Tiki Tabu Serves Up Mai Tais and the Perfect Summer Parties

Polynesian may be an overplayed summer theme, but Tiki Tabu, the rooftop bar of the Lower East Side SIXTY hotel, balances kitsch with cool, fresh details. The pop-up space soft opened in the beginning of May, with a party thrown by Artsy during Frieze week. Artists Petra Collins and Madelyne Beckles did a performance piece that involved squashing fruit on their bodies and in their mouths, later mixing the “fruits of their labor” with hibiscus flowers and tequila for cocktails.

Usually, though, drinks come from behind the blond wood bar and are served in Tikiman cups: Strawberry daiquiris, Miami Vices, Mama Coladas, and Mai Tais make up the menu and are just as strong as they are sweet.

Designed by Misha Kahn (who the New York Times called a “furniture wunderkind” earlier this year), the space features hand blown lava lamps, fuzzy peach wallpaper, sand art floors, and mirrors framed with pool noodles frozen in place by armature wire and fiberglass.

Already, Tiki Tabu has become a favorite for editors of both indie and established rags—Ravelin Magazine threw a relaunch party there, hosted by Robert Geller with downtown designers such as Katie Gallagher and Tess Giberson in attendance; Heroine Magazine also celebrated its fall/winter issue; and Harper’s Bazaar hosts a monthly fete titled (as these things are) “Everything We Touch.”

Nights usually end with dancing to “happy music” (soul, R&B, disco) played by DJs that nightlife connoisseur Sebastian Puga “curates” (as these things are). Theophilus London, Holy Ghost’s Erik Tonnesen, No Vacancy Inn’s Tremaine Emory and Mia Moretti have taken up the booth so far.

Fortunately, the door is fairly democratic, making it a good spot to hit up while the sun goes down. Just make sure to check the weather—the majority of the deck is open air, making it less than ideal during a summer shower.

Calling Card Oversized hand blown lava lamps designed by Misha Kahn.

The Door Democratic.

Tribes 20-something downtown artists and their pals.

VIPs Theophilus London, Petra Collins, Mia Moretti.

Music Soul, disco, R&B and indie from DJs “curated” by Sebastian Puga: Holy Ghost’s Erik Tonnesen, No Vacancy Inn’s Tremaine Emory. The Happy Show DJs and Mia Moretti.

Drinks $15 ($60 pitchers)

The Basics 190 Allen St, New York, NY 10002. (212) 460-5300. Monday – Sunday, 12 p.m. – 2 a.m.