Home Tiki Bar Spotlight #96 Cap’n Dan’s Dive Bar – Plano IL

I’m totally surprised that nobody has come up with the idea of using the word “dive” to combine a “dive bar” and a “nautical themed bar” but Dan Mazanec did! Dan combined the aesthetics of a tiki bar, nautical bar and old school dive bar all into one and the end result is a truly unique place! Dan call’s his home bar Cap’n Dan’s Dive Bar and here is his story…

What is the tiki scene like where you live?

Dan-Living fifty miles from Chicago in a small farming town there are not many tropical options around here. Although the closer to the city you get there are about 7 or 8 tiki Bars. Most notably, Three Dots and a Dash and Hala Kahiki.

What brought you into the tiki lifestyle and how long has it been part of your life?

Dan-As an artist I’ve always liked the aesthetic of it. I love the look of it, the masks, totems and art prints. Starting when I was a kid, my parents would to go to Trader Vic’s at the Palmer House in Chicago and come back with swizzle sticks and mugs. I always loved (and wish I had kept) the treasures they would bring back. Then I set sail on a Jungle Cruise, watched a Tropical Serenade and set sail on a voyage with some pirates and I was hooked. Being a big fan of all things monster, the masks and mugs always appealed to me.

Can you give a little history of how it all came together?

Dan-I wanted to put a tiki bar in my basement. Knowing this my wife picked up some masks at a garage sale. Then I found a bar on Facebook Marketplace. Then wheels were in motion, my wife and neighbors convinced me to put it in the garage instead of the basement. I started watching YouTube videos religiously to get ideas. I became a regular at the local Goodwill and garage sales and quickly added to my collection. The look of my bar was heavily influenced by the Tradewinds Lounge in St Augustine Florida.

Any story behind the name of your bar? 

Dan-Cap’n Dan’s Dive Bar came about out of economics and my affinity for a good dive bar. After doing some research on how much things cost. I realized I couldn’t afford to be too authentic. So, I decided to make it more of a tropical dive bar. I also liked the play on the word “dive”. This afforded me the option to use decor not associated with tiki in my bar. While having a Tiki vibe my bar has beer signs, pop culture references and pirates.

What is your favorite Tiki drink?

Dan-I’m a big fan of the Mai Tai. I love the fruity boozy flavor. It makes me feel like I’m on vacation.

What is your favorite Tiki bar? Not including your own! 

Dan-I like Three Dots and a Dash and I Love the Skulls as you enter. Great atmosphere, great drinks. I do wish they left the entrance vague. Half the fun was that it was a secret. I love the look of Trader Sam’s, Frankie’s Tiki Room and the Golden Tiki, although I have not been to them yet.

Outside of great drinks, what do you think are essential elements in creating the perfect Tiki environment?

Dan-Bamboo, masks and mugs. I really like a bar that takes you far away and makes you feel like it’s been there for years and has history.

What does the future hold for you and your home tiki bar?

Dan-Like Disney World I believe it will always be changing. A work in progress.

Anything else you would like to add?

Dan-It’s been a fun journey so far!