Trader Vic's

With Atlanta being a convention city, there's two things we have plenty of- strip clubs and hotels. And the best place for us locals to get weird and party with tourist is Trader Vic's.\r \r Sure, it's a chain, but it's a chain in places like London and Tokyo, not Stockbridge and Lawrenceville. Located inside the downtown Hilton, Trader's is almost like a hip Pacific Island family version of The Clermont Lounge. Everything just seems so mid 1980's, it's perfect. You keep waiting for Magnum P.I. to come in and question someone.\r \r Thursday's is definitely the night to go. With the band Kingsized reformed as Tongi Hiti, giving their tropical versions of songs like Sade's ""Smooth Operator"", or on the spot request for Van Halen. And the $5 Mai Tai's and giant rum bowls will have you sugar buzzed like a 10th grader with out of town parents.\r \r The tourist, wacky motif, and the mostly foreign staff give us locals a sense of a mini vacation in far away, exotic downtown Atlanta. And if you see a werewolf or a ghost of Warren Zevon at the bar, make sure you buy him a pina colada. Pros: Tongo Hiti, Strange Tourist Cons: Strange Tourist more

Awesome drinks. You cannot and wil not get a better Mai Tai in the world. Vic invented the drink himself. The food from the wood fire ovens is so succulent and tender. We were treated with top notch service. The decor and vibe inside is classic Tiki to perfection. Thank God some idiot hasn't come in and redone the place as it's vintage TIki vibe is awesome. Very relaxed environment with high-end food and service. The drinks alone are stunning! You will not get better drinks in Hawaii, Tahiti, or anywhere. It's a little pricey but worth every dime. The negative feedbacks left previously range from amazing to clinically retarded. Trader Vic's is famous world wide- O'Charley's never will be. I cannot believe someone would stoop so low as to state that- to each their own. You can have your cookie-cutter O'Charley's I'll take Vic's anyday! This one hasn't been in business for over 30 years because of mediocre service and food. Those that think the vibe is cheesy are actually those type that have redone the world so now everything everywhere is practically the same everywhere you go- BORING! Trader Vic's will never be boring to those who appreciate great fun, food, drinks, and service. Thank you Trader Vic's Atlanta!! Pros: Best Pacific Rim food in the south, best drinks on earth! Cons: Leaving is always sad more

We called to make our reservations at the restaurant and were told there could be no jeans, short pants, and gentlemen must wear a jacket. When we arrived to a crowd of about 6 customers, we saw bathing suit trunks and a t-shirt on one man! The food was TERRIBLE, not to mention that the price for the food was ridiculous, to say the least! They have nothing on any of your restaurants, such as, O'Charley's, etc. In fact, the salmon at O'Charley's is MUCH better than here! After we left the restaurant, and my daughters checked their bank account, Trader Vic's had added $20 to the debit. If this is customary, it should be told to the customers using debit cards! We are waiting to see what's up with that!!! If you are contemplating dining here, you may as well go to a fast food restaurant in the area! And, if you do decide to go to Trader Vic's.....just go straight from the pool, you'll fit right in! more

When you walk in I felt like I was in the movie ""Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas."" That is what I loved about it. I didn't touch their food, and probably never would, but I did love the drinks. And the menus for the drinks were hilarious. I loved the decor. It is obviously over-done. The Tiki decor is awful, but that is what is so awesome about it. The cups they serve your rum in are hilarious, and at the same time awesome. I hear the bartender was voted best in Atlanta. I don't know if that is true or not, but I loved their drinks. Strong, and tasty is what I would say to anyone who wanted to try the drinks. The restaurant is relaxing, and someone please tell me where you can find a strong rum drink served in a skull in which they set on fire prior to serving you? Please go here for the drinks. I don't know about the food because I did not try it, but I really loved this bar. They weren't trying to incorporate all the night life garbage that can be associated with bars, and/or clubs, which means loud and God-awful music. When I am enjoying a drink I want it to be quite and relaxing, not have music blairing in my ear. I am only 22 years-old, so this review of bad music is not due to my age. Come here for some great rum, and a relaxing time. The food, well I cannot help you with that. Cheers! more

I took my fiance to Trader Vic's for his birthday. I was attracted by the Citysearch reviews, the menu, and atmosphere. As far as the atmosphere, some might think it's cheesy--we thought it was FUN. Although it was a bit cumbersome parking and finding the right elevator, everything else was perfect. I made a reservation through Open Table, and indicated it was his birthday. The maitre'd greeted us and wished him a happy birthday. We were taken to a great table and greeted promptly by our server, Shen. In the waiting area, there was free (and hot) Kung Pao chicken for people to eat while waiting--we didn't try it, but what a nice touch! First, we ordered Mai-Tai's--strong and yummy! It was Thursday, so they were only $4.50 each! We ordered the fixed price Luau dinner which was incredible! (My fiance is a chef, and he was impressed!) The entrees were served tableside by our server--very cool. When my fiance went to the restroom, Shen came to ask me what he wanted for dessert--if something other than what was included in the Luau meal. After an incredible dinner, she brought out a cheescake and extra chocolate concoction on a plate with ""Happy Birthday"" written in chocolate--this was a moment of excellence! The entire meal was around $100 for two people--I think this is a good value for a special occasion dinner with drinks and 4-course meal! Although her section was pretty full, she took care of us like we were her only table. Every employee we passed in the restaurant smiled and said hello--truly a rarity these days! Trader Vic's has a great atmosphere, and wonderful personality. Pros: Food, atmosphere, service! Cons: Cumbersome parking and finding the right elevator more

Whether you are a fan of ""Gilligan's Island"", a Keywest bum wannabee, or a hotel guest, or even a local-who just wants to getaway, without leaving the city, go to Trader Vic's, in the lowest part of the Downtown Hilton. Downtown is coming back, but those of us who are in the know, know that Trader Vic's Tiki Bar never left. Yes they have large dining rooms, overlooking the large Chinese BBQ ovens, but just stay in the bar area. The Mai-Tai, was orginated in the orginal location in Honolulu. Here it reins with many other concoctions, Grog, and my personal favorite, ""The Suffering B--tard"". And the next day, you will know why. Just order a pu-pu platter, of small Hawaian ribs, BBQ pork, coconut shrimp, with dipping sauces, drink and get leid!-Flower's around your neck! And explain this one to your other half the next day! Bartender's have won many awards, for the best in the city! Pros: Orginal Tiki Island Drinks! Fabu, Pu-Pu Platter! Cons: Parking could be a problem, if driving! more

Whomever recommended this dump must not get out much - to start with, the decor was corny, ugly and dim. Some idiot's version of how Hawaii or any tropical island must look. The food was extremely overpriced for the cold, dry, tastless portions. Because of the good rating I brought relatives from out of town here (from Hawaii no less) and we were all severely disappointed and felt the entire theme, decor and food mocked the pacific islands. Do not go here if you are looking for a good meal!!! more

I dined at the Atlanta location and it was disappointing. While the drinks were done very well and had great flavors, my food was less than ordinary. \r \r I ordered the Curry with Chicken. It was so bland, that the Curry flavor was the least pronounced. The toppings that come with it were the only items that gave it any flavor, but it is a dish that is on the shallow end of flavor. I am thinking it compares to a frozen entre for the masses.\r \r As far as the service, it was good. And the decor is not cutting edge, but more of 50's basement with the Polynesian theme. Fun, but if you have ever been to the Tiki show at Disney, you will get the idea. Since the restaurant is in the basement of the Marriott, there is not a view to help out. \r \r My companions dinners were a bit better, but nothing that could not be surpassed at a neighborhood restaurant that cared about the food.\r \r Overall, I will not go back. To expensive for the quality. Pros: Drink Menu Cons: Price and less than mediocre food more

... unless you want to pay a lot for fast-food chinese and meat of undetermined origin. The food was horrible; we ordered the luau dinner, and the salad was the only good part. Drinks are interesting and pretty good, but the ""ambience"" is so 30 years ago, with old folks and business travelers stuck there because that's where they are staying. Pros: Drinks Cons: Food, Food , Price more

First-time visitors may not get the appeal: the service can be painfully slow and the drinks are not cheap---but Trader Vic's is a living legend in tiki history. The fact that Atlanta claims one of only five in the country is such a treat that I will gladly pay $7-10 and eagerly wait 5-15 mins for their potent, exotic cocktails, like a spicy Navy Grog, a cucumber-garnished Suffering Bastard, or the perfectly-mixed Mai Tai, an original creation of the chain's colorful, one-legged entrpreneur-founder, Vic Bergeron. Home of Creative Loafing's ""Best Bartender in Atlanta,"" Trader Vic's is a place for special celebrations. Go with cash, patience and a four-drink maximum. Stay in the bar area and keep away from the dinner menu (the bar apps are divine) and you'll soon be paddling your way to polynesian nirvana with a ukulele and a song. Pros: unique since 1932, exotic drinks, decor! Cons: dinner menu, crowded weekend more

I like this place...the service ..... the drinks.... and the food. The friendly staff welcomes you and takes care of you excellent! It is definetly worth to enjoy the famous, tropical cocktails in the bar area or have dinner in the romantic athmosphere of the islands. You like something different? Go to Trader Vic`s! It is worth it..... Whether casual or fine dining..... TV`s combines both and give its own signature to your evening. Live music on thursdays rocks! I love it. Pros: athmosphere, staff, free parking Cons: location more

I understand there is a bar in the restaurant, but it's quite disgusting when there's cigarette smoke wafting all throughout the restaurant. It felt like I was at a seedy club. I ordered one of their drinks and that was good, so that raised my level of expectation somewhat. The service was also sub-par and without being too mean, our waiter could have used some more deodorant. The wonton soup was decent at best. I figured it was just an appetizer, so there's no need to worry just yet, the steak can't be that bad, right? wrong. This was the fattiest piece of leathery steak I have ever had at a restaurant, It was just plain gross. My wife had the thai prawns and those were ""ok"". The desserts were nothing you couldn't get at your local grocery store's freezer. All in all, a horrible restaurant. Pros: Drinks Cons: Food, Food, Food more

Trader Vic`s is definetely a place to go to. They have nearly everything: excellent drinks, a variety of good food and a service staff which is sometimes busy but doesn`t know the meaning of the word ""no"". On this particular occasion my wife and I went there on a busy day and we were served in a friendly and professional atmosphere. All special requests we had were handled properly and fast by our server (thank you Teni!) and we saw on a table next to us that even the head chef came out to talk to ""his"" guests. The only disadvantage to the restaurant is the adventure to get from the parking deck to the restaurant (up and down again on a different set of elevators) but it's worth the travel!! All in all a great place to go to if you want to have a good time!! Pros: drinks, personal attention Cons: accessibility more

Great experience! We went on a Saturday night during onr of Trader Vics Tiki Torch Nights: Live Music with Tongo-hiti (Mike and the crew are great), hula dancers, mystery drink give aways, Monkey Zuma, half priced mai tai and much more. Great group of people, lots of fun!. Joel the bartender rocks! If you can't make it to the tporch nights (they only do them once per month) you can go on Thursdays-live music, free happy hour food and half priced drinks. The ambience, decor and great drinks are worth the trip downtown. Pros: Free parking, Strong drinks Cons: Location more

So many of today's theme restaurants owe so much to Trader Vic's . They were first with so many innovations. It's a shame there aren't more Trader Vic's in better locations. Our dining experience was totally pleasurable. Pros: great drinks, large menu, unique more

My wife and I have been to most of the recommended restaurants in the Atlanta area. And as former servers, we can tell when the service is busy or just plain bad. We may have caught them on a bad day, but the service here was the worst we've experienced at a ""non-chain"" restaurant. It was slow, inattentive and just laughable. The food was mediocre, at best. Drinks and ambience were good, but we'll never be back. Pros: drinks, atmosphere Cons: , service, service more

Trader Vic's is one of Atlanta's best-kept secrets. If it was located anywhere but downtown, locals would be visiting this place in droves. I love the over-the-top tiki decor, and, of course, the awesome drinks. Bongo Bongo soup rocks. And the rack of lamb is to die for. Pros: strong drinks, great atmosphere Cons: hidden location more

The main reason to go there is for the atmosphere. It looks like something found in Disney World with a Polynesian theme. The Mai Tais are pretty good. The huge clay ovens tend the roast the meats on the dry side. My rack of lamb was dry, so was the salmon. The appetizers taste like any other Chinese restaurants'. Food wasn't too bad, just not great. The place is still worth going to because you feel like you are in a resort somewhere in the Pacific. Pros: atmoshpere Cons: plain food more

I don't get it. Atlantans will drop a hundred bucks for mediocre neon-sign crap in Buckhead but won't go downtown for the unique experience of Trader Vic's seafood, slow-cooked meats, and cocktails that you just can't get anyplace else. Only thing i can figure is that people don't want to pay for parking at the Hilton. more

I was very disappointed with this restaurant! We went down there for the Restaurant Week, so the price was fine. But the service was slow and inattentive and the food was beyond disgusting. The only saving grace were the desserts-those were awesome! And I didn't even get to try the famed rum drinks, since I'm expecting. I would not recommend this place to anyone, but at least I can say I've been to Trader Vic's. Pros: Desserts Cons: Service, Taste, Cost more