Las Vegas Tropical Hideaway
Frankie's Tiki Room: A Neon Desert Oasis of Bamboo and Rum
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
By the Wicked Cool Places editors · Published · Updated
Why it’s cool
This 24-hour sanctuary revived the city's lost tropical tradition through authentic design by tiki royalty. Its potent cocktails and dim, pufferfish-lit atmosphere offer a kitschy escape from the typical neon glitz of the desert.
Tucked away from the blinding lights of the Strip, a different kind of glow emanates from a 1950s-era lounge. Frankie's Tiki Room serves as a permanent vacation for those who prefer their cocktails served in ceramic skulls and their walls lined with hand-carved bamboo.
It is a rare survivor of a subculture that nearly vanished from the Mojave, offering a dense, immersive atmosphere that feels worlds away from the nearby casinos.
Why It Stands Out
The history of tiki in Las Vegas is one of boom and bust. While legendary spots like Don the Beachcomber once defined the local scene, the 1980s saw these tropical haunts disappear.
By the early 2000s, the city was almost entirely devoid of thatch and rum. This changed in 2008 when P.
Moss took over a vintage cocktail lounge and enlisted Bamboo Ben to overhaul the space. This era of mid-century hospitality is also preserved at Atomic Liquors.
As the grandson of tiki pioneer Eli Hedley, Ben brought an authentic pedigree to the renovation. The result is a masterclass in kitsch.
Nearby, The Neon Museum also celebrates the city's vintage aesthetic. Pufferfish lanterns cast a soft, amber light over intricate wood carvings and custom-designed mugs that have become collector's items.
The menu balances mid-century classics with original creations, using a skull-based rating system to warn patrons of a drink's potency. A five-skull cocktail is a serious commitment to the craft, often leading to a hazy morning after.
This dedication to the island aesthetic proves that the unexpected is always possible in the desert.
Before You Go
Located off the main tourist corridor, this bar operates on a schedule that matches the city's relentless energy. It never closes, making it the perfect spot for a midnight rum flight or a sunrise mai tai.
While the interior is dark and cozy, the drinks are famously strong. You should plan your transportation in advance if you intend to sample the higher-rated skull drinks.
Questions worth answering
When can we stop by for a drink?
We don't have to check the clock here. The doors stay open every hour of every day.
How do we know which cocktails are the strongest?
Look for the icons shaped like small ceramic skulls on the menu. A rating of five means the drink is a heavy commitment.
Who is responsible for the look of the space?
P. Moss bought this vintage lounge and brought in Bamboo Ben for the redesign. Ben used his family history as the grandson of Eli Hedley to build something authentic.
Is this bar located near the main casinos?
We find it tucked away from the Strip's blinding lights on a different corridor. It's a 1950s-era lounge that feels like a separate world from the typical desert glitz.
More in Southwest
All Southwest places →
The Big Edge
Las Vegas, Nevada
This massive installation transforms more than 200 aluminum canoes and kayaks into a blooming, gravity-defying floral arrangement. It serves as a surreal nautical landmark in the middle of a desert metropolis.
Evel Pie
Las Vegas, Nevada
This pizza parlor honors the world's most famous stuntman with an incredible collection of vintage memorabilia, including a life-size statue and his signature star-spangled imagery.
Big Rig Jig
Las Vegas, Nevada
This massive installation transforms two decommissioned tanker trucks into a gravity-defying S-curve. Originally built for Burning Man, it stands as a four-story monument to industrial power and artistic ingenuity.