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For those mourning the closing of Trader Vic's, you'll find other ways to get your tiki fix at this site reviewing tiki bars all over the world Great photos. For a local sample, here's the scoop on the Chef Shangri-La restaurant in North Riverside

Wow, I had no idea that we live so close to the #5 tiki bar in the country, Hala-Kahiki in River Grove. Next time I have to pick up a package in Franklin Park (stupid UPS!) I'll be sure to stop on in.

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When I grow up, I'm going to Bovine University!

It's reasonably close to Gene & Jude's, by the way. Make a day of it!

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I'm a major fan of Hala Kahiki. It's an extraordinarily well-maintained tiki-space, with reasonably priced drinks, and a remarkably well-stocked gift shop with mu-mus, many Don Ho CDs, and related polynesianna.

No food, unfortunately (only free pretzels on the table), though there are many walking/talking examples of the Czech Paradox.

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“We all have to stand before the kitchen gods.” Chef Jacob Sahaya Kumar Aruni

I've driven by Hala buncha times during all hours of the day (coupla times on the way to Tropical Time, etc.) but i always thought, from the dilapidated state of the exterior, this place was closed down... guess not.

so a sample River Road chow crawl would be: Paradise Pup's burger, G&J's dog, Tropical Time's jerk chicken, back to Hala Kahiki for a mai tai?

The inside of Hala Kahiki is in perfect condition -- and actually, I think the "distressed" appearance of the facade is an attempt to evoke a weathered South Pacific watering hole.

If you're in the area, you might consider Johnnie's as well.

Hammond

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“We all have to stand before the kitchen gods.” Chef Jacob Sahaya Kumar Aruni

OK - who's up for a tiki crawl?

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The cake is a lie