Trader Vic's

A chain of Polynesian-themed restaurants and tiki bars

Trader Vic's Logo

Trader Vic's is a chain of Polynesian-themed restaurants and tiki bars that was founded by Victor Jules Bergeron Jr. in 1934 in Oakland, California. Known for its exotic atmosphere, tropical cocktails, and eclectic menu, Trader Vic's has become a cultural icon in the world of themed dining experiences.

History

Trader Vic's began as a small bar called "Hinky Dinks" in Oakland, California. In 1934, Victor Bergeron transformed it into a Polynesian-themed restaurant and renamed it "Trader Vic's." The restaurant quickly gained popularity for its unique ambiance and innovative cocktails, including the famous Mai Tai, which Bergeron claimed to have invented in 1944.

The success of the original location led to the expansion of Trader Vic's into a global chain. By the 1950s and 1960s, Trader Vic's had opened locations in major cities across the United States and internationally, including London, Tokyo, and Munich.

Concept and Design

Trader Vic's is renowned for its immersive Polynesian decor, which includes bamboo furnishings, tiki carvings, and tropical plants. The design of each restaurant is intended to transport guests to an exotic island paradise, complete with thatched roofs and nautical elements.

The menu at Trader Vic's features a fusion of Asian, Caribbean, and American dishes, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and tropical flavors. Signature dishes include pupu platters, crab rangoon, and barbecued meats cooked in a Chinese wood-fired oven.

Cocktails

Menu cover from Trader Vic's Oakland

Trader Vic's is perhaps best known for its extensive cocktail menu, which features a variety of tropical drinks made with rum and fresh fruit juices. The Mai Tai, a cocktail made with rum, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and orange liqueur, is the most famous drink associated with Trader Vic's. Other popular cocktails include the Scorpion, Navy Grog, and Zombie.

Global Presence

Trader Vic's has maintained a global presence with locations in cities such as London, Dubai, Bangkok, and Munich. Each location offers a unique interpretation of the Trader Vic's experience, while maintaining the core elements of Polynesian decor and tropical cuisine.

Trader Vic's London

Cultural Impact

Trader Vic's has played a significant role in popularizing tiki culture and Polynesian-themed dining in the United States and around the world. The restaurant's influence can be seen in the proliferation of tiki bars and the enduring popularity of tropical cocktails.

Related Pages

• Tiki culture
• Mai Tai
• Polynesian cuisine
• Tiki bar