Trader Vic's

01/29/10

Weird, Wacky, & Werewolves

by Mayor of Ponce at Citysearch

With Atlanta being a convention city, there's two things we have plenty of- strip clubs and hotels. And the best place for us locals to get weird and party with tourist is Trader Vic's.

Sure, it's a chain, but it's a chain in places like London and Tokyo, not Stockbridge and Lawrenceville. Located inside the downtown Hilton, Trader's is almost like a hip Pacific Island family version of The Clermont Lounge. Everything just seems so mid 1980's, it's perfect. You keep waiting for Magnum P.I. to come in and question someone.

Thursday's is definitely the night to go. With the band Kingsized reformed as Tongi Hiti, giving their tropical versions of songs like Sade's "Smooth Operator", or on the spot request for Van Halen. And the $5 Mai Tai's and giant rum bowls will have you sugar buzzed like a 10th grader with out of town parents.

The tourist, wacky motif, and the mostly foreign staff give us locals a sense of a mini vacation in far away, exotic downtown Atlanta. And if you see a werewolf or a ghost of Warren Zevon at the bar, make sure you buy him a pina colada.

• Pros: Tongo Hiti, Strange Tourist
• Cons: Strange Tourist

07/25/09

EXCELLENT FOOD, SERVICE, & VIBE! LOVE IT!!

by kilran at Citysearch

Awesome drinks. You cannot and wil not get a better Mai Tai in the world. Vic invented the drink himself. The food from the wood fire ovens is so succulent and tender. We were treated with top notch service. The decor and vibe inside is classic Tiki to perfection. Thank God some idiot hasn't come in and redone the place as it's vintage TIki vibe is awesome. Very relaxed environment with high-end food and service. The drinks alone are stunning! You will not get better drinks in Hawaii, Tahiti, or anywhere. It's a little pricey but worth every dime. The negative feedbacks left previously range from amazing to clinically retarded. Trader Vic's is famous world wide- O'Charley's never will be. I cannot believe someone would stoop so low as to state that- to each their own. You can have your cookie-cutter O'Charley's I'll take Vic's anyday! This one hasn't been in business for over 30 years because of mediocre service and food. Those that think the vibe is cheesy are actually those type that have redone the world so now everything everywhere is practically the same everywhere you go- BORING! Trader Vic's will never be boring to those who appreciate great fun, food, drinks, and service. Thank you Trader Vic's Atlanta!!

• Pros: Best Pacific Rim food in the south, best drinks on earth!
• Cons: Leaving is always sad

08/03/08

Worst Experience

by Left at Citysearch

We called to make our reservations at the restaurant and were told there could be no jeans, short pants, and gentlemen must wear a jacket. When we arrived to a crowd of about 6 customers, we saw bathing suit trunks and a t-shirt on one man! The food was TERRIBLE, not to mention that the price for the food was ridiculous, to say the least! They have nothing on any of your restaurants, such as, O'Charley's, etc. In fact, the salmon at O'Charley's is MUCH better than here! After we left the restaurant, and my daughters checked their bank account, Trader Vic's had added $20 to the debit. If this is customary, it should be told to the customers using debit cards! We are waiting to see what's up with that!!! If you are contemplating dining here, you may as well go to a fast food restaurant in the area! And, if you do decide to go to Trader Vic's.....just go straight from the pool, you'll fit right in!