We had a free night in the Chicago area and found this ridiculously AWESOME tiki bar, Kahala Koa Tiki Bar. The selection of drinks is downright encyclopedic, and the drinks were outstanding. In addition, we ordered a plate of bacon-covered water chestnuts, and they were so effing delicious!! I mean, they were a serious revelation!! So we ordered another plate. The atmosphere is amazing. The family that owns this wonderful tiki bars has put some serious work into adorning the place with amazing tiki decor. And this has to have taken YEARS to do. The outside of the building does not say, "Hey!! I'm an awesome tiki bars!!" But step inside and you are transported to tiki land extraordinaire. And then there is the staff there. They are so friendly, attentive, and helpful, and just very authentic and genuine. I CANNOT WAIT to return to Kahala Koa Tiki Bar the next time I'm in the Chicago area. The place totally rocks!! read more

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If you really know tiki drinks this is the bar for you. Authentic drinks, great bartenders and perfect atmosphere. Enjoy. read more

I'm very disappointed with my recent experience with Kalala Koa. My family made a reservation more than a week in advance for 8 people to celebrate my birthday, and we paid the required $50 deposit. Then, just 3 days before our reservation, the owner called to cancel it because the restaurant had a private party scheduled. She explained that our reservation should never have been accepted and apologized for the mistake. I understand that mistakes happen, but what was most disappointing was how the situation was handled. The restaurant accepted our reservation and our deposit, and then canceled on us at the last minute, leaving us to find another place for a special family birthday celebration. Initially, there was no offer of compensation or meaningful effort to make things right. Until I complained this is not acceptable, then she said ok when you come in ask for, but I felt she had no intention to offer anything other than a apology. We have been to this family-owned restaurant several times and have recommended it to many of our friends. That is why this experience was particularly disappointing. I believe how a business handles a mistake is just as important as the mistake itself. I hope the owners will take this experience as an opportunity to improve how situations like this are handled in the future, especially with loyal customers who have supported and recommended the business. read more

This was a spur-of-the-moment choice but ended up being very fun for drinks and dinner! I LOVE tiki bars and my husband noticed this one in the area near where we happened to be on Google maps, so off we went! We had about a 15 minute wait for a table but it gave us time to peruse the menu in the car. They offer many classic tiki cocktails, a page full of seasonal drinks, a page of "Designated Driver" mocktails (nice to have an option for something other than just a Shirley Temple!), Polynesian appetizers and entrees, and then Lola's Pizza. For drinks, I got the seasonal Gingerbread Painkiller and my husband got a Green Flash mocktail. (Pro tip on the seasonal drinks: check the regular cocktail menu to see how many skull and crossbones are listed under the regular version of your drink, if applicable, to see if it's a super strong one!) Mine was creamy and spicy but quite powerful. Props to our waitress, Makayla, who checked if anyone at the table was epileptic, because normally the "flash" part of my husband's drink is a strobing LED ice cube; I actually am photosensitive, so it came in the drink in non-strobe mode and just glowed an alien green. She said this was the first time it had actually paid off to ask, but I'm glad she did! The food was tasty: I ordered rumaki, an old-school appetizer of bacon-wrapped water chestnuts that you don't see very often these days, and he got loaded fries. We also got a small Lola's Pizza, which was very good, with a crisp but also chewy crust. The atmosphere here is pure tiki, with a fountain, swag lamps, bamboo, and Hawaiian-influenced Christmas music playing for the season. Lots of big groups here; everyone seemed to be having as good a time as we were! What a laid-back gem in Arlington Heights! We'll be back. Mahalo! read more

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I love this place!! It's by far one of my favorite places to get pizza in the Chicagoland area. The drinks are creative and delicious. It can be a little busy, so definitely plan ahead! read more

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Loved all the Polynesian decor and the cozy atmosphere. Drinks menu was fun because it showed the origin place of many of the classics. We ordered pizza and enjoyed the beer crust one. Looking forward to returning!! read more

Very good drinks and ambience. The s'mores platter was a nice fun touch! Will definetly be back in the future. read more

Kahala Koa - Blue Hawaii and S'mores platter - Tiki Bars Near Me - Arlington Heights, Illinois

Discovered this place 10 mins from me! The decor is a little too much in my opinion but great drinks and vibes. Parking is a little tight too but I parked across the street at Mugs pizza and walked over. The service and staff were great! Big menu as well, next time will try the food. The restrooms are a little small too. read more

Kahala Koa - Tiki Bars Near Me - Arlington Heights, Illinois

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My husband and I ate here with another couple. This place is neat! I love the Hawaiian ambiance. For an appetizer, we ordered the taro chips with pineapple salsa. The taro chips were so addicting and good, we ate them all, and the pineapple salsa was THE right combination of sweet and spicy! For entrees, my husband ordered pizza, which is where the 4/5 stars come in. The toppings were very good, but the crust was not only too crunchy, but also tasted like a bland shortbread cookie. It was like the cafeteria-style square-shaped pizza, but not as good. My entree was a grilled Hawaiian chicken breast over a bed of brown rice. The chicken was SO juicy and grilled to perfection and the rice was tender and flavorful!!! I ate the whole entree!!! For dessert, we ordered the s'mores...and the presentation alone will make you want to dig in immediately. The s'more components are served on a wooden plank and you get a small torch to toast the marshmallows. The marshmallows were gooey and the chocolate like chocolate pudding!!! The drinks were phenomenal with beautiful presentations!!! The service was great!!! read more

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My son surprised me with a visit to this hidden gem! From the outside it doesn't look like it is as fabulous as it is! The ambiance is dooo very tiki tropical. There are waterfalls and cute little nooks. We were seated in a hi top st the bar. Food: We ordered a pizza. It was good. Not earth shattering but good. We had beer crust, garlic olive oil and cheese. It was good. The drinks however are amazing! Presentation is spectacular and the drinks were delicious! Are they cheap? Nope. Kinda expensive. But for a treat - totally worth a feel if the tropics! Totally recommend giving it a try. Making reservations would most likely be the way to go. Check their hours as well. Aloha! read more

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Our server was the one saving grace in this visit, as she was nice! We specifically called and booked a reservation for the party hut (including the $25 to reserve). We had 5-6 people and when the online reservation portal was only allowing 4, I called. I spoke with someone the night before who confirmed and I quote.. "Yes, we actually prefer a minimum of 5 people for the Party Hut just go ahead and book". When we arrived we were told that we couldn't get the space we requested (what is the purpose of paying and reserving ahead of time). On top of the that disappointment, we the prices were absolutely outrageous and a huge pet peeve of mine is when asking for something that there may be a charge, you are told at the time of ordering. My husband asked for a side of salsa and we asked for a side of ranch for our table app and each was charged $1.99. I understand fees and I understand restaurants up charge a lot from what they used to, but please be kind and let diners know that for a couple tablespoons of sauce it will be $1.99!!! Overall it was disappointing and not worth the money paid. read more

First visit, now one of our favorite tiki bars anywhere - along with Max's (Grand Rapids) and Inferno Room (Indianapolis). Immersive experience with a chill vibe, including tiki appropriate music. We arrived at the 4:30 opening and stayed for four hours. Drinks and food were excellent. The cocktail menu is extensive, including tiki classics and Kohala Koa exclusives. read more

This tiki bar is one of my favorites. The drinks are fantastic--lots of fun options, and they really know how to mix them. You can't go wrong with anything you want to try. As for the food, it's just okay. I've tried a few dishes, and they're fine but nothing memorable. If you're hungry, they'll do the job, but I wouldn't go out of my way for them. read more

Was very impressed with the drinks. Was worried they wouldn't be traditional tiki, but they sure were. What I didn't expect was how excellent the pizza was. Love this place. read more

So awesome. Food was outstanding and the ambiance was spectacular. Even got myself a souvenir cup!

Amazing food. Amazing service. Amazing drinks. Will absolutely come again! Really loved the atmosphere.

Kahala Koa (great tropical drinks) is coupled with Lola's Pizza all in one spot. Crazy but crazy good. These folks know how to make an extra thin crust if that's what you like and we've made it an annual stop during our "girls weekend". And our tropical cocktails were superb! Best make a reservation-and know their parking lot gets pretty packed in because it's tiny! read more

Visited and whoa what a horrid experience! Prices are not listed, and customer service is non-existent. Drinks are generally decent, per my friend if I wanted $20 cocktails, I'd want the city views and ambiance... not a weird tiny run down house. Hmm, does anyone think an undisclosed 20% gratuity making a mock tail $15 is a bit much? read more

I visit Kahala Koa a few times a year. Drinks are amazing! Just remember traditional tiki drinks are strong. The Purple Puffer Fish is a great one to start with. It tastes like grape soda. The service is usually quick and servers are attentive. Great atmosphere and decor. The lighting is very dim. I always use the flashlight on my phone to see the menu. They also offer some of their unique mugs to purchase. They have mug themes for every season. I just picked up a couple cute Christmas ones. Can't wait to go back. read more

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What an amazing Tiki Bar in a nondescript location/building in Arlington Heights. I've only been to about 5 Tiki Bars total. But they've been pretty good ones(Tiki Ti in LA, Beachbum Barrie's in NOLA). Kahala Koa beats them all for Tiki ambience. This place is wall to wall, floor to ceiling Tiki. Drinks are exactly what you want at a Tiki bar. Staff is happy and helpful. They must be treated/compensated fairly. One of the best things the NW suburbs have going. read more

Bring your glasses and a flashlight!! And a fat wallet!! The restaurant was so dark everyone had to use their phone lights to read the menu. I also got a very dirty water glass that I discovered when I had the phone light on to read the menu. That grossed me out - not off to a great start. Drink prices are alluded to, but not really listed. I think $15 and up is what most drinks cost. I thought I was gonna get a healthy-sized beverage, but after a few pulls on the straw, I was down to ice!! We had some appetizers that were fine but not spectacular. This place is very popular and I realize I am in the minority. I just don't get the allure of drinking really expensive drinks in a cave-like setting. I think if I want a tiki-type experience, I'll head to Bob Chinns. And I'm not a Bob Chinns super-fan, but they serve a healthy Mai Tai that won't break the bank. read more

I am a tikiphile...and I have been to many tiki bars across the country. The Kahala Koa REPRESENTS! We walked into an immersion in a tropical paradise. We were greeted and acquainted with the menu for drinks by who I have to believe was the owner. What a wonderful lady, and she was so happy that we were there to experience her piece of paradise. Tons of wonderful carvings, Witcos, and one of the most unbelievable light displays I have ever seen on a ceiling before. This place was truly amazing...think Don the Beachcomber in Huntington Beach. It had fountains and just so much amazing stuff to look at. This was the real deal! Then we got to the drinks...we had a few, and they were all great! Top shelf liquor and done well with homemade syrups, freshly squeezed juices, and two of the happiest bartenders I have ever seen. These ladies got it done and done well! My plan for the next time I am in Chicago is to camp out here nightly. There are other tiki bars, but why bother? This one is PLENTY amazing! They also have lots of appetizers, and Lola's Pizza is here. If you leave hungry (or walking straight), that is entirely your fault! GET HERE NOW. This is SPECTACULAR! read more

Great spot for a fun get together! You wouldn't even know that it's a tiki place from outside. You walk in and BAM! you're in a different place. Our server was very nice and attentive. The drinks took a little time but it was a weekend night, the place was packed and the drinks are more eccentric so completely understandable. The drinks don't have the prices listed on the menu but expect to pay between $14 - $25 per drink (at least that's how much ours were). Also, look out for gratuity on your receipt. They automatically add it to your bill. read more

Fantastic food and drink and great Tiki decorations. The pizza and appetizers are fantastic.

Come for the drinks stay for the Ambiance and Fun. It is best to go early and make a reservation (you can make one the day off, but its best a couple days ahead of when you want to go). For those who are new to a Tiki Bar, the drinks are expensive, you're going to have to get over that. Yes, some drinks have way more ice in them then they should. It is quite absurd on the amount of ice, but the drinks are amazing and powerful. Food: The food is not terrible, but do not expect homemade fresh out of the oven items. The Garlic Knot Rolls I can tell you are from from a box, The New York brand from the grocery frozen aisle. The rest of the appetisers are good finger food. Service: it will be a while before you get your tropical drink. That is not a bad thing, they have two really great bartenders manning all orders that come in. If there is a large party or small party they go by a first in first out basis they do not prio large over small. I want to say that I did not specifically say a B.Y.O. Pizza, the wife and I wanted a CBR Pizza and instead we got the BBQ Ranch Chicken Pizza, its 75% my fault and 25% on the waitress for not asking/clarifying on what the intended order is. I was going off from the question "Can you do a CBR Pizza" which clearly indicates that I dont want the BBQ Ranch Pizza. All in all this is a great place, great ambiance and you should go if you have not been or want to try it. You wont be disappointed with the drinks. They have a Holiday Menu that rotates every Month and a standard menu with various size drinks for larger party's (also come in single servings). Go get your Aloha on! Mahalo read more

I'm deliquent in posting this review. Attended a holiday party for work back in December. Very festive event. We had the place to ourselves. Atmosphere and decor were perfect. Food - appetizers, pizza, desserts - and drinks were wonderful and fit well with the theme. Entertainment was fun - Hawaiian music & dancing (which included audience participation), MC was pleasant, dancing girls were amazing. Service was good and the staff was friendly and helpful. I know what the party cost - I'm in accounting and saw the bill - and I can truly say that it was well worth the price. I've driven past this place numerous times in the past couple of years and never stopped to go inside. I was glad I finally did. read more

Saw this pizza advertised on Chicago style thin crust Facebook page. It started off a little rough as we waited over 10 minutes to get our drink order in, but when the pizza arrived it was so worth it. Not a big fan of their thin crust, seemed premade without much flavor, but the beer crust was amazing. So much flavor and the cheese and sausage was amazing. Seems like it may be always busy to plan ahead. read more

OBSESSED. I love tiki and I love Pomeranians. Obviously, this is the place for me. I loved the decor in this bar--HUGE Disney tiki room vibes with the parrots in swings throughout the room. The drinks are total works of art. Best of all, they also serve food here and have terrific seasonal drink options. I can't wait to work my way through more of the drink menu. The personal pizza is terrific if you want a little something to eat as you enjoy your drink(s). Some of them have some showmanship involved, too! read more

Been to Lola's/Kahala Koa about five times in the last year and can't stop coming back. The drinks are amazing! I love the seasonal drinks with the different tiki mugs. The whole environment makes you feel like you're on a tropical getaway. Great service and the food is delicious too. Favorite place in the suburbs by far. read more

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A true hidden gem! Folks this place is a treasure. The drinks are legitimately crafted with fresh juices and quality spirits and adorned beautifully. Their Mai Tai is solid as are all of their other cocktails including the Zombie and the Jungle Bird. You can taste the quality! They also have a rotating seasonal cocktail menu and I have yet to try something I didn't enjoy. The pizzas are the best thin crust around. Get the BBQ chicken or the Hawaiian topped with khalua pork. The decor is amazing. Their attention to detail makes you feel like you've been whisked away to the tropics. Waitstaff are friendly and helpful. We love this place and you will too. read more

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This is really the best place for 5-Star food and drink, and an amazing atmosphere with breathtaking Hawaiian jungle scenery. The service is great and the staff are very nice! Will come again! read more

Kahala Koa - Main eating area - Tiki Bars Near Me - Arlington Heights, Illinois

Fun time and the drinks were great! Such a fun interior! Cool date night spot. Would recommend.

So bad. Save yourself. Drinks were good and pretty but that's where the good news ends. We were greeted at the door straight away with attitude by some man that worked there. Maybe a manager but geez I hope not. Also, said man was vaping in the kitchen in perfect line with the bar seats that we were sitting at so we got a great view of that. Bartenders were some of the worst I've ever seen. Complained when tickets came through, consistently on their phones and there was no sense of urgency. It took us 10 minutes to get our drinks. And no. It wasn't busy. We left there feeling like we were on a tv show because of how terrible it was in there. All we could do was laugh though. But no, never going back and I'd recommend nobody even try it. I was in the restaurant industry for 10 years and I like to give people a little bit of grace sometimes when it's busy or understaffed but this place was neither of those and the costumer service is at a 0% here. read more

We were first timers, and so pleasantly surprised how great everything was, especially our waiter Derek! His drink recommendations were perfect for each one of us, he made the night really enjoyable and can't wait to go back! read more

We had a ton here the other night and got to experience several great drinks. The staff was super friendly. If you have never been here, stop by! read more

The service was so amazing Darrick was so phenomenal!!! Will be back for the drinks on his shift

This place was amazing! Loved the ambiance. The staff was so welcoming. So much fun!!! Come here for a tropical escape in the suburbs.

The ambience and decorations are great. That's where it stops. Some of the slowest service I've ever experienced. Took the waitress 20 mins to greet us. Once we finally got her attention, the drinks took another 25 minutes...including glasses of water. This place is not that big mind you, but we found her to be absent for extended periods of time. Also there's no prices on the drink menu. I'm not poor but I find that slightly shady. Note that things here are expensive! We ordered the taro chips and pineapple salsa. I was expecting homemade taro chips like I had in Hawaii, but got chips out of a bag (that I could have bought at jewel) and stringy, regular salsa for $13!!! Nevermind the fact that 1/2 the chips were broken and in crumbs. Also ordered a medium size pizza that ended up costing an outlandish $35. I don't recall seeing food prices either or I would not have ordered a margherita pizza that costs $35. Drinks ended up costing $15-$17 each so it was an expensive evening for crappy food, bad service, but great ambience. I may come back here for a drink in the future. But I would sit at the bar and definitely not order food again. That sentiment was echoed by everyone at my table. read more

We have visited numerous Tiki bars across the U.S. and Kahala Koa was a genuine surprise! Being a newer venue we weren't sure why to expect but the owners clearly did their research! Great drinks, good food and excellent ambiance! Can't wait to go back! Mahalo! read more

Drinks are great and decently priced (unless you get a virgin) pizza was mid but the atmosphere is great. 10/10 atmosphere