being a lot of ice in it, it felt like I was drinking this thing for a very long time. The entire Ambiance of this place is amazing and basically made me forget that I wasn't in the middle of orlando. They have a very pretty fish tank with some awesome black light looking fish swimming around and windows that look like screens so it makes it look like I am truly on an island! Without a doubt one of the best bars in Orlando and I will 100% be coming back when I'm in the area again.

Aimee B.

Yelp

Lots of character in this small space with some super friendly bartenders. They were busy, but we were greeted right away and had time to review the menu while waiting for the bartender. I decided to go with the Aku Aku which was a good balance of flavor and strength. I enjoyed the drink. It was getting late so I only tried one drink, but looking forward to coming back to try some other drinks that caught my eye.

Ralph E.

Yelp

Super cute place that may be small on square footage but big on decor, theming and atmosphere. You can spend a good deal of time scanning the shelves looking at everything or just staring at the fish in the aquarium. Staff was friendly which was appreciated since it was pretty busy for a Thursday night and there were only 2 bartenders working. They have a variety of drinks that each come in different styled mugs and glasses. Since they are celebrating their 10th anniversary they have a selection of fun mugs you can purchase and take home.

Elsa S.

Yelp

Quick drop in. Cute place. Good atmosphere and great service. You can absolutely tell the bar tender loves his job! I had the Mai Tai which really hit the spot! If I was an Orlando local, I would definitely be a regular!

Rachel G.

Yelp

It's alright. People are okay and the drinks are average. The decor is was very busy but it gave something for you to look at it. I'm from Hawaii and it did not remind me of home. We ordered two mai tais and they were super sweet packed full of rum. It wasn't so enjoyable to sip on. Restrooms are awful.

Nino R.

Yelp

I love this place. The Aku Aku and War God are highly recommended if you're a first time visitor. You can trust me on this. I'm a tikiphile so I'm somewhere between a fanboy and an expert when it comes to all things tiki. The decor and ambiance are top rated. You're not in Orlando once you step foot inside. You're somewhere in Polynesia. And the vibe is good. Bamboo is the name of the game. And never order a drink if it doesn't have pineapple or coconut in it. Good luck with street parking though. That's not the tiki way...

Joseph H.

Yelp

SERVICE: 5 FOOD QUALITY: N/A DRINK QUALITY: 5 ORDER TIME: 5 AESTHETICS: 5 NOISE LEVEL: 5 MENU SELECTION: 5 OVERALL EXPERIENCE: 5 After moving here from Michigan we decided to take an evening stroll around Lake Eola. We love tiki bars and noticed this one in the corner of our eye so we decided to take a look. The place was packed because there was a small flea market with a DJ, and pop up stands, outside the doors, in the street. They even had a pop up tiki stand for drinks to go. The inside meets the tiki standards for decor, but it's a smaller tiki bar that only had 1 bartender for the evening. The bartender, inside, told us that the tables had been rotating quickly and if we wanted to wait it shouldn't take long to get a table. We definitely wanted to be inside because we love drinking from the tiki cups. He was spot on and it took about 5 mins to swoop a spot at the bar. I ordered the monkey business, and Blue Wahine. Both absolutely superb and mixed perfectly! The monkey business was my favorite, and the little monkeys swinging from it were the perfect addition to the cup. They have an amazing menu because it has lots of options, but more importantly they have lots of tropical drinks with coconut and banana. A lot of tiki places I go to lately have been making all their drinks with spices. Overall, this tiki bar is small, and intimate with drinks that will have you wanting more. We had a great time, and by far, the best tiki drinks we have had in Orlando since moving here. Don't miss out if you're in the downtown area, and desiring something fruity and delicious.

Veronica C.

Yelp

This little bar is so cute and the bartenders are so friendly! It's right next to Lake Eola and has more of a laid back vibe.The drinks are tropical themed and pretty good.

Christopher W.

Yelp

A legend in Orlando and a great vibe! If you're ever by Lake Eola, you should try this spot. You can't go wrong!

Lynette R.

Yelp

Amazing service drinks take you back to a magical place on a tropical island. My ties are amazing, but be ready to really feel them. Try several drinks they offer them in a variety of cups and taste really good! Some are sweeter than others but overall it's a great

Alicia J.

Yelp

This is an overlooked gem in downtown Orlando! Aku Aku is an intimate tiki bar with an amazing 1960's island vibes atmosphere, right down to the bamboo and thatch. Shelves of trinkets and lights adorn the wall behind the bar. This is definitely a place to come by if you want to enjoy delicious cocktails in a relaxing setting. Of course I had to I try the Aku Aku (dark rum, pineapple, mango, fresh lime, mint); and the Saturn (London dry gin, fresh lemon, passion fruit, house orgeat). Their menu is full of fun cocktails, and I'll surely be back! Such a great place!

Amy K.

Yelp

This was a recommendation from one of our bartenders at Soco after leaving brunch and it's now turned into a spot that I can't wait to visit when in Downtown Orlando. This place has such cool tiki-bar vibes! Think tiki-style furniture, surf boards, Hawaiian lights, dim lighting, etc. overall just really cool atmosphere. This is not the place to visit if you're wanting high lighting and quality photos, as the lighting in here just does not permit it, there are no windows! The staff really knows what they're doing when it comes to balanced, well thought out drinks. The drinks are unique, crafted, and aren't as sweet as you'd think for tiki-bar inspired drinks. My absolute favorite is the Aku-Aku, with dark rum, pineapple, mango, and mint. It comes served in a cool tiki-man style cup, which I've heard you can actually purchase some of these cups. We've frequented the tiki-bars at the Polynesian Resort and honestly, the drinks are better (dare I say it?!) and way more affordable. If you're looking to have a cool tiki-bar experience and overall great drinks - this is the place!

Amanda D.

Yelp

Wow! I am pleasantly surprised by how much I loved this bar. If you're wondering how good a tiki bar in downtown Orlando could be, you're not alone. I didn't have high expectations either. I walked in on Friday night after dinner and immediately thought "ok now this place is a vibe." The decor is 10/10. It's retro tropical with a slight hint of gothic. The walls are eccentric and full of really interesting pieces. The drinks though. If you're looking for true tiki drinks like an actual Hemingway daiquiri and not the frozen, syrupy shit they serve at tourist traps, then this is your place. They use all fresh ingredients with a unique variety of Caribbean rums to create delicious, strong tiki drinks. Omg and the drinkware they use is adorable. They're also pet friendly which is a plus in my book. Drinks are also very reasonably priced. Our two drinks were only like $23 after tax. I honestly can't wait to come back here again. I never give bars a 5-star rating but this one absolutely deserves it. I'd even give them 6 stars if I could

Marissa M.

Yelp

This is a very cool bar the vibe is very tiki. The music is a nice chill reggae fitting the theme thoroughly. I loved the decor. The service was fantastic and fast. The drinks were delicious we all got the Bali hai! Loved this place will be coming back for sure a nice chill laid back vibe!

Erika B.

Yelp

What a wonderful surprise this was! The decor and ambience are retro tiki. If you like tiki, you will love the vibe here. According to their website, Aku Aku is a tribute to the original which was located in Vegas in the 1960s. We enjoyed our cocktails, and left with way too many mugs, as well as a couple of cute t-shirts! Sitting at the bar was a fun experience, and our bartender was friendly (too bad I didn't get her name). We finished with their version of a daiquiri called a "snackquiri"--which is a smaller size daiquiri, but they have 3 variations. The one I had includes Dr. Bird rum for that funkier flavor, and I loved it. I'd recommend stopping in here if you like tropical vibes and tiki cocktails.

Kerry B.

Yelp

Aku Aku Tki Bar... home of the TIGER F-ER. Really cool Hawaiian decor. Lots of specialty drinks. And a whole lot of character. The service here is decent, but what this place lacks in servers' energy, makes up in the quality of the unique cocktails. So far I've had the Tiger F-er and the Coconut drink. Both were exceptional. Can't wait until my next adventure here. Aloha!!!

Katherine S.

Yelp

One of my favorite places for strong rum drinks and a laid-back atmosphere. Love the bartenders and the crowd (usually).

Kenzie A.

Yelp

These cocktails are dangerous!!! They should come with a warning sign! They go down so smooth but they're so strong. Don't even think about trying a bowl without a DD (seriously, even if you're sharing a bowl!). I love this spot. It's tiny, and there isn't a lot of seating, but I love the variety of seating - you can sit at the bar, at a table, or on comfy couches or chairs. The ambience is fun with multicolored string lights and tiki style decor. An Orlando gem

Roger G.

Yelp

Is there a rating for more than 5 stars? A fantastic tiki bar. It's ironic that a tiki bar, the very concept of which is based in tropical fantasy can be the most authentic place I experienced in Orlando. This has plenty of tiki decor and amazing drinks but still manages to keep the vibe of a local neighborhood hang out. The drinks are legit, among the top tier of tiki drinks I have had, but with no pretense that you get from some of the modern craft cocktail bars that have recently rediscovered tiki. My partner and I were there for two nights and were immediately welcomed by other patrons. Had great conversations for hours and were welcomed by locals and other travelers alike. Our bartender Lindsey was amazing, simultaneously mixing the fantastic drinks and orchestrating the vibe. I can't rate her highly enough. An absolutely wonderful experience that was well worth the trip to Orlando.

Carlos H.

Yelp

Chill bar environment and craft cocktails. Love the lo-fi music playing here and the tiki drink, enjoyed a Mai Tai tonight and my guest enjoyed a Margarita even though it's not on the main menu, still good. Friendly bartender and all my experiences in the past were similar to this one. Recommend to anyone who loves a good drink and in a relaxing environment.

Mari R.

Yelp

A great little hidden gem downtown, walked in after checking out Friday nights vendors and found beautiful Katie outside. Had out first round of drinks with her, she was super sweet and informative on what to expect inside. We checked it out and the vibe is so chill! Peter is amazing and pixie so nice! Will definitely be beck next Friday!

Connie H.

Yelp

I love a good tiki bar, and my friend recommended this and Trader Sam's at the Polynesian. Fortunately, this one is in a more convenient location and the one I actually went to during my visit. Loves: + We appreciate a good and strong (!!!) drink + Some drinks come with pageantry which is always a plus + Great prices + Spacious and clean + Nice bartenders When I came it was pretty slow actually, not sure if that was due to the time or due to the night. Nonetheless, I still had a good time and I can only imagine this place being LIT once it is packed, with all the seating and strong cocktails. :)

Susan H.

Yelp

This bar is awesome!! We were served chill vibes, fast and kind service, and delicious beverages. 10/10 would do again! We especially love the traditional tiki drinks in combination with the new and innovative drinks from the bar can't wait to come back!

Nathaniel L.

Yelp

"Alright, alright, alright" by far the best tiki spot in Orlando... super chill vibe with craft cocktails. Nothing is better than a good bartender (not an ugly bartender that makes shitty drinks). If you're into dudes, then ask for "Duncan" (he looks like Mulan Man Bun), or "Peter Man" (he looks like Harry Connick, JR) ... the owner clearly has good hiring skills. Nobody likes going to a bar when the bartenders suck. The female bartenders run the show with their friendly winks and smiles: (Pixie, Taylor, Lorena).

Sophie A.

Yelp

My family and I love Aku Aku! They have phenomenal drinks and the bartenders are always amazing! My boyfriend and I are love Tiki and the ambience of Aku Aku is perfect!

Greg F.

Yelp

Nice tiki bar. The drinks were good and strong. The bartender knew his craft and was very clean. Never touched our straws or fruit garnish. It could use tables, it is cramped. Nice spot hidden away but easy to get to.

Kaylee N.

Yelp

Such a cool place! Located right off of Lake Eola- inside of MMA Parkside. I found this online when searching for "Orlando Happy Hours." Sadly they don't have happy hour, but I was highly impressed with this whole experience! It reminds me of Trader Sam's- but downtown Orlando. All of the drinks are themed- and strong! Great scenery for drinks and photos. The staff was really friendly, too. I will definitely be returning when visiting the downtown area.

Heather W.

Yelp

Perfect Sunday afternoon stop after a light brunch on Lake Eola. Creative cocktails and fun ambiance for the area. I enjoyed the space as it wasn't crowded on a Sunday afternoon and the a/c was much needed after walking around on a Sunday. Ask for the Tiger F drink if you want something with a kick. It's not on the menu, but definitely worth a try at least once.

Blake S.

Yelp

Was with husband on a work trip and tried this spot. we loved it! Can't wait to make a trip back out :)

Brooke H.

Yelp

If you're in the Downtown Orlando area and are looking for a unique intimate bar, this is the place. Total island 60s vibes with great crafty drinks. (not pictured) I recommend the tiger f*****. They light it on fire and it's very spicy!

Roxana V.

Yelp

Fun bar! Tiny little hole in the wall with incredible drinks! Lots of different combinations and even some hidden drinks too! (TIGER DUCKER but with an F). We went a little earlier, around 7:30, and there was one bartender. She was speedy, but a big crowd of about ten people arrived, so we had to wait a bit. Worth it. The drinks we ordered were tasty. I ordered Blackbeard's ghost, and my boyfriend ordered the tiger ducker drink. For me, Blackbeard's ghost was a tad sweet. It comes with a tiny bottle of rum on top, for when I poured it into the drink, it cut the sweetness some. My boyfriend thinks the tiger ducker was nothing special. It's popular among the younger crowds to get drunk fast because it comes in a large glass. Blackbeard's ghost - Flor de Cana 4yr, Blackwell Jamaican, Hamilton 151, Apricot, Fresh Lemon, Guava, House Orgeat Tiger ducker- vodka, homemade jalapeno-blackberry syrup, passion fruit juice I will be returning to try a couple more of their drinks. I would highly recommend it.

Lauren B.

Yelp

Husband and I's favorite bar. We go weekly and it's always consistently good, Duncan is are usual bartender. He's a great bartender and a very kind and personable person. Love the ambiance and the drinks

Joey D.

Yelp

Boozy drinks, friendly bartenders and no loud obnoxious drunks ruining your vibe. Kick back, relax and imbibe the vibe of the islands in this thorton park mainstay. Their menu is very standard tiki fair, including their house special tiger f*cker, but don't be shy to ask the bartenders to craft you something. They are all mixologists in their own right and can build you something exotic with the many tropical flavors on hand. Just be warned, as a tiki bar, they are super rum heavy. If you're looking for a high end vodka, you may want to look elsewhere...like down the stairs.

Ginger L.

Yelp

Aku Aku went all out on theme and it worked (almost perfectly). I do lowkey wish it was a little more "off the radar" it would be more mysterious and hidden if they didn't have giant tent out front with the logo. The best things about this bar is that the menu shows an image of the drink i the fun tiki glass it comes in. Just me? Maybe that is something that only I get excited about, but when you're going for aesthetics this does make a difference. Just about every specialty drink is a full on tiki drink, sooo a lot of rum, and not much else. If you love rum, you're going to LOVE this place. It's also super dog friendly, as in bring your pups in and let them sit on the sofa with you like it's your own home. The off the menu shot the Tiger Fker is a fun little number, rum, pineapple? and other mysterious liquids. I am not sure if it's all that tasty or just a fun experience. I am leaning towards the latter. You're gunna spend a lot of dollars here, and so it's probably not the place to end your night.

Mason P.

Yelp

What a wonderful hidden gem in Orlando! This little cocktail bar was one of my favorite spots on our trip! They have fun cocktails with great garnishes and glasses. The mixologists are true professionals that understand tiki flavors. The decor is immersive and makes you feel like you walked right off the beach in Hawaii. Prices are fair and you get your money's worth of liquor. Definitely recommend!

Emily S.

Yelp

This is a very small tiki bar with great atmosphere. The drinks are pricey, but I got a buzz off one so there is some bang for your buck. The drink I got tasted really good. Some of the drinks have a 2 drink limit (that shows you how powerful they are!). I'll definitely be back when I'm im Orlando.

Erick S.

Yelp

Aku Aku is a tiki bar classic for Orlando, FL. Drinks are all heavy on the rum. Be cautious! Those sweet fruit juices taste of tropical delight with a slight undercurrent of rums. The only down side is that they do not sell any tiki mugs-ceramic. They need to sell these at the bar. I would totally be buying. Nevertheless I will come back again and again for the escapism this hidden gem offers.

Jessica F.

Yelp

One of my favorite places to get a fun cocktail. When you step into this tiny lounge, you are transported to vacay mode in adorably campy paradise. They have a drink cart outside on Sundays during the farmers market, but I prefer to go inside to get my fiery tiger f*cker.

Sonita J.

Yelp

I had been wanting to come to this little spot for a while. I really love a good themed bar and saw nifty pictures on yelp. Upon entrance, I was delighted with the decor. It was something to see everywhere you looked. A true tiki bar filled with beautiful art, paintings of Polynesian beauties, coconut carvings, Tikis, and more. There was a nice wooden bar and a big wall of shelves behind it lined with bottles and crammed with more Polynesian nick-nacks. I had a full Manchu drink which was kind of a twist on a Moscow mule. I really enjoyed it. I really like the vibe in this place but one thing they have to work on is Maybe giving it a good wipe down.Every drink menu that I touched was absolutely sticky and my feet stuck to the floor as well. The bathroom was a little bit in need of attention too.

Melissa G.

Yelp

Well made tiki drinks! We got there just as they opened. We both loved our drink. The place has cool decor and the service was pleasant.

Blake C.

Yelp

Seemed like a really cool place I love tiki cocktails and so many people mess it up I was really hoping for a good experience regretfully I sat at the bar for 15 mins with 5 max guests in the building and was completely ignored while several employees worked around me avoiding eye contact like I might actually want to order a drink or something some dude in all denim with a ponytail passed me 4 times not as much as a hi have you been helped itnsucks that good places are muched up by absolute garbage service boooooo

Eddie P.

Yelp

This is a nice place right by lake eola. I came here to grab a drink and was told by the bartender to give him 5min and he will be with us. Well about 15-20 min went by and he still did not look in our direction. He was talking to another table so I left. Ill try again another time but they were not even that busy.

Tyler D.

Yelp

This place was a very fun after-dinner stop for a beverage before heading back to the hotel. My partner and I have always enjoyed tiki bars, and this bar was no exception. The decor is very nice, the setting is pretty comfortable, and the beverages were tasty. Considering that this is JUST a bar, it didn't bother me one bit that there weren't any mocktail options on the menu and the bartender was very kind in preparing a non-alcoholic option. What this bar seems to be missing in regards to other tiki bars we've enjoyed across the country is the same sort of friendly intimacy between the bartenders/servers. I believe they only had the two bartenders working (and they were BUSY), so I don't fault the two that were there for not making rounds to the tables, but usually we enjoy that sort of laid back tiki feel of someone serving the tables instead of having to awkwardly line up behind guests seated at the bar to place a drink order. I'd totally recommend this place for anyone looking to grab a few tropical beverages to start or end an evening, though! It's very fun.

Ryan F.

Yelp

Ended our Sunday night at Aku Aku Tiki Bar. If you adjust your expectations and come in looking for fun, this bar can be a very good time. Though more frequent clean-up could really improve things. Quality: Aku Aku Tiki Bar is a kitschy spot, which prioritizes style over substance. This is not the spot you should expect a stellar cocktail, it is a dive bar with a theme, and it is a pretty easy to enjoy theme. During our visit we tried two cocktails, each served in a unique cup. First was Monkey Business, with pineapple rum, coconut, banana, and pineapple juice. Maybe a little heavy handed on the banana, but a perfect sweet fruity tropical drink, served in a monkey-shaped tiki cup. Next was Coconut Cocktail, with spiced rum, coconut, pineapple, and bitters. Very close to a pina colada, and served in a coconut shaped cup. Not drinks that will amaze you, but ones that can be part of an amusing evening. Quantity: Gimmicky drinks that are high in sugar and light on alcohol. There may be some hidden heavy hitters on the menu, but it certainly wasn't the batch we tried. Value: $10-$16 for the Specialty Cocktails. Ambiance: Aku Aku Tiki Bar is located a little east of Downtown Orlando. From the outside nothing stands out about the bar, you would probably think it is a typical dive bar. And that is what it is, except someone went overboard on tropical decorations. Fake straw huts are build on the walls, tikis can be found in every direction, leis and pineapples fill empty spaces, and Hawaiian music plays in the background. They also have some absolutely absurd paintings on the wall, hulu dancer lamps, and every drink order adds additional decor to the space because of the unique cups they are served in. They went all in and it is very very fun. Crowd: It is not a big space, but nearly every seat was filled. This is a bar that gets rowdy, which is surprising considering the drinks don't seem very strong. I do think this is a popular last stop on a night out drinking. Service: One slightly inebriated bartender taking care of the crowd, but it did not really impact the speed of drink preparation or the quality. It also appeared like this was a pretty standard situation. The bigger issue to me is no one was there to wipe down the gross sticky mess left behind from these sugary beverages, which brings up bigger questions of cleanliness. Parking: A short walk to find street parking.

Jordy M.

Yelp

What service?? Lol wasn't even a little busy and got straight up ignored by the bartenders

Matthew W.

Yelp

First time here, had to get the famous Tiger f*cker. Honestly, I enjoyed the gimmicky-ness of it being lit on fire more than the actual drink. My buddy really enjoyed it, but I wasn't big on the spicy-ness of it. But hey, had to try it and no regrets! The place is real small, but cool, love the tiki bar vibe. Definitely would go back but will pick a different drink next time.

Klea J.

Yelp

Pretty good vibe for late afternoon drinks midweek. Bartender was really chill, offered the Tiger F*cker and was quite a surprise! Spicy kick! Very thematic little spot. Drinks are a variety of flavors. Strong mixed and fruity notes. Would be a spot to stop by and grab a drink but probably not stay long.

Steve A.

Yelp

This is Orlando's best real tiki bar, with an excellent selection of rums, and a nice variety of traditional and modern tiki drinks. The Sunday bartender, Eric, is particularly passionate about all things tiki, and can give you an amazing guided tour of the science of making a great tiki cocktail. The intimate size and eclectic historic tiki decor make this a very cool place for tiki aficionados to hang out and experience the real thing.

Eric S.

Yelp

It's a small space with overpriced drinks and unfriendly staff. The people who work here act like they lost the lottery in life and they know it. It's mostly a hangout spot for other unhappy service staff to hang out after they finish their shift and tourists who don't know the reputation to swing by for a one and done because of the theme. People around the neighborhood openly warn people of how bitter, cliquey and petty this bar and its regulars are. If you want a $16 drink made spitefully by an aging bartender stuck in a high school mentality with an inferiority complex who didn't have the courage or ability to go after their dreams and takes it out on everyone else, Aku Aku is the place for you. If you close your eyes, you can actually taste the misery and self-hatred that goes into each and every drink.

Yani O.

Yelp

I went to this cute tiki bar in downtown Orlando to have my first cocktail of 2022. It was small, cozy with lots of great art and decor throughout the bar. Next to the bar was this nice blue glowing fish tank setting the tone for a laidback chill night. I reviewed the menu and everything sounded amazing, so I was having a bit of a hard time figuring out what to pick. The bartender asked what I liked, I said whiskey and he immediately said "I got you!" Love the enthusiasm. I asked if he was going off menu for me and he nodded with a smile. Moments later he placed a beautiful drink in front of me and described it as a tropical whiskey sour...CHA-CHING! Little did he know I love whiskey sours so I was thrilled to try this one. Before I could even finish my first sip I knew I'd hit the jackpot. It was perfect, refreshing, with a fabulous blend of sweetness and tartness. I would certainly come back here and definitely recommend you try this tiki bar out.

@eater

390,870 Postcards · 10,986 Cities

Orlando’s 18 Best Cocktail Bars | Eater Miami

https://miami.eater.com/maps/best-orlando-cocktail-bars

Aku Aku Tiki Bar

@eater

390,870 Postcards · 10,986 Cities

Orlando’s 18 Essential Cocktail Bars

https://miami.eater.com/maps/best-orlando-cocktail-bars-guide-map

Aku Aku Tiki Bar

@cntraveler

40,925 Postcards · 5,494 Cities

15 Best Bars in Orlando, Florida | Condé Nast Traveler

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-bars-in-orlando-florida

Tina Sargeant

Aku Aku Tiki Bar

Francisco Javier Perez Herrera

Google

Tom Delgrosso

Google

Heather H

Google

john smith

Google

Amazing atmosphere. Very fun sippy stuff. Literally took us out of Orlando and put us on Hawaii. Kudos on all levels.

James Pennock

Google

Ben Nevins

Google

Christopher Orsini

Google

This is such a cool Tiki bar!!! The drinks are on point, music is on point, bartender is on point and decor is on point. Well worth the visit!

Joya Sampson

Google

Austin B.

Yelp

Aimee B.

Yelp

Ralph E.

Yelp

Elsa S.

Yelp

Rachel G.

Yelp

Nino R.

Yelp

Joseph H.

Yelp

Veronica C.

Yelp

This little bar is so cute and the bartenders are so friendly! It's right next to Lake Eola and has more of a laid back vibe.The drinks are tropical themed and pretty good.

Christopher W.

Yelp

A legend in Orlando and a great vibe! If you're ever by Lake Eola, you should try this spot. You can't go wrong!

Lynette R.

Yelp

Alicia J.

Yelp

Amy K.

Yelp

Amanda D.

Yelp

Marissa M.

Yelp

Erika B.

Yelp

Kerry B.

Yelp

Katherine S.

Yelp

One of my favorite places for strong rum drinks and a laid-back atmosphere. Love the bartenders and the crowd (usually).

Kenzie A.

Yelp

Roger G.

Yelp

Carlos H.

Yelp

Mari R.

Yelp

Connie H.

Yelp

Susan H.

Yelp

Nathaniel L.

Yelp

Sophie A.

Yelp

My family and I love Aku Aku! They have phenomenal drinks and the bartenders are always amazing! My boyfriend and I are love Tiki and the ambience of Aku Aku is perfect!

Greg F.

Yelp

Kaylee N.

Yelp

Heather W.

Yelp

Blake S.

Yelp

Was with husband on a work trip and tried this spot. we loved it! Can't wait to make a trip back out :)

Brooke H.

Yelp

Roxana V.

Yelp

Lauren B.

Yelp

Joey D.

Yelp

Ginger L.

Yelp

Mason P.

Yelp

Emily S.

Yelp

Erick S.

Yelp

Jessica F.

Yelp

Sonita J.

Yelp

Melissa G.

Yelp

Well made tiki drinks! We got there just as they opened. We both loved our drink. The place has cool decor and the service was pleasant.

Blake C.

Yelp

Eddie P.

Yelp

Tyler D.

Yelp

Ryan F.

Yelp

Jordy M.

Yelp

What service?? Lol wasn't even a little busy and got straight up ignored by the bartenders

Matthew W.

Yelp

Klea J.

Yelp

Steve A.

Yelp

Eric S.

Yelp

Yani O.

Yelp

Aku Aku Tiki Bar

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Orlando’s 18 Best Cocktail Bars | Eater Miami

Orlando’s 18 Essential Cocktail Bars

15 Best Bars in Orlando, Florida | Condé Nast Traveler

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Orlando’s 18 Best Cocktail Bars | Eater Miami

Orlando’s 18 Essential Cocktail Bars

15 Best Bars in Orlando, Florida | Condé Nast Traveler