Tiki-Ti

Tiki-Ti is a tiny tiki bar on Sunset Boulevard, on the border of Los Feliz and Silver Lake, and it is one of the most beloved drinking spots in Los Angeles. It was opened on 28 April 1961 by Ray Buhen, a veteran of the city's early tiki scene, in a former violin repair shop owned by his father-in-law. Today it is run by his son Mike Buhen Sr. and grandson Mike Buhen Jr.

The bar is small, with only around a dozen seats, and its walls and ceiling are crammed with tiki carvings, lamps and decades of decorations. The drinks menu is the opposite of small: around 90 cocktails, many of them original, from rum classics to house inventions. If you cannot decide, a spinning wheel can make the choice for you.

Some drinks come with their own rituals. Order a Blood and Sand and regulars will chant as it is prepared; the Uga Booga prompts its own shout from the room. Ray's Mistake, created in 1968 when Ray mixed up the syrups by accident, became a house favourite and is on special on Wednesdays. The bar is also known for its toast to Ray, when the room raises a glass in his memory.

Because space is so limited, Tiki-Ti fills quickly and queues often form outside, especially at weekends. Arriving soon after opening is the best way to get a seat. The bar closes for a spring break and over some holidays, and hours are not listed on the website, so check its social media before making a special trip.

It suits cocktail lovers, small groups and anyone who enjoys a quirky, characterful bar with a sense of history. It is not the place for large parties or quiet conversation, and the drinks are strong, so pace yourself. Please be patient with the queue; the bar's charm depends on its tiny size. Regulars treat the bar almost as a club, and part of the fun is watching the rituals unfold and joining in when the room chants for a particular drink. The bartenders are happy to recommend drinks for newcomers, and asking for a suggestion based on your taste is the best way to navigate the long menu. The bar is old-fashioned in many ways, so check payment options before you go.

Tiki-Ti is on Sunset Boulevard near the junction with Hollywood Boulevard, a short walk from the Vermont/Sunset station on the Metro B Line. Los Feliz's restaurants and the Vista Theatre are nearby, and Silver Lake's bars are a short ride east along Sunset.