Tiki bars, with their island decor and large tropical cocktails, have been an American favorite for decades. They are often found far from the Pacific Islands they seek to evoke, even in the nearly land-locked state of Pennsylvania. From Pittsburgh to Scranton, local establishments indulge patrons in this small escape from reality.
The Tiki Lounge is located in the thick of Pittsburgh's nightlife on the south side of town. The interior is in a style reminiscent of the tiki bars of the 1950s and 1960s, with paper lanterns and island masks covering the walls. An array of tropical cocktails, from the simple "Coconut Kiss" to the massive 40-ounce "Volcano," are served in specialty mugs designed for each drink. The Tiki Lounge has a pool table and a jukebox and, on weekends, features a live DJ. The bar is open until 2 a.m. every night of the week.
Tiki Lounge
2003 East Carson St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
412-381-8454
tikilounge.biz
Coconut Joe's is part of the large "Boardwalk Complex" along the shore of the Great Lakes in Erie, Pennsylvania. The venue consists of a large bar surrounded by cabana huts and space for mingling. There's also a large stage for live music performances. Aside from the assortment of cocktails, Coconut Joe's serves up such American eats as Philly cheesesteaks, smokehouse burgers and pizzas. The bar is open until 2 a.m. every night, and on Fridays, offers a happy hour starting at 4 p.m.
Coconut Joe's
28 North Park Row
Erie, PA 16501
814-455-4705
boardwalkcomplex.com
The Tiki Bar is located between Philadelphia and Bethlehem, in Schwenksville, Pennsylvania. The bar is actually part of the Spring Mountain complex, which is home to various outdoor activities throughout the year. Visitors come to ski and snowboard in the winter and to rock climb and ride zip cords in the summer. The Tiki Bar has the feel of an outdoor dinner party. It offers, along with cocktails and beer, a number of entrees, mostly grilled, including ribs, seafood and steaks. The Tiki Bar is open only in the summer months (from May to September), but during that time until midnight seven days a week.
The Tiki Bar
727 Spring Mount Road
Schwenksville, PA 19478
610-287-3233
tikibarpa.com
Not to be confused with the hotel, the Tiki Bar at the Waldorf is part of the German-American Club at Waldorf Park in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Construction of the park was finished in 1939, and the purpose of the venue "is to promote good fellowship with a variety of social activities." Set up on an outside deck, the Tiki Bar at the Waldorf is a summertime-only feature. The bar serves beer and cocktails along with dinner specials every Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. The space is also available for special events and parties.
Waldorf Park GAF
13 Waldorf Lane
Scranton, PA 18505
570-348-2285
waldorfparktiki.com
