Location: Inside Planet Hollywood
Miracle MIle Shops
3663 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Ste. 160
Las Vegas, NV 89109
702-405-4700
Atmosphere: If you have a phobia involving tikis, go elsewhere. The ghoulishly stacked pedestals are everywhere; from the giant tiki columns to the tiki salt and pepper shakers to the tiki tablecloths, it's a veritable tiki town. There's a reason for that, of course: The Polynesian theme of the 29 worldwide Trader Vic's dates back to the 1930s in Oakland, Calif., where Victor Bergeron - "The Trader" - opened the first Trader Vic's. His claim to fame was the creation of the mai tai, which is Tahitian for "out of this world."
The debate over who actually created the drink, however, is as dizzying as the drink itself. Two others have also claimed credit for the elixir: Harry Owens and Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt, aka Don the Beachcomber.
Regardless of its creator, the Trader Vic's version of the rum-filled delight is powerful and the perfect complement to creative but pricey entrees such as Miso Orange Sea Bass and King Salmon Lomi Lomi. Or stick with the liquid diet, and choose from the 30-plus tropical drink selections. (Navy Grog, anyone?) Sip away on the lanai that overlooks Las Vegas Boulevard while watching the lighted fountains of Bellagio dance to Sinatra. You can also head upstairs to the lounge - where, after a few $9.50 mai tais, you may see the tikis come to life.
Music: DJs play an eclectic mix of dance and pop music in the lounge.
Dress Code: Lounge-dwelling men should wear button-up shirts, and women can wear anything from jeans with a nice top to a little black dress; sportswear and sneakers are not allowed. For restaurant or patio dining, there is no stated dress code. There are linen tablecloths and linen napkins, though, so if you're prone to self-consciousness, you may want to primp at least a little.
Tips: For an incredible view, dine on the patio; they have heaters in the winter and misters in the summer. Visit Head Candy Ultra Lounge to gaze out of their floor-to-ceiling windows at the striking 180-degree views of the Strip.
Hours: Trader Vic's restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday through Sunday. Head Candy Ultra Lounge, located upstairs, is open Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Reservations: On weekends, call ahead to the restaurant. You can also make a lounge reservation for bottle service, but it's not required: Unlike some lounges, you're allowed to sit on the couches even if you're not paying $300 for a bottle.
Party Planning: The restaurant, lounge, and patio can accommodate parties of all sizes, from intimate affairs of 10 to receptions for up to 600 people. To plan your party, call Events Coordinator Veronica Fitzgerald at (702) 405-4700, or visit "Party With Vic" on the website.
To learn more, go to tradervicslv.com and headcandylv.com.
