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Los Angeles, California
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Don the Beachcomber, opened in 1933, is widely recognized as the birthplace of the tiki bar, introducing exotic cocktails and Polynesian-themed decor to the American public.
Before becoming a tiki bar, Don the Beachcomber operated as a speakeasy during the Prohibition era, offering a secretive escape for its patrons.
Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt, the founder of Don the Beachcomber, was a former bootlegger who used his knowledge of spirits to craft unique cocktails.
The bar was known for its secretive cocktail recipes, which were often coded to keep them exclusive and mysterious.
The success of Don the Beachcomber led to a nationwide tiki craze, influencing bars and restaurants across the United States.
Many of the cocktails at Don the Beachcomber were named after exotic locales, adding to the allure and escapism of the tiki experience.
The bar's unique decor featured items collected from Gantt's travels, creating an authentic and immersive atmosphere.
