We know things are a little crazy out there for everyone right now and we hope you’re all okay and safe at home. To ensure the safety of their staff and patrons many of our favorite tiki bars and restaurants have had to close their doors, often not knowing when (or if) they’ll be able to reopen. Our friends in the hospitality industry are doing their part to help flatten the curve for the Covid-19 pandemic but it’s especially difficult for bartenders and servers who often work paycheck to paycheck or rely on tips. A handful of places are still keeping the tiki torches glowing through take-out food orders (and cocktails, in some cases thanks to some swift changes in regulations), while others are pushing online mug sales, and gift certificates or have started fundraisers for staff. If you’ve ever enjoyed a delicious beverage in any of these fine establishments or are an admirer from afar and can afford to lend a hand, here’s how you can help our Ohana during this difficult time. 

Archipelago – Washington, DC

If you’re local, the team is working behind the scenes to offer take out food, beer, wine, and cocktails (yes, you read that right!). They have single drinks ($10) or party size ($45) for a Mai Tai, Mojito, Piña Colada, and a special cocktail called If the Phone Don’t Ring. The takeout food menu is available via Uber Eats or text 202-627-0794 for more info. The staff at Archipelago has also created a Venmo account for donations. Find them under the username @archipelago-staff and donate.

Max’s South Seas Hideaway – Grand Rapids, MI

Max’s has reopened for takeout and delivery service. They are now selling food, cocktail mixes, and a “takeout tiki party” to support their employees while giving guests an opportunity to create a mini vacation for their families. Each order includes leis, Max’s swizzle sticks, cocktail napkins, and ice.  http://www.maxstiki.com

Hidden Harbor – Pittsburgh, PA

Hidden Harbor is selling “just-add-rum” mocktails in both individual portions and in 32 oz. crowler cans that serve four (just add long straws!), along with select tropical food dishes. Order online and pick up “Tiki To-Go” food & mocktail sales next door at their sister restaurant, The Independent, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. every day until further notice. Don’t live in PGH? You can still support them by purchasing a gift card or merch online via their webshop. Their tiki space robot and Marquesan mugs are both currently on sale while supplies last. http://www.hiddenharborpgh.com/merch

False Idol –  San Diego, CA

The team at False Idol and Consortium Holdings is selling a special social distancing relief t-shirt and 100% of the profits are being donated to their staff. You can also support them by purchasing a gift card or other items from their online shop. Per their website, proceeds from gift certificates to any of their locations go directly to team members who have lost their jobs due to the closures. https://consortiumholdings.com/product/sixfeetplz/

VenTiki – Ventura, CA

The Steepleton’s, VenTiki’s loyal patrons, have set up a Go Fund Me fundraiser they are calling the Ventiki Ohana campaign. The goal is simple – to raise funds to help the staff pay their bills during the Coronavirus crackdown. The patrons are encouraging people to donate what you would normally spend during a visit to VenTiki. https://www.gofundme.com/f/ventiki-ohana

Trader Vic’s – Emeryville, CA

The bar is closed until further notice but is still providing food through DoorDash and discounts on gift cards. If you’re local, you can also place an order by calling (510) 653-3400. To purchase a 20% off gift card that can be used for full value at a later date please email either faith.nebergall@tradervics.com or Mishan.stinson@tradervics.com. 

Zombie Village – San Francisco, CA

Due to the Covid-19 situation, all of the Villagers are now “temporarily unemployed” and they’ve started a fundraiser to help the staff. All donations will be evenly distributed to each member of the team. https://www.gofundme.com/f/zombie-village-team-relief-fund 

Pagan Idol – San Francisco, CA

The staff at Pagan Idol have also started a Go Fund Me to help employees be able to make ends meet and pay rent while the bar is closed. Your donation will go directly to them and be divided equally among staff. https://www.gofundme.com/f/nfmr2n-pagan-idol-staff-relief-fund 

Forbidden Island – Alameda, CA

Like many of the tiki bars on this list, Forbidden Island is currently closed. You can support them by purchasing apparel, mugs, and gift cards on their web shop or bidding on rare mugs on their Facebook group. You can also donate directly to the staff via their Go Fund Me page. https://forbidden-island-retail.myshopify.com/ & https://www.gofundme.com/f/i-love-fi

The Mermaid – Los Angeles, CA

Support The Mermaid staff and get some cool merchandise by purchasing one of their donation packages on Go Fund Me. Get a shirt ($25), hat ($30), mug ($50) or all three items ($100). https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-mermaid-staff

Tonga Hut – Los Angeles, CA

Tonga Hut’s Marie King has started a virtual tip jar. No donation is too small, and every dollar will go to their bartenders, bar backs, and security. https://www.gofundme.com/f/tonga-hut-noho-virtual-tip-jar-relief-fund

Tiki-Ko – Bakersfield, CA

If you would like to support Tiki-Ko and their bartenders while they are closed in response to the coronavirus pandemic you can get gift cards to use when they are able to safely reopen, purchase a limited edition Tiki-Ko glaze Ofrenda mug by Tiki Diablo or leave a virtual tip on their Go Fund Me for. They are currently offering $25 gift cards for $20. https://tiki-ko.com/shop & https://www.gofundme.com/f/tikiko-ohana

Three Dots & Dash – Chicago, IL

This iconic Chicago tiki bar is offering 40% off its online store through March 24th. The sale includes mugs, enamel pins, and t-shirts. If you’re local, they are also selling mugs and rums on-site by private appointment, message them on Instagram to schedule a time to shop.  https://shop.threedotschicago.com/collections/all

Lost Lake – Chicago, IL

Leave a tip for the staff at Lost Lake via the link below and they will sign you up for a twice-weekly newsletter with cocktails to make at home, recipes from their kitchen, Q+As with Lost Lakers, and maybe even a crossword. Every cent will go directly to Lost Lakers. https://www.gofundme.com/f/lost-lake-loves-you

The Inferno Room – Indianapolis, IN

Purchase a discounted gift card (they are currently 20% off) or mug to help support the staff at The Inferno Room. 40% of gift card proceeds and 100% of Ebay sales are being donated directly to employees.  https://theinfernoroom.com/shop/ & https://www.ebay.com/usr/crisco667?_trksid=p2047675.l2559

S.O.S Tiki – Decatur, GA

Donate to the Go Fund Me for S.O.S and as thanks, they will send you a card in the mail, and once this whole thing clears, you’ll be able to flash the card at any of their establishments and receive a treat from them, plus a “Fight Club” nod of appreciation, and maybe even a fist-bump. 100% of the proceeds will go to their staff, starting with those who need it the most. https://www.gofundme.com/f/all-fcks-given

Otto’s Shrunken Head – New York, NY

The staff at Otto’s have found themselves in an unprecedented situation. Some are home self-isolating with some symptoms, and some are trying to adjust to the new normal. All have financial burdens that must be dealt with and the team has set up a fundraiser to help. https://www.gofundme.com/f/otto039s-staff-fund

Chopper Tiki – Nashville, TN

Chopper Tiki is temporarily closed but you can order a gift card for later use to support them during this time. https://www.toasttab.com/chopper/giftcards

More Links: The Atomic Grog has a long list of other ways you can support tiki bars.