Kahiki - August 26, 00'
Upon hearing of the impending doom headed towards the Kahiki Restaurant in Columbus, OH. I scrounged up some money and went to it's closing bash. As I had never been before, I had to see it before the wrecking ball hit. I figured it would be Nice to see it in full on party mood. The last night was a gala event full of fellow Tiki revelers, several bands, including Don Tiki, and local residents bidding farewell.
Now, I'm going to ignore the event(which was great) and just review the joint. The Kahiki is architecturally the best Poly-pop, 50's, Retro Tiki joint out there. The exterior is (or should i say was) an incredible A Frame (of course i didn't get a photo though...duh...). Inside is a Litlle less inspiring, a little awkward for larger groups but a good layout for a restaurant. The Nick nak's, Tiki's and all were all in order. My favorite is the fake storm that passes overhead every once in awhile. The house band is great, and the employees are much nicer than many other tiki joints (especially the grumps at Hala Kahiki).
The Kahiki is really great, it's no Mai Kai, and it lacks a bit of the cozyness that Hala Kahiki has, but I'll put it at number 3 of my tiki list. I'd recommend you check it out, if it were still there ....... alas another temple destroyed.