The Golden Tiki

Spirits in Every Sense

When you hear people tell you to explore “off the Strip,” The Golden Tiki is the perfect example of why you should listen. Over my many Vegas trips, we’ve stopped in three times and will absolutely keep going back. For context, outside of the craps table, there isn’t much I’ll revisit in Vegas because there’s just way too much to explore.

Okay, so if you aren’t a spooky connoisseur (how did you end up on this site? lols), you’ll still have an amazing time. This is a globally accepted truth, supported by the 4.5-star rating on Yelp and 3,100 reviews. The tiki theming is top tier. We’re talking water features, “stars” on the ceiling, impeccable mood lighting, and drinks that literally get set on fire. If you’re a tiki mug collector (my husband is), you’ll be excited to know they sell mugs, some of which were designed by Thor and are engraved with his signature.

For my spooky lovers though, there’s everything that makes this place amazing, plus a lot of creepy sh*t:

• Shrunken Heads: Hundreds of them, all recognizable. Artist Terry Barr creates these creepy little sculptures with mouths sewn shut, empty eyes or closed lids, and unnerving vibes. These little palm-sized heads range from Tupac, to David Bowie as Jareth, to Nicolas Cage, to Ernest Hemingway.
• Ghostly Residents: The Golden Tiki is well known for being haunted. Between its rumored violent past, the spooky decor (see shrunken heads above), and staff reports of moving objects, shadowy figures, and the voice of a little girl, I can understand why people believe it. It was even featured on Ghost Adventures, where poltergeist activity was documented. A plaque now adorns the women’s restroom reading: “Do you hear the little girl in the bathroom? As seen on Ghost Adventures.”
• Artifacts & Oddities: Pregnant mummified mermaid? Check. Human ashes of a cultist? Yep. Witch’s wart from 1888? You bet. From the real to the made up stuff, it’s fun, it’s spooky, and gives the people creepy tiki.

There’s so much more I could say, but I’ll leave some surprises for you to discover (hint: definitely go to the bathroom). It can get incredibly busy, but it’s open 24/7. I’ve been on a Friday for happy hour, a Saturday at 10 pm, and a Sunday before heading to the airport at 9:30 am. Even in the busiest times it’s a blast, but my favorite was definitely Sunday morning.

Whether you’re here for the cocktails, the shrunken heads, or a ghostly encounter, The Golden Tiki makes Vegas cooler and a little spookier.

Has Something Changed?

Let me know if this business has moved, closed, or made a big update! I am only one ghoul, so your help is appreciated!