These days there appears to be a new tiki bar opening every week. Tiki Tom’s in Walnut Creek CA is one of those new bars — but it’s an old bar, too. Tiki Tom’s owners took what was a vaguely tiki-ish dive bar, and, with the help of Bamboo Ben & Son, turned it into a proper tiki bar. And what a tiki bar — an instant classic that feels like it’s always been there.
In 2019, Kevin “Ultimate Mai Tai” Crossman reviewed the old Tiki Tom’s in a Tiki with Ray write up. Kevin wrote at the time: “Just know it’s not a quiet bar; TVs show sports and Karaoke plays a couple nights a week. This could be a great place to hang out with friends.”
I don’t think Tiki Tom’s co-owner Darrin DeRita wouldn’t disagree with this assessment. As Darrin said on the Tiki with Ray Show, the old Tiki Tom’s was a (very good) dive bar. But Darrin’s dream was to turn the bar into an elevated tiki bar. Thanks to a hole in Bamboo Ben’s schedule during the COVID years, they changed the character of Tiki Tom’s to meet his vision.
This move was a risky one. Darrin had to convince his co-owner (and brother) Rick to make the move. A popular dive bar paid the bills. But the brothers took the risk in following Darrin’s tiki passion to transform the bar to meet his artistic dreams.
It’s early days, but the Tiki Tom’s team have succeeded on all fronts: environment, drinks and food.
- Environment
When a bar, like this one, hits all its marks, it’s hard not to resort to clichés. So, I’ll discuss some of the elements that make this the quintessential modern and classic tiki bar.
Take the mug collections. Darrin’s stories on how he acquired rare, quality tiki mugs are fascinating. Near the front door, there are large shelves with some recognizable mugs.
In another area of the bar, the creators made eye-catching displays showing the story of some of the mugs in special display cases, such as those honoring Gillian’s Island, the Brady Bunch, and Toy Story 3.
To complete the nautical niche in the bar, Bamboo Ben said that parts of a boat would complete the look with other nautical bits and bobs that the brothers had assembled. So, displaying their commitment to perfect the nautical decor. Rick and Darrin actually went out to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to dig out a partially sunken, abandoned boat to hang in the bar.
The art work also deserves special mention. Certain commissioned artwork with a Polynesian-theme changes to reveal new pictures. In a place of honor behind the host stand, sits a print that shows the fantasy version of Tiki Tom’s that represents the bar’s new version.
Even the two bathrooms have terrific art. One with pictures from older, classic tiki bars (including the Islander in Stockton, which holds sentimental value to me). The other bathroom has prints from such artists as Thor, Big Toe, Jeff Granito, and Shag.
- Drinks
The evening I visited, I sampled a number of their drinks. Every drink was quality. The drink menu features both classic drinks, and the bar’s unique concoctions. Our bartender, Jenn (“with two n’s”) took great care of me, and even served us an experiment that the team was working on. (Keep a look out for the “Release the Kraken” served in a large kraken bowl.) I recommend watching the Tiki with Ray video with Darrin to hear Ray’s take on some signature cocktails — and to see the kraken bowl.
I will give a shout out to one particular drink: the Saturn, a classic gin-based tiki drink. I like gin, but Rick is a connoisseur of gin (turning me on to some of his favorites). The Saturn at Tiki Tom’s is the best Saturn I’ve ever had, and is among the best gin tiki drinks I’ve had at any bar.
- Food
At most tiki bars, food is an after-thought. In my opinion, there is no readily identifiable tiki food. Tiki Tom’s is seeking to change that. Executive chef Nick Peters — along with raising a growing family and opening his own restaurant in Walnut Creek — has been working on a book of tiki cuisine. If the dishes he produces at Tiki Tom’s are any indication, the book will be hit with the tiki community. One of the tricks up Nick’s sleeve is to use spices found in tiki cocktails in his food! (Take the falernum chili spices. for one)
Tiki Tom’s is my new favorite tiki bar in the San Francisco Bay Area — an area that’s full of great bars. Just go there. And say hi to whoever is at Tiki Tom’s that night (whether it’s Jenn, Nick, Rick, Darrin, or Darrin’s daughter and GM Steffani). You’ll be glad you did.
Stephen would like to thank Darrin, Rick and the rest of team for their generosity, courtesy and time. Amazing hosts at an amazing bar.
Here is the Tiki Tom’s website
And Facebook Page
