Meet us where tropical tastes and island vibes bring joy
Hala Kahiki is Hawaiian for pineapple, a symbol of hospitality. And hospitality is just what you’ll find here at the Hala Kahiki Tropical Lounge where an island-like vibe transports you the moment you walk through the doors.
For more than 50 years and three generations, one family has brought joy to River Grove by way of a tropical oasis.
In 1964, Rose and Stanley Sacharski opened Hala Kahiki on River Road, but the lounge’s story begins far before that. In 1952, Rose and Stanley decided to open a tavern, leaving behind their more somber careers in the funeral home business.
They opened a tavern called the Lucky Start on the West Side of Chicago. It didn’t yet have a tropical theme, but it did have a welcoming atmosphere for neighbors to join together as the couple sought to surround themselves with joy.
When the building started to deteriorate, Rose and Stanley used tropical matting and bamboo to keep the space cheerful. From there, things took off, and a tropical oasis was born!
When the business outgrew the space in Chicago, Rose and Stanley moved to River Grove, where the Sacharski family has operated the joyful Hala Kahiki Tiki Bar for more than 50 years.
Enjoy a Pineapple Boomerang with HK Gin, pineapple, and dry vermouth or a Port Lite with bourbon, lemon, passionfruit, and housemade grenadine.
You have plenty to choose from since the menu has more than 100 tropical drinks!
Whatever tropical drink you choose, you are certain to be transported to an island when you walk through the doors here. Don’t miss the heated tropical patio!
Hala Kahiki Tiki Bar is open Tuesday from 5pm to 1am, Wednesday and Thursday from 4pm to 1am, Friday from 4pm to 2am, Saturday from 2pm to 2am, and Sunday from 2pm to 1am. (Closed Mondays).
Today, you’ll find the third generation of the Sacharski family staffing the tiki bar. The family is committed to keeping the same joyful atmosphere and simple, welcoming space that Rose and Stanely first created in 1952.
Hala Kahiki is located less than a mile walk from the River Grove Stop on the Milwaukee District West Metra Rail. Just 15 miles from downtown Chicago, the tiki bar is located at 2834 River Road in River Grove.
