The owners of Extra Large Gallery have transformed their bar from an art gallery into a wonderfully themed tiki bar.
The new bar called Aku Aku (Facebook) is located at 431 E Central Blvd [GMap].
When you walk in you will immediately notice the Polynesian/tiki theme of the bar.
The name Aku Aku comes from the Polynesian restaurant and bar at the former Stardust Casino in Las Vegas (the namesake of their sister bar, which in the basement of the same building).
The tiki bar is also the designed to be in the same era as Stardust.
“It’s an homage to a great time,” owner Todd Ulmer told Bungalower.
Ulmer says their goal is to stay true to the tiki culture.
That holds true in not only the decor but also the music and the drinks.
Their drink menu features traditional tiki drinks but Ulmer promises that the drinks are “not the drink you get at the Disney pool bar.”
He admits that there’s a little campiness in the drink ware but “the cocktail is legit.”
Behind the bar you’ll also find over 50 different types of rums and that collection is growing.
The art on the walls is also authentic featuring tiki culture art by artists like Doug Horne, Shag and some local artists.
Ulmer says they are working on a grand opening Luau complete with a pig roast and fire jugglers.
The hours for the Aku Aku tiki bar in downtown Orlando are Monday through Saturday 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. and Sunday 2:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Here’s a look inside Aku Aku and at their drink menu:
I just noticed that–how odd. Seems like it would be a good fit for HH.
I wonder if they moved their HH back downstairs to Stardust, like it used to be, or if they just opted out all together.
Well worth a visit. Really great bar, and always good place to mingle.
Bungalower This is…unexpected. I’ll give it a try.
Carl, I think both will do really well (and already are). They are both small spaces not on the main streets which allows you to do something that is niche and still make money. I get more concerned with the yet another bar (or local restaurant) that opens in a large space on a main street and can’t articulate what make them different from the others. A cool juice bar and a very unique tiki bar are the kinds of things that make any city great!
Any change that involves turning off that Banksy video is a good change.
Can’t wait to check it out. I love my neighborhood!
Wish I were there enjoying several drinks with umbrellas.
It’s a race now to see if this place closes before the juice bar!
Now this is a great idea! Take that Pagne.
I love this!!!
I wish they were open for Happy Hour!
Amanda Bowman Courtney Masselli Just like the one in Chicago lol
Pamela Mia