The Northwest might be famous for its rugged coastlines and misty forests, but tucked away where you least expect it are tropical hideaways that bring on the island vibes. When I want to trade in my rain umbrella for a cocktail umbrella, I know where to find the perfect antidote to gray skies (and the best way to celebrate the sunshine!). Tiki bars and island escapes dish up an experience that makes you feel like you’ve landed in a tropical paradise.
If you’re yearning for the island flavors of a perfect mai tai or the relaxed vibe of a bamboo palapa hut, check out this guide for a slice of paradise without the plane ticket.
The Best Tropical Escapes and Tiki Bars in the Northwest
Photo by The Puffin Cafe
The Puffin Cafe
14 S. A Street, Washougal, WA 98671
360-335-1522
While Jimmy Buffett croons about Margaritaville, boaters pass by on the river, and you dig into plates of Caribbean-inspired cuisine, you’ll feel like you’ve landed on a sunny island far away.
Puffin’s Cafe is known for its tropical vibes and on-the-water floating restaurant. This gem is a favorite for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy a relaxed meal by the water. The cafe’s menu features Caribbean-inspired dishes, fish and chips, burgers, and refreshing cocktails served in a casual, beachy atmosphere. With colorful outdoor seating and a friendly, welcoming vibe, it’s the perfect spot to unwind while watching boats cruise by. Guests can even arrive by boat and dock right outside for a true waterfront dining experience.
Photo by Wahi Hana
Wahi Hana
1819 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98660
360-360-4656
If you are yearning for umbrella drinks at a tiki bar, you don’t need to go any further than Wahi Hana. While thunder crackles and flashes of lightning illuminate the darkened room, you can sip cocktails with names like Hula Mai and Kanaloa.
Start your trip through the menu with island favorites, like Spam Musubi, Lumpia, and Coconut prawns, or make it a table experience with the Pu Pu Platter. Dinner entrees include a Poke Plate with cube ahi tuna, Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos served with Wahi Hana Mac Salad, or Spam Fried Rice. Don’t forget to try the Wahi Wings, available with five choices of seasoning, and finish it off with your favorite dessert, heavy on the Dole Whip.
Photo by Coral Club Tiki Bar
Coral Club Tiki Bar
106 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98660
360-989-5725
You’ll feel like you’re ducking into a speakeasy when you pass through the Coral Club Tiki Bar’s darkened entry. This recreated tropical oasis in the heart of downtown Vancouver pays homage to the region’s rich tiki heritage offering meticulously hand-crafted exotic cocktails and savory Island fare cuisine. The cocktail menu contains tiki classics as well as a wide assortment of original tiki-inspired and non-tiki options. They offer more than 20 types of rum along with a diverse selection of other libations. All cocktails are hand-measured and mixed by a passionate team of bartenders using fresh juices and the finest ingredients available.
The Coral Club food menu contains a mix of island fare standards as well as new innovations from their talented chefs. Whether you’re visiting for brunch or dinner, our menu is guaranteed to delight the senses. Escape to The Coral Club for dinner six nights a week or enjoy the new brunch menu from 11-3 on Saturdays and Sundays.
Photo by Island Cafe
Island Cafe
250 NE Tomahawk Island Drive, #22, Portland, OR 97217
503-283-0362
Island Cafe is a seasonal escape, but even midsummer diners seek a taste of warmer climes. On Hayden Island, sitting between Portland and it’s across-the-river neighbor, Vancouver, you’ll find something in the water, and it’s the Island Cafe. The floating restaurant opened in 1989 to give boaters and landlubbers alike a little taste of island life. When you stop by, the vibrant atmosphere and fun selection of eats and drinks will quickly transport you from Portland to paradise. The open dining room overlooks the marina and is filled with the aroma of our famous halibut fish and chips, fresh burgers, and more. The fantastic selection of fruit-based cocktails and microbrews is waiting to take you right to that vacation state of mind. When the warm weather hits, the island knows they’re open again for the season. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling by land or by sea, Island Cafe is where you want to be. Check the website to see if they are open for the season.
Photo by Hala Pele
Hale Pele
2733 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232
503-662-8454
Immerse yourself in a tropical adventure and enjoy a robust Tiki experience the way it was meant to be! Hale Pele – “House of the Volcano Goddess” – is a glimmering pearl in Portland’s sea of food & cocktail culture. They proudly feature remarkable classic and contemporary exotic cocktails made with fresh juices, premium spirits, and house-made syrups. The outstanding island-inspired small plates featuring local ingredients will delight and satisfy. And the warm and hospitable staff will ensure your journey to a distant atoll is an unforgettable one.
But be warned, no true Tiki experience is complete without a little danger: listen for the distant thunderstorms growing closer and the fiery volcanic explosions… many surprises await you deep within Hale Pele. For those who are seeking escape, look no further than Hale Pele – mundane worries melt away as you pass through these doors. Should you eventually choose to return to the world outside, you will do so refreshed in mind, body, and spirit!
You don’t need a reservation at Hala Pele; the bar and main floor tables are first come, first served. If you’re interested in visiting as a larger group, the Chieftan’s Hut is a private booth that can be reserved for parties of 8-12.
Photo by Tropicale
Tropicale
2337 NE Glisan St., Portland, OR 97232
530-894-9484
Tropicale is a vibrant cocktail bar and café that brings a sun-soaked, Latin-inspired vibe to the city. Known for its bright, colorful aesthetic, lush greenery, and open-air feel, this lively spot serves up refreshing craft cocktails, house-made aguas frescas, and flavorful Cuban and Caribbean-inspired bites. Whether you’re sipping a perfectly mixed mojito, enjoying a tostada loaded with fresh ingredients, or just soaking in the upbeat atmosphere, Tropicale offers a little escape to paradise—right in the heart of Portland.
Photo by The Alibi Tiki Lounge
The Alibi Tiki Lounge
4024 N. Interstate Ave., Portland, OR 97227
503-287-5335
The Alibi Tiki Lounge is a vibrant and lively spot in Portland, Oregon that combines the tropical vibes of a tiki bar with the fun of karaoke nights and Hawaiian-inspired dishes. Diners can explore a diverse menu with dishes like the Teriyaki Chicken, Kalua Pork, and Fish & Chips, and indulge in delicious flavors and traditional Hawaiian sides like sticky white rice and mac salad. The Weekender Burger is also a popular choice if you’re looking for a hearty sandwich option. The laid-back atmosphere, outdoor seating, and karaoke nights make The Alibi Tiki Lounge a perfect spot for groups looking to unwind and have a good time.
Photo by Dead Man’s Isle
Dead Man’s Isle
1239 Duane St., Astoria, 97102
503-673-8434
When you venture into Dead Mna’s Isle, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to a tropical island and found the long-lost final resting place of the Captain, who is often spotted in the bar searching for a cocktail. This tropical escapism is in the coastal city of Astoria, where you can feel the long history of a mariner’s life.
The menu is a trip through island dining, with springs rolls, Togarashi Tots dipped in housemade gochujang ketchup, and the Hawaiian favorite Loco Moco. And don’t leave without a peek at the drinks menu. You might be tempted to try a Rum Barrel, Zombie, or Mutant Skull.
Photo by R&R Bar
R&R Bar
716 NW 21st Ave., Portland, OR 97209
503-384-2219
Eat, drink, and relax where tiki meets cabana. A cozy and inviting space, R&R is the perfect spot to escape for thoughtfully crafted tropical cocktails, tropical inspired bubbles and wine. Arrive with an appetite and enjoy their famous nachos, tacos and other bites.
Photo by The Tiny Tiki
The Tiny Tiki
307 W. 2nd Ave., Spokane, WA 99201
Nestled in the wide open spaces of Spokane, WA, The Tiny Tiki is a cozy, vibrant cocktail bar that brings the flavors and ambiance of the tropics to the Pacific Northwest. Cozied up in its less-than-500-square-foot space, the bar features textured thatching, woven grass mats, and colorful glass fishing floats retrofitted into light fixtures hanging from the ceiling. The relaxing soundtrack of oldies surf rock, funky mambo beats, and steel drums fills the air, creating a laid-back island vibe. The menu focuses on ice-cold, rum-based cocktails bursting with tropical flavors like coconut and pineapple. The house-made Mai Tai is crafted in three-gallon batches of dark, aged rum, lime juice, orange liqueur, and orgeat syrup, all served from a nitro tap for a creamy, perfectly blended pour. Whether you’re savoring a refreshing Mai Tai or soaking in the cozy island atmosphere, the Tiny Tiki offers an authentic taste of paradise in a truly charming setting.
Photo by The Devil’s Reef
Devil’s Reef
706 Court C, Tacoma, WA 98402
With its moody lighting, nautical and occult-themed décor, and an atmosphere that feels like stepping into an underground hideaway, this bar offers a unique escape in the heart of the city. The menu showcases a variety of rum-based drinks, from classic tiki cocktails to innovative creations, all made with premium spirits and exotic ingredients. For those seeking something more, Devil’s Reef also offers a selection of crafted bites to complement your drink, such as a Tofu Poke Bowl, Black Sails Rice Bowl with the flavors of Portuguese sausage, spam, and furikake, and Musubi with your choice of filling.
Photo by The Monkey’s Paw
The Monkey’s Paw
420 Main St., Springfield, OR
541-505-7975
The Monkey’s Paw Tiki is a hidden gem that transports visitors to an exotic island paradise with its tropical ambiance and expertly crafted cocktails. This cozy tiki bar features a mix of retro décor, including bamboo furniture, tiki mugs, and lush greenery. The menu is packed with rum-based cocktails showcasing bold, tropical flavors like pineapple, coconut, and passion fruit, with classic drinks like the Mai Tai and Zombie alongside creative house specialties. With its laid-back vibe, unique drinks, and friendly service, The Monkey’s Paw Tiki is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a taste of paradise in the pastoral Willamette Valley of Oregon.
