Philadelphia, PA - Labor Day passing is the official sign of the end of summer, but luckily a short trip to Midtown Village can help us all forget that. Opening this July 4th weekend, Tiki Philly has graced 13th street as a 2 story tropical oasis. Run by Jason Evenchik (Vintage, Time, Bar, Garage and Heritage) and Tim Heuisler, a longtime manager at Time, this bar offers customers rooftop seating and a unique dining experience, complete with paper umbrellas of course.
Tiki Philly in Midtown Village Closing Permanently
Both upstairs and downstairs of this restaurant have been transformed with bright colors, bamboo, rattan, carvings, surfboards, and tiki masks. This decor was actually collected through the garage collections of friends. Heuisler’s childhood friend Richard Pastor, painted the bright and bold mural behind the wall of the first-floor bar, as well as created stencils of surfers to etch on the glass of the mirrors that line the left wall as you enter the restaurant. When you walk in you’ll also be greeted by beautiful white marble stairs leading to the second floor and roof deck adorned with bamboo. There are televisions, bars, and seating on both floors.
The bar offers a variety of Tiki drinks, wine, beers, and a menu of Pan-Asian bites, all easily eaten with the use of chopsticks or fingers. We absolutely loved the flavor of the Barbecue Pork Bao Buns. These are a must-order with pork belly, pickled mustard greens, cilantro, and peanuts. The King Oyster Mushroom Bao Buns are a great vegetarian option as well.
One of the most killer drinks is the Zombie, made with Captain Morgan white, Smith & Cross, Meyers dark peach brandy, 151, pineapple, papaya, and grenadine. Be warned this drink might knock you to the floor, but it tastes so delicious. As a classic, we also enjoyed the Mai Tai.
If you’re looking for a sweeter drink we’d recommend The Pineapple Crush with Faber vodka, Creme de Cacao, banana rum, lime, and pineapple. You might be tempted into ordering the Punching Nemo,with Meyers dark, brandy, peach brandy, luxardo, ginger green tea reduction, and lemon or the California Gurls, made with Cruzan banana & white rums, coconut milk, and pineapple juice just because of their catchy crazy cocktail names. Tequila lovers rejoice in the Rooftop Tikila with reposado, lime, brown sugar syrup, and ginger beer.
For something a bit milder and refreshing we’d suggest The BL Smooth, with Jaber gin, lemon, sugar, and Bud Light Lime, this is a great cocktail for beer drinkers. If you’re more inclined to a beer, they’ve got you covered with Captain Lawrence Grapefruit IPA, 21st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon, Ballast Point Longfin Lager, Anderson Valley Briney Melon Gose, Firestone Walker Pivo Pils, Founders All Day IPA, Rivertowne Hala Kahiki Pineapple, and more.
Look for more special cocktails coming this fall like the Rum Toronto. When you’re drinking like a fish its always good to nibble on their Beef or Chicken Satay served in a cute red rowboat with curry sauce for dipping. We also really enjoy the light and fresh flavors of the Spicy Beef Summer Rolls which are gluten-free wrapped in rice paper with vermicelli, peanuts, thai basil, and chili lime sauce. The Green Papaya Salad is also a great option for the health conscious diner. Tiki is also serving Steam Shrimp Dumplings and Fried Pork Dumplings.
Stop by Tiki for Happy Hour Monday-Friday 5-7 pm and Sunday 10pm- close. Deals include $3 Dumplings and the Green Papaya Salad. The BL Smooth is half-price and $3 cans of Miller High Life and Founders All Day IPA. Tiki is now open everyday from 5pm – 2 am, they allow reservations for parties of 12 or more. Private party bookings can accommodate 20-100 people. So what are you waiting for? It’s a much shorter trip here than to any tropical island!
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A Bar Named "Tiki" to Open in Midtown Village
