I’m just going to continue to add more stuff, until I can’t fit anything anymore…
I’d say this is true for most of us who have their own tiki space. Some spaces are bigger than others. For Aloha Joe, he’s working with what space he has. Aloha Joe lives in a condo, so he doesn’t have a garage, a basement or even a spare bedroom to create a tiki hideaway for himself. But he has a dining room… So out when the fancy utensils and chinaware, and in comes the tiki! Here is how Aloha Joe’s Bamboo Rendezvous came to be…
What is the tiki scene like where you live?
Aloha Joe- Here in New Jersey, the tiki scene is definitely more of a home and pop-up bar vibe than more established “tiki bars.” We have Cellar 335, which is the only tiki bar open year-round. They do a good job both as far as serving great tiki drinks as well as providing that sense of escapism that we’re looking for in our tiki bars. Additionally, we have a pair of seasonal tiki bars – Lei Low and Two Day Tiki. Two Day Tiki, being outside in New Jersey, obviously can’t be open year round. However, Big Kev makes all his drinks from scratch and with love, and it shines through in the result. Lei Low is the summer conversion of the regular Asbury Park bar Lay Low, and it gives that old school, dark-room-with-Christmas-lights-and-thatch tiki feel. Lei Low would have potential to be a great escape all year round if that’s what the bar decided to do. All that said, the New Jersey home tiki bars are really holding down the fort. Even more importantly, all of which are run by good and generous people who contribute to the tiki community and want to see it flourish. That reputation and these people are why established figures in the tiki community have been making more trips to New Jersey.
What brought you into the tiki lifestyle and how long has it been part of your life?
Aloha Joe- When I was young, my grandparents would take me multiple times a week to their favorite restaurant: Paradise East in Jersey City on Route 440. My grandparents were great friends with the owners, Larry and Jennifer. Paradise East provided a lasting impression on me as a young child that still sticks with me today – bamboo booths, flowers everywhere, a functioning wishing well, pupu platters, and flaming drinks. Beyond that, whenever I went to Disney as a child with my aunt, even through to today when I go to Disney, we would stay at the Polynesian. It was so foundational in my life that I made it my home resort when I joined the Disney Vacation Club. Also, when I was in the Navy, I was stationed in San Diego; this led to many stops in Hawaii to the point where I had a girlfriend in Hawaii.
In 2017, I went to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto…which I would call my first “tiki” bar experience. I was hooked from that moment on. I began traveling to visit tiki bars, increased the amount of Hawaiian shirts in my wardrobe, and began my mug collection in earnest. Finally, thanks to my good friend Tiki Don, I attended my first tiki convention at the inaugural Tiki A Go Go. The experience was fucking awesome, the people were incredible. I sat in on every seminar I could to learn more about the culture. And one of the best parts of was discovering my love for Clairin. I’ve been on the search for funk in my rums ever since.
Can you give a little history of how it all came together? Any story behind the name of your bar?
Aloha Joe- I bought this place in 2024. It’s a very small condo. I knew I wanted a tiki bar in my living space, but without a basement or a guest room or another space I could dedicate to a bar, I decided to convert the dining room and put a tiki bar in. I had help from numerous people with this vision in my mind. What’s the vision, you might ask? Thurston Howell III trying to impress Betty Rubble with a drink in hand, and making a fool out of himself in the process. So, I knew I wanted a mid-century look tiki bar with a peek at a garden paradise, all of which comes with a great view from the lanai on my balcony. All the things I see, whether at other tiki bars, or from the various incredible artists in our community, keep me adding on to this place. Originally it was going to be named the “Hidden Rendezvous” – Rendezvous because it’s a term that’s reminiscent of the mid-century era I’m trying to harken back to with my bar, and “Hidden” because my condo complex is a giant maze in which it’s very easy to get lost. That was the working title…until Kymm Bang proposed the “Bamboo Rendezvous.” I put it to a vote amongst my close friends and Bamboo Rendezvous won out. And here we are.
How far have you driven to buy something tiki that you saw online?
Aloha Joe- I am always willing to travel for tiki. I’ve drive to Hidden Harbor. Tiki Underground. Max’s. Hala Kahiki. Kahala Koa. 3 Dots. Lotu Lounge. Foundation. I recently drove up to Hidden Harbor for their 10th Anniversary to get some beautiful Mulder Mugs. I’m willing to travel for tiki.
What is your favorite Tiki drink? What do you think makes the perfect cocktail?
Aloha Joe- As far as tiki drinks, I’m easy to satisfy. Despite always playing around with my own cocktails, making my own syrups, and experimenting, when it comes down to it I love a good Mai Tai. If I’m at Sunken Harbor Club or the Mai Kai, you can bet your ass I’m going to get a Rum Barrel. I love everything I have ever drank made by Dizz at Grog Grotto, but his ’34 Zombie is top-notch. His drinks have taught me that balance makes a good drink, and that if something is too tart or too sweet, you can’t taste all the ingredients that make up a drink. That’s something I find both special and endearing about tiki beverages – the goal is to be able to experience each and every ingredient in its own way.
Outside of great drinks, what do you think are essential elements in creating the perfect Tiki environment?
Aloha Joe- The beauty of a tiki bar is that it’s more than the sum of its parts. First and foremost, I believe is the escapism. Obviously, you have to have good cocktails. Engagement, merchandise, a passport stamp, and having a tiki somewhere all come together to distinguish tiki bars from good tiki bars from great tiki bars.
What does the future hold for you and your home tiki bar?
Aloha Joe- Well…I’m retiring from my first career as a Captain in the Jersey City Fire Department soon. I’m in the process of going back to school and getting my degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. I like helping people. I’ve tried to do it all my life. My plan is to become a Veteran’s Service Officer and help veterans like myself, the guys who keep getting screwed over. I’ve toyed with the idea of starting a tiki organization for prior servicemembers/veterans (I like the idea of the Loyal Order of the Na Koa…or something similar). I plan on getting more involved in charity work as well.
I’m going to continue to add more stuff until I can’t fit anything anymore. I have Nui Nate working on another lamp for me. Kymm Bang is working on a welcome sign for when you walk in – E Komo Mai! I’m working on redoing my bathroom and kitchen to match the dining room, living room, balcony, and bedroom. After that, I’m going to talk to Tiki Tom Tom and ask him to visit and see if I can get put on his registry. The guy is a legend and that’d be an honor.
Anything else you would like to add?
Aloha Joe- If you or anyone are ever in the area (Neptune City, NJ), my door is always open to anyone living the tiki life like us. Give me a head’s up so I can get everything fresh, and I’m more than happy to give you a brief escape at the Bamboo Rendezvous. Mahalo!
