Yummy drinks, good vibes, and a good commitment to the theme. I'd go again! We got the altar of sacrifice (basically a mojito), the lava flow (loved the spice), chi chi, and pinky Gonzales and all were delicious. read more

Pele Utu - Inside seating - Tiki Bars Near Me - Reno, Nevada

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So heard about this place.. so glad the wife and I checked it out. Got to say it was little hard to find at first. Small place between 2 businesses. The staff is super friendly. The drinks are super yummy and the place has a cool vibe. We will definitely be back here cheers read more

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We visited Pele Utu to see Slacktone play. It was an awesome show! They have a wide variety of tiki drinks. We tried the Mai Tai, Hukilau Jim, Blue Hawaii, Peles Lava Flow, and Port Light. All were delicious with a mix of rums and fruit juices. Everything from the drinks to the decor, ambiance, and service ensure that we will return soon! read more

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There is a lot of charm in this place. A gentleman came out to talk to us and talk about his place. He mentioned how his children have helped decorate the Tiki bar with their own art and how everything was decorated with the greatest of care. The dinks were special. It is definitely a place to go to in relax with one of their good drinks. read more

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So when u walk in, there's sort of a mixed vibe. The building and interior of the place is cool, old and funky and the decor inside is fun. But when u walk in and r listening to B side early 80s music, its the wrong kind of dive feel. They yell aloha when u come in but u still know ur in Reno. EVERYTHING u touched is sticky and feels grimy.... tables, chairs, menus. The drinks offered seemed legit so we were hopeful. The hubby even ordered 2 at the same time so we got 3 drinks: Cobra Fang, Hukilau Jim and a Beachcomber's Downfall. They were all so sickly sweet and literally all tasted like each other. This was almost worst than a cruise ship tropical drink. They weren't even worth drinking. They had glasses for sale there but we didn't even bother cuz we will definitely be forgetting about this place. If u don't know tiki drinks, this may be a funny kitschy stop but if u enjoy a good tiki drink, save urself the trip. Such a bummer.... we were really excited. Missed opportunity here. Drinks weren't even worth picturing. read more

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As soon as you enter you are greeted with an aloha and transported to a tropical oasis. May be hard to find the entrance as it's tucked in between the hotel and taste of India. Plenty of parking out front and around the side near taste of India. Great attention to detail from the furniture to decor. Solid drink menu and if you want snacks just walk next door to Taste of India and you can bring it back to the bar. Friendly vibe and live music occasionally. It's been open for about four months and the awesome couple that opened it finally brought tiki to Reno. read more

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This was such a fun experience! I love that we have this kind of tiki bar in Reno now. It is a really hidden spot. It is basically connected to the restaurant next door. They don't have a big sign out front so I got a bit lost. But once it was found, it was totally worth it! Down to the decor, the music and the staff, it transported you out of Reno and into some perfectly divey atmosphere. Great drinks and just an overall awesome spot. Our favorite was the mai tai but there were so many more we wanted to try. read more

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A Group of 10 of us went to check out this New Tiki Bar for my (OMG!) 65th BDay. Such a Cool Place!!! We had so much Fun! Tropical Tiki Cocktails were so good (and potent, ha!). And service was perfect! We ordered Appetizers from next door, Taste of India and that worked perfectly. The decor is truly reminiscent of all the great Tiki Bars I have been to over the years - Trader Vic's, Trader Dick's, etc. and dare I say has that Speakeasy vibe? Honestly - if they changed their MO or keywords to 'Speakeasy' it would attract so many of the younger Gens as that is all the rage ;-) Not easy to find, down some stairs (thus Speakeasy) and all they need to do is hang some shell beads at the entrance and ask for an appropriate Tiki password to get in - ie. Hurricane, Zombie, Volcano, Okole Maluna ('bottoms up' in Hawaiian) :-) Overall - loved it! We'll be back!!! read more

Pele Utu - Tiki Bars Near Me - Reno, Nevada

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Fun little hidden gem! Definitely off the beaten path. The drinks were delicious and generous. They do run your card for a $5 hold at the very beginning. I forgot at the end and left a tip on top of that. So just fyi! Kinda stinky inside since smoking is allowed. But cool vibe and good attentive service. read more

Love this place! I've been here numerous times with different groups of friends and it's such a vibe of fun tiki bar! The decor, the glassware, the themed drinks are all amazing! Bartenders are excellent and so friendly! They have a drink for everyone read more

Pele Utu - Tiki Bars Near Me - Reno, Nevada

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This place is super cute! We went here after an amazing lunch next door at Taste of India. We were celebrating my friend's birthday & I must say the drinks and the environment are pretty awesome! This is the only tiki bar in Reno & I can say I think it's a great addition to the bar scene. I love the decor, feel to the place and their fun drink menu! They have cool, tiki themed drinks with all sorts of liquor options as well as a mocktail menu. There were a few downsides, however. The lighting is extremely dark, which adds to a fun experience but when I dropped my chapstick under the table, I had to use the flashlight on my phone to find it and it was pretty disgusting underneath... it makes me question the cleanliness of this place & if they have main overhead lights that they can turn on during cleaning. There is also a small ramp when you first walk in & because of the drastic lighting change from broad daylight to dark, moody lighting which could pose as a trip hazard! But it does make it better than having a step there & makes it ADA accessible. Just something to be aware of when you are first entering, use caution! read more

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Tiki is one of the things my wife and I are enthusiastic about. We travel often just to visit tiki bars so we can get our fix. We FINALLY have a real, honest to goodness, legit tiki bar. Pele Utu has everything thing you need to to be transported to a Polynesian pop paradise. As soon as you walk in, you are great with all of the trappings of a fantastic tiki bar complete with glass floats, lanterns, bamboo and just awesome theming. The owners tend the bar and they are awesome! Friendly service with a true passion for the genre paired with a knowledge of the drinks that matter. Those drinks are fantastic. The menu boasts many of the classics that any self respecting tiki bar should know, plus some fun originals. They nail the Zombie and the Jet Pilot, while bringing some really fun and interesting flavors with the Lava Flow. We just found our favorite local hangout. Thanks, Pele Utu! read more

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Super fun tiki bar with great music! We will definitely be going back again! Awesome music as well! read more

Pele Utu - Drinks - Tiki Bars Near Me - Reno, Nevada

This is well needed gem to the bar community in the Reno area! It reminds me of some well established tiki bars around the country. They have a big menu of various original tiki drinks as well as a few others I haven't tried. The bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable about the tiki scene. They know their shit! The decor is solid, the music perfect and it being a new venue, they've done everything right in my book. I look forward to their growth but am happy with what they've achieved so far! read more

Pele Utu - Inside - Tiki Bars Near Me - Reno, Nevada

This is a true Tiki vibe! Great tiki decor with island music. The drinks are great! Excellently executed recipes. The owners are very dedicated to the tiki experience and extremely hard working. They have done their research and made this bar very authentic. You must come and enjoy! It deserves the Best Bar Award for sure read more

Love this place, however tonight I was there and the cigarette smoke was so strong it was hard to enjoy my drinks. I didn't think smoking was allowed in bars here. My clothes and hair smell like cigarette smoke, so I'll have to take a shower before bed, but the drinks are still some of the best in town. I'm not going to be eager to return because of the smoking, though. read more

Pele Utu - Reno's Hidden Island Escape If you're looking to break free from the usual Reno bar scene and step into full-blown island vibes, Pele Utu is your ticket. Tucked away on Stardust Street, this spot doesn't just serve tiki-style drinks -- it lives the aesthetic. From the carved tiki décor to the moody, tropical atmosphere, this is a true tiki bar in every sense. Pele Utu is a 10/10 bar experience. If you're after something memorable -- a night where your drink comes in a carved mug, you feel transported, and every cocktail is crafted with care -- this is the place. The drinks are incredible, and the Mai Tai in particular was a standout. It's perfect for date nights or special outings when you want more than "just drinks." I recently went with friends for cocktails after my birthday dinner, and we were all blown away by the creativity and presentation. Rum lovers and fans of authentic tiki culture will be absolutely enchanted by this hidden gem. Do yourself a favor -- come check this place out and let Pele Utu whisk you away to the islands, no plane ticket required. read more

Staff and booze!! Remarkable experience for fun and connection and vibes! The cocktails were superb. read more

Pele Utu - Mai tai!! - Tiki Bars Near Me - Reno, Nevada

SO thrilled there is a tiki bar in Reno! We've needed one. A few points: -even though it's dark, each table has a lamp you can turn on for more light to see the menu -smoking is allowed. If you're sensitive to smoke, keep this in mind -their drinks are great. They have pieces of flair that are very tiki-centric -the nicest owners. She came over and talked with us, gave us a bit of history on opening. Answered questions. Very pleasant. Overall, very tiki. Nailed the vibe. Dark, Hawaii themed movies on silent, excellent playlist. Will be back! read more

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Very disappointed in this new little bar. My drink order was wrong and when I said something I was glared at and still charged for the drink, I did get a new one. It smelled a bit odd to me in the building. The ambience is meant to be a bit dark - but it made it very difficult to see their menu - read ahead of time to make it easier on yourself! read more

The owners and bartenders are very personable and know how to take care of their patrons. The drinks are strong and varied. The atmosphere is fun and quirky this is a relatively new place to hang out, but is quickly becoming a regular destination. read more

Exactly what you want in a tiki bar! They really went all out decorating this place, really cool, authentic and historic art lines the walls, they have different cups for all of the drinks and a very wide range on the menu, they made my sister-in-law a custom mocktail, really friendly people and just a really fun spot to go when you have friends visiting in town or anytime! read more

OK, I have been really wanting to try this bar out. I wasn't sure what to expect. I definitely love the bar. Would definitely love to go back. Drinks were great. Service was great. I was also there at 3 o'clock in the afternoon so I cannot give any rating for what people are complaining about. Like smoking. and I sat at the bar so I have no idea on sticky tables so I cannot review on that. Bartender did come over and try to interact and have conversations with me mostly my side didn't interact. The one issue that will stop me from going back is I didn't even see them set the drink down in front of me. it was so dark. If it wasn't for the Bartender saying here you go I would've never known. I didn't know I should be expecting that dark inside the bar. But I couldn't even see the person sitting next to me nor the bartender nor my drink that was less than an arms length away from me. For my experience there I will still give them a five star rating. I might go back and give it another shot and see what it's like later in the evening, but overall not a bad place. The drinks were great. read more

Best experience I've ever had at a bar. The atmosphere and drink menu are phenomenal, and the service is excellent. This is a serious local treasure, and I hope they stick around for weekly hang-outs. read more

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This is a neat, unassuming bar located right off I-80 between an Indian restaurant and a motel. It's clear the owners take a great deal of pride in this restaurant, its decorations are something you would expect at a bar designed by Disney not Reno. The cocktails and service are next level and reasonably priced. I will 100% be coming back. read more

The atmosphere is so fun and unique for our area. I felt transported out of Reno to a tropical location, somewhere in Hawaii! Everybody is friendly, and the drinks are delicious. We will be back! read more

Pele Utu - Chi chi, wine, and beer! Yummy! - Tiki Bars Near Me - Reno, Nevada

Walking down the wooden bridge transported us into a chic Hawaiian themed bar space with ample seating and incredible decorum. I was pleasantly greeted by the bartenders to sit anywhere and order at the bar. The drinks that I ordered were incredibly delicious and crafted well. The atmosphere is vibrant, lively, and tropical. This local spot is an absolute gem and a must visit! read more

Pele Utu - Royal Hawaiian & the Chi Chi - Tiki Bars Near Me - Reno, Nevada

Oh. My. Goodness. Reno finally has a tiki bar again after nearly a decade! Anyone who knows me knows that this is one of my husband and I's passions and Pele Utu does it right! The owners are a friendly couple who are happy to chat when the bar isn't slammed, which they are super busy although this is a fairly new business so get there early! As you walk through the door you are greeted with nostalgic Polynesian memorabilia that transports you to another time. It feels cozy and comforting weather you are sitting at the bar or in one of the booths tucked away to the side. You can tell that this bar was meticulously curated and it shows in every detail. The drinks are perfectly paired with the atmosphere, we brought friends and were lucky enough to try most of the menu through sharing. We tried some of the signature cocktails such as the Hukilau Jim, Pele's Lava Flow, Kona Kooler and Beachcomber's Downfall as well as classics like the Zombie, Jet Pilot, Chi Chi, Port Light and Scorpion Bowl. All of the drinks were top tier, delicious and wonderfully crafted! I can already tell that the island vibes are going to call us back in soon! So so grateful to have something so fabulous so close to home! read more

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Finally!!!!!! I love tiki bars!!! So glad to have one in Reno now. I really enjoyed the decor. The mural behind the bar is beautiful. I think it's awesome that the owners kid(s) painted it. The drinks were great... loved the Mai Tai!!! Will definitely be back!! read more

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One of the coolest places in Reno. Everything, absolutely everything is thought out to the most minute detail. Those lil' plastic drink stirers ? The name of every single cocktail? Those puffer fish lights ? The location that's connected to an old hotel/bowling alley ? It's all been obsessed over. Look, tiki bars are fuckin' rad and Reno has a great one so I'm asking you politely to come and support this place. Just come here, buy a few cocktails, maybe take home a collectors mug. Life is just better with a proper tikibar in your town. Help me. Help you. read more

This bar is SO cool. I first visited before their google page was active and found the address on Reddit. I won't lie, when I was first driving down stardust I was questioning whether this was a real bar or whether I was being lured somewhere to be murdered. Thankfully, it was the former and I am still alive to continue coming back to this awesome bar. This bar is an ode to the 1960s golden age of tiki bars. The decor is spot on. There are no windows and it stays consistently dark so it really makes you feel like you've left 2024 and have stepped into an awesome tiki themed twilight zone. The drinks are excellent and come in fun cups, whether it be a classic tiki cup or a puffer fish shaped cup. The bartenders are very friendly and fast. This place is such a gem and I look forward to coming back and bringing more friends here! read more

What an amazing little place. The vibes are immaculate. It smells fantastic in here. The drinks are strong and delicious. They got super busy when I went so beware that getting your drink might take a couple of minutes! read more

They really went all out on the vibe which was really great! They decorated the drinks super fun, had fun cups, and overall a tiki-like atmosphere. The drinks were a 4/5, although good, they could definitely be sweeter considering the tiki-theme. You could definitely taste the strong alcohol flavor. The service was good and bartender was nice, she made the drinks quickly and made them look cute! The only thing I would add is the bartender started smoking a cigarette and the entire place smelled like cigarette smoke and I came home smelling like smoke. Not the best way to end the night, especially for people who may have asthma or sensitivities. read more

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Amazing! What a hidden gem! The owners have some amazing stories and they make a damn fine drink. Best rum I've ever had. 10 out of 10 would recommend read more

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So happy to have found this hidden tiki bar. What a treasure! Excellent classic cocktails, friendly bartenders, and a wonderfully curated collection of authentic tiki artifacts and decor. We will be back! read more

Don't be fooled by the location. This place is great! It is owned and run by a married couple and they are very friendly. The drinks are great and the prices are reasonable. The decor is really fun and interesting. read more

The drinks are amazing and the atmosphere is great. Dark, quiet with a good amount of yacht rock or surf rock in the background. If you love tiki drinks or rum forward tropical cocktails, this is the place to go. Just don't ask for a Painkiller. read more

What do you do when you find yourself in the first few days of Spring in Reno, but the sky is still cloudy, the temperatures are in the low 50s, and the wind is howling all day? You head for a tiki bar. That's how The Boss and I found ourselves with a bunch of friends at Pele Utu. The bar is found nestled between the Gateway Inn and Taste of India near the intersection of I-80 and Keystone. It's everything a tiki bar should be - dim lighting, kitschy wall decorations, and a big menu of rum-based drinks. This place checks all the boxes. We worked our way through a Scorpion bowl, the Jet Pilot, a Chi-Chi, and several pints of pineapple cider. It was all delicious and made for a great afternoon with some friends. The staff is super friendly, dressed in Hawaiian shirts, and willing to make just about anything for which they have the ingredients. This gives you plenty of room to be creative. You'll want to get there early on the weekend as parking can be tight and the bar fills up quickly. ONE WORD OF WARNING: Take care when entering the bar. You are walking in from outside into a very dimly lit bar. You will need to navigate a short ramp down into the bar itself. It might look like a step, but it is a ramp. Failure to heed this warning will result in you becoming entertainment for the rest of the bar. You have been warned. Enjoy!! read more

Yay! Tiki bar in Renoville!!! Great drinks and fabulous owners. Reno has needed a divey tiki bar for a long time. Appropriately dark as well! read more

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Reno's very own traditional Tiki bar! Another good reason to stay in Reno for vacation. We have pretty high standards for a Mai Tai (Trader Vick's in Emeryville as our guide). My husband ordered the Skipper Mai Tai and it ranked near the top! We thought the presentation was very nice (decoratively scored lime wedge rather than a lime cap and lots of mint). My sister and I had the Hukilau Jim and a a Alter of Sacrifice. Both had classic Tiki taste! We were there on a Thursday night so it was a bit less smokey than some reviews have mentioned. We loved the traditional classic Tiki Bar feel and decor. We chatted to the owner and even traded swizzle sticks (I had brought some from other Tiki bars). Service was friendly and fast too! Another reason to visit Reno! We will be back when we visit my sister again! read more