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Tiki Bob's Cantina 461 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123
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Location:
Northern Liberties, Phila, PA
Phone: (215) 928-9200 Overall Rating (1 to 10): 8
What I’d Do To Improve the Place: Plant a Big-Ass sign out front. Maybe tons of neon, with a hula-girl shaking her ass.
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Opening in March 2002, Tiki Bob's Cantina brings a Polynesian flavor to the Northern Liberties barfront. Located right next door to McFadden's and down the street (3rd Street) from Finnigan's Wake, Tiki Bob's storefront is rather non-descript. Just look for the line out front. That brings us to another thing...Don't let the line fool ya! On the night we visited (and subsequent drive-by's), the line was about 20 people deep. What a farce! Once we got into the bar, the place was half empty. The bouncers take about 5 minutes to look at you ID. This intentional delay creates a line and gives passersby the impression that the place is crowed. I hate it when bars try to use the Jedi Mind Trick on me to get my business. During our Tiki Bob's experience, there was a slight rain coming down. At that point, a line to get into a bar really sucks. You want Tiki kitsch - you got Tiki kitsch. We're talking hula skirts on (some of) the female bartenders, lots of bamboo, grass roofs over the 2 bars, aqua painted walls, Tiki candles burning bright Black & White photos of surf scenes and a Shaq sized Tiki doll with glowing eyes overlooking the dance floor. Other accoutrements found in this cantina are booths with built-in TV's, tons of neon Beer swag hanging on the walls and You can't talk about Tiki Bob's without mentioning the party atmosphere. The bartenders do shots with the customers (if you're paying for it). Every so often, bartenders and/or patrons hop up on the bar with a bottles of liquor and give anyone with their mouth open a shot of liquor. Sadly there are no beer taps, only bottles of Yuengling, Coor's Light, Miller Lite and Corona to suck on. If you're feeling bold you can order a Tiki Nut for $5. A tiki nut is a pineapple sized glass full of kool-aid and 151 Rum. Sure you've got a dancefloor, but that isn't enough for the clientele. Hotties hop up on the risers that surround the dance floor and shake their asses to the likes of 80's, 90's and Top 40 music. Ummm...what a party. As with any tiki excursion, the livin' is cheap. The cover charge will cost you $5. Thursday's are Ladies Night where the fairer gender gets in FREE. On Friday's they run a Happy Hour from 8 - 10PM will all sorts of drink specials. At the end of the night (2AM+) when the lights come on, some of the Tiki Bob employees roll to the front door and see you off, sort of like the way Mr Roarke would see off the visitors to Fantasy Island at the end of each episode. If you're lucky you might just get you butt groped on the way out...not by Mr Roarke...uh, ahh...by a hottie bar maid. |
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