Aku Aku Tiki - Orlando

This is a hidden gem in downtown Orlando! Aku Aku is a cozy Tiki bar that boasts a fantastic 1960s island vibe, complete with bamboo and thatch decor. The walls behind the bar are adorned with shelves filled with unique drinkware and charming lights. If you're looking to enjoy delicious cocktails in a relaxing atmosphere, this is the place to be. I couldn't resist trying the Aku Aku (a delightful mix of dark rum, pineapple, mango, fresh lime, and mint) as well as the Saturn (made with London dry gin, fresh lemon, passion fruit, and Hausorgeat). The cocktail menu is packed with exciting options, and I definitely plan to return! It's truly a wonderful spot!

Enjoy refreshing cocktails, friendly bartenders, and a laid-back atmosphere free from rowdy patrons that might dampen your spirits. Unwind and soak in the island vibes at this beloved spot in Thornton Park. The menu offers classic tiki options, including their signature drink, the Tiger F*cker, but feel free to ask the bartenders for something unique. Each of them is a skilled mixologist capable of crafting exotic concoctions using a variety of tropical flavors. Just a heads up: being a tiki bar, they lean heavily on rum, so if you’re in the mood for high-end vodka, you might want to head somewhere else... perhaps just down the stairs.

Now, let’s talk about the drinks. If you’re looking for authentic Tiki cocktails, like a genuine Hemingway daiquiri instead of the frozen, syrupy concoctions typically found in tourist traps, this is the spot for you. They use fresh ingredients and a diverse selection of Caribbean rums to craft delicious and strong Tiki drinks. Oh, and the presentation of the drinks is delightful as well. Another bonus is that they’re pet-friendly, which is a plus in my book. Prices are also very reasonable—our two drinks totaled just $23 after tax. I can honestly see myself returning here. I rarely give bars a 5-star rating, but this one truly deserves it. If I could, I’d even award them 6 stars!

This was a recommendation from one of our bartenders at Soco after leaving the brunch, and it has now become a place where I can't wait to visit downtown Orlando. This place has so cool tiki bar vibes! Think of tiki style furniture, surfboards, Hawaiian lights, dim lighting, etc. in total only really cool atmosphere. This is not the place to visit if you want high lighting and high quality photos, as the lighting here simply does not allow, there are no windows! The staff really knows what they do when it comes to balanced, well thought-out drinks. The drinks are unique, handmade and are not as sweet as you would think for tiki bar inspired drinks. My absolute favorite is Aku Aku, with dark rum, pineapple, mango and mint. It comes served in a cool Tiki Man style cup that I heard you can actually buy some of these cups. We have visited the Tiki bars at Polynesian Resort and honestly said the drinks are better (I think it?! and much more affordable. If you want to have a cool Tiki bar experience and great drinks, this is the place!

I'm a big fan of tiki bars so I feel lucky to have Aku Aku near us! It's cozy, laid back, and their bartenders are very knowledgable. Tiki drinks maybe a little strong for some people, but I appreciate that Aku Aku uses REAL ingredients.