Entry No. 20 — the Cincinnati file — filed under: art
Tiki Tiki Bang Bang
Evolving out of the former Video Archive speakeasy space, this landlocked island hideaway blends exotic rums, bamboo decor, and tropical soundscapes.
The story
Before this Walnut Hills corner began pouring dark rums into ceramic mugs, it operated under a completely different guise: a fake VHS rental store called The Video Archive. Opened in 2016 by hospitality group Gorilla Cinema, the original speakeasy required you to push through a secret video rental shelf to reach a low-lit, Quentin Tarantino-themed den hidden in the back. Mid-2020 brought a pivot to island drinks and cinema screenings, before the venue permanently leaned into its tropical alter-ego as Tiki Tiki Bang Bang, eventually being bought out in 2023 by its long-time manager, Michael Stelzner—known locally as 'The Skipper.'
You didn't hear it from us, but despite the bamboo matting, exotic rum bottles, and jungle soundscapes humming through the speakers, the space hasn't completely erased its grindhouse roots. Look closely between the collectible tiki mugs and surf culture aesthetics and you'll still spot subtle cinematic nods tucked into the decor. It is a landlocked island hideaway that balances proper, craft-driven mixology with an eccentric, tucked-away charm.
What it's like
You won't be pushing through VHS shelves anymore, but stepping inside still feels like discovering an underground hideout. Expect dim lighting, bamboo-paneled walls, jungle soundscapes humming in the background, and a bar team that knows its rum inventory inside and out. Drinks range from classic Painkillers to house originals like the peanut butter and banana Bonzai Banana, served up in ceramic tiki mugs. Weeknights offer a chill atmosphere for sipping quietly at the bar, but show up on a Thursday night and you'll run right into Cast Away Karaoke (unless it's the final Thursday of the month, which flips to Emo Night).
The move: Sip a classic Painkiller or house Daiquiri out of collectible tiki mugs while listening to jungle soundscapes during Thursday night Cast Away Karaoke.
- 📍 Walnut Hills, Cincinnati
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 965 E McMillan St, Cincinnati, OH 45206
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Comfort Station — Walk two doors down McMillan Street to go from a bamboo rum den to a sleek cocktail lounge inside a restored 1920s public transit bathhouse.
- Lucky Cat Museum — Pair an afternoon viewing over 2,000 Japanese maneki-neko beckoning cat figures inside a former clock factory with evening tiki drinks in Walnut Hills.
- Ghost Baby — Trade Walnut Hills' tropical jungle soundscapes for a moody underground venue tucked four stories below ground in 1850s brewery lagering tunnels.
Good to know
What kinds of drinks are on the menu?
The menu focuses heavily on tiki classics and house rum cocktails, including classic Daiquiris, Painkillers, and their peanut butter-infused Bonzai Banana, served in collectible tiki mugs.
Is there regular weekly entertainment?
Yes. They hold Cast Away Karaoke every Thursday night starting at 8 PM, except for the last Thursday of the month when they host Emo Night.
What was in this location before Tiki Tiki Bang Bang?
It was originally The Video Archive, a Tarantino-inspired speakeasy hidden behind a secret doorway in a mock video rental shop.
Do I need tickets or a reservation to enter?
While it initially launched as a ticketed, reservation-only cinema experience during its 2020 transition, it now operates as a standard walk-in tiki bar. Always verify current operating hours before heading over.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · thegnarlygnome.com · Reddit · mytiki.life
last checked: 2026-07-21