Article

The Tiki Bar experience featured in our very favorite “island lifestyle” publication, Tiki Magazine, in an article entitled “The Tiki Bar at Solomons Island” with story and photos by Raland Camara

How often do you get to go to an authentic Tiki Bar? I’m talking about an open air bar, with plenty of Tiki décor, a panoramic waterfront view, and a knock your socks off Mai Tai? Well, have I got a place for you! It’s the world famous Tiki Bar at Solomons Island located right on the Patuxent River in Southern Maryland.

The Tiki Bar at Solomons Island (later referred to as the Tiki Bar) is a 90-seat open air bar. Just walking through the Tiki Bar, you’ll immediately notice that it features plenty of carvings by Bosko. In fact, there are over 100 Bosko carvings on the walls and throughout the Tiki Bar. The open-air atmosphere, Bosko art, seashells, and various nautical themed elements really provide an authenticity to the Tiki Bar…

The World Famous Mai Tai
Much of the Tiki Bar’s popularity comes from their famous Mai Tai. The Mai Tai at the Tiki Bar is not your ordinary mai tai. It has a very unique taste that’s all its own. On my trip to the Tiki Bar, we consumed several of these, all in the name of science of course, trying to unlock the secret of its unique taste. Kelly Bingham, the bar manager for the last 9 years, said that it’s been “a guarded secret recipe” for the last 26 years. My colleague, Dave Smith, a self professed mai tai connoisseur, said, “There is some special ingredient that makes this mai tai taste different than a typical mai tai. It’s very good, not overly sweet, with a light tangy taste. It’s very refreshing and perfect for a hot, sunny day.”…

Running the Board
One of the traditions at the Tiki Bar is known as “Running the Board”. On a large carved and painted board above the bar are the names of eight of the Tiki Bar’s most popular house drinks. … To “Run the Board” one needs to have all eight drinks listed on the board during the course of the day. Board membership gains you bragging rights with your fellow patrons. …

Tiki Joe and the Staff
The manager of the Tiki Bar is Joe Kurley, a.k.a. “Tiki Joe”. Joe is a big teddy bear kind of guy that looks like he could have been a linebacker on a pro football team in his past, but is actually an ex elementary school teacher. Tiki Joe is the heart and soul of the Tiki Bar and his ardent affection for it is quite evident. … “From the first night, I just knew that I wanted to be at the Tiki Bar. I just loved it. I loved the people. I just love doing what I do”, says Tiki Joe. … According to Tiki Joe, a key element to the Tiki Bar is getting the right ambience. The outdoor open-air feel of the bar with its panoramic waterfront view and beach sand in Tiki Village add to the “Bahamas like” feel of the bar. …

The Grill Sergeant BBQ
The real surprise of my visit to the Tiki Bar was the Tiki Bar restaurant located in Tiki Village right next to the Tiki Bar. It’s called “The Grill Sergeant BBQ” named after the U.S. criminal investigator by day and Grill Sergeant by night Mike Theesen. You only have to talk to Mike for a minute to realize that he has a passion for barbeque and it shows in everything he makes. Mike is a student of the art of barbeque and takes his food seriously by always pursuing the ultimate in barbeque. Mike describes his barbeque as “Maryland Southern Style”. His “secret recipe” for his dry rub barbeque is absolutely fabulous. The dry rub is both hot and sweet. …

The Clientele
All kinds of people come to the Tiki Bar from all over the world. People have come from Australia, Great Britain, Germany, the eastern seaboard and California. … Tish Disabella, a bartender at the Tiki Bar said, “On a typical Saturday afternoon, you’ll get boaters, contractors, girls with their girlfriends, guys after work, and Prince Frederick locals. … It’s really a great combination of people.” …

Special events: Opening and Closing Celebrations
Two big events that have given the Tiki Bar much of its festive reputation are the Opening and Closing weekend celebrations. … It’s not uncommon to have over 25 thousand people show up from Friday through Sunday, with 12 thousand people on Saturday alone. … The festivities also include a procession with the “Tiki King” arriving on his float pontoon across the water with his Tiki Fan maidens dropping rose petals at his feet. …

A Place to Enjoy a Good Drink and Good Friends
The warm friendly atmosphere of the Tiki Bar is one of its most endearing characteristics. Per Tiki Joe, “The Tiki Bar was built on the fundamental of being friendly… It’s a bar where everyone seems to be old friends.”

We encourage our patrons to read the full column in the Winter 08-09 edition of Tiki Magazine. Visit http://www.TikiMagazine.com for more information or to order back-issues.