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37 new Trader Vic's locations opening (1 in US) |
Sunshine Tiki
Grand Member (first year) 
Joined: Apr 04, 2008
Posts: 127
From: Zen Tiki Lounge Podcast
|  Posted: 2013-03-06 5:08 pm Permalink
In the last few years I have been to a few of the locations in the US. I visited the Vegas location, it was a tragedy. Should have never opened. Tried to visit the Chicago location, but even though their website said they were open and their phone lines said they were open, they were closed for good. While visiting two other California locations I had service so bad I walked out mid meal and refused to pay on one visit. In each case I did try to speak with management and or corporate. No guest service was offered.
Their rum and food items change labels and packaging so often Im not sure what to look for on the store shelf. The signature dark rum is pretty bad, but I still have a soft place in my heart for their hot buttered rum batter.
Aside from the pool bar at the Beverly Hilton which seems to have good drinks and good service....it is no wonder the company closes locations so randomly. I would love to see their organization figure out what leadership/management is but that doesn't appear to be happening.
Am I missing something?
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TropicDrinkBoy
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Feb 27, 2011
Posts: 164 | Posted: 2013-03-06 5:17 pm Permalink
You are missing Trader Vic's Emeryville, the "Mother Ship". It is the only location owned by Trader Vic's, Inc. The now closed Palo Alto location was excellent as well.
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bigbrotiki
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Mar 25, 2002
Posts: 10605
From: Tiki Island, above the Silverlake
| Posted: 2013-03-06 5:41 pm Permalink
Quote:
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On 2013-03-06 17:08, Sunshine Tiki wrote:
....While visiting two other California locations I had service so bad I walked out mid meal and refused to pay on one visit. In each case I did try to speak with management and or corporate. No guest service was offered...
Am I missing something?
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You are missing Zen and sunshine 
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TikiVato
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Mar 03, 2009
Posts: 270
From: Whittier, CA
| Posted: 2013-03-06 5:48 pm Permalink
I enjoyed all my visits to Trader Vic's Emeryville, especially after their remodel. The closed Palo Alto location was excellent as well.
I have been to the Los Angeles location well over a dozen times. I have never had a bad meal there and the service has been mostly excellent. Frank, one of TV's manager has always made sure my visit was enjoyable.
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Mahalo,
TikiVato
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nui 'umi 'umi
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Feb 21, 2011
Posts: 391
From: La Mirada Atoll
| Posted: 2013-03-06 6:42 pm Permalink
Went to The Trader's (L A) Last night. Was there about 2 1/2 hours for dinner (7:30) and had an excellent Dr. Funk in the lounge afterward. Had two 1944 Mai Tai's-one before dinner and one with the most excellent salmon from their chinese oven. The pupu platter includes the legendary "Crab Rangoon" which is wonderful. Brian was our very attentive server and Frank (manager) is always gracious. Wish I could go there more often-never been disappointed.
Cheers
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tikitonga
Grand Member (first year)
Joined: Apr 09, 2002
Posts: 118 | Posted: 2013-03-07 10:44 am Permalink
I agree with others that there really is only one Trader Vic's that seems to represent to true spirit of Vic, and that is the one in Emeryville. I'm biased because I live in NorCal and can visit there as often as I wish (and I do!) but I have also visited others. Some have been pretty good but most fall short. For me I think it has to do with the location. I just don't think you can stuff a Trader Vic's into a new place and make it work. While it's true that the Emeryville local is a transplant from Oakland (formerly Hinky Dinks), it's been in that local for over 40 years now and the Trader Vic's "vibe" has just soaked into the place. I think that's always been missing from the other locations. On the flip side, places like Smugglers Cove and Forbidden Island have achieved that sacred feel as well and they are both relatively new.....so I guess I'm just blowing hot air! But seriously, it's kind of like Disneyland. There can be only one. Sure, Disneyworld and EuroDisney are pretty cool, but they'll never duplicate the feel of the original, no matter how good they may be.
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TropicDrinkBoy
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Feb 27, 2011
Posts: 164 | Posted: 2013-03-08 12:32 am Permalink
I hope some day to make it to the Trader Vic's in Atlanta which I hear is old school. I know I'll get to the two SoCal locations sooner and from the reports on this thread sound like great locations as well. I love the fact that the Beverly Hills location has a very complete "strong drink" section of the menu, with 45-50 to choose from. I've had them all several times and developed a long list of favorites. I lived in the Portland area 30 years ago but probably won't ever get an opportunity to return so I'll have to pass the baton to others to keep the Tiki torches burning up north!
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