Downtown Boston has welcomed a vibrant and exciting new destination, perfect for escaping the winter chill: Tiki Rock. This Polynesian-themed bar and restaurant has quickly become a hotspot, injecting a dose of tropical flavor and a vast array of Tiki cocktails into the city’s Broad Street. Opened on Wednesday, January 10th, Tiki Rock offers an inventive cocktail menu, an extensive selection of sushi, and satisfying entrees, promising a unique dining and drinking experience.
The concept of Tiki Rock is the creation of general manager Christopher Straub, who transformed the space previously occupied by The Place at 2 Broad St. Adding to the culinary diversity, Straub partnered with Moe Kuroki to establish Oisa Ramen, a ramen restaurant adjacent to the Tiki bar. While Oisa Ramen was set to open shortly after on January 15th, Tiki Rock immediately launched, captivating guests with its colorful lighting, a prominent central bar, and a dedicated sushi preparation area.
Straub brings significant hospitality experience from Hyatt Hotels to this new venture. He is joined by a talented team including beverage director Charles Smedile (renowned for his work at Uni, Clio, and Waypoint), chef de cuisine Matt McPherson (formerly of South End Buttery and Porto), and sushi chef Minggan “Tony” Wu. This experienced team ensures high-quality food and drinks, enhancing the overall Tiki Rock experience.
The Tiki theme is deeply ingrained in Tiki Rock, most notably reflected in its cocktail menu. Guests can explore a range of classic Polynesian-inspired drinks, skillfully prepared with house-made syrups and freshly squeezed juices. The menu thoughtfully credits the origins of many cocktails, such as the Mai Tai, acknowledging its creation in 1944 at Trader Vic’s in California. Other historically significant drinks like the Eastern Sour, Jet Pilot, and Rum Barrel are also featured with their creation dates and origins noted. In addition to these classics, Tiki Rock also boasts its own signature cocktails, bearing the bar’s name and showcasing unique flavor combinations. For group gatherings, the bar offers large-format cocktails like the Painkiller and the Ohana Punch, each designed to serve four. Beyond cocktails, a curated selection of wine and beer is also available.
Complementing the impressive drink menu, Tiki Rock provides a diverse food menu. Diners can choose from substantial options like the Polynesian super burger, topped with Canadian bacon, a pickled pineapple soy glaze, and the option of a fried egg. For sharing, the pu pu platters are a popular choice, loaded with chicken skewers, squash dumplings, crab rangoon, and coconut shrimp. The appetizer selection extends to include pork buns, spring rolls, and a refreshing Polynesian chopped salad.
Sushi enthusiasts will appreciate Tiki Rock’s extensive sushi menu. A highlight is the “trust the chef” option, where diners are treated to a curated assortment of seven to ten items, including single and double pieces of sushi, hand rolls, and edamame. The menu also features a variety of large maki rolls. For main courses beyond sushi, options include flavorful coconut fried rice and ginger soy fried chicken.
Tiki Rock is open seven days a week, from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., making it an accessible destination for after-work drinks, dinner, or a late-nightcap. Its central location at 2 Broad Street in Boston, MA 02109, and contact number (617) 670-2222, make it easy to find and connect. For more information and to explore the menu, visit their official website. Tiki Rock is poised to be a long-lasting and beloved addition to Boston’s vibrant restaurant and bar scene, offering a unique Polynesian escape right in the heart of downtown.
