Trader Vic's In Dallas

I went out with a few friends last night for drinks at the new Trader Vic's in Dallas. Who doesn't love Tiki drinks, right? Trader Vic's just opened up on March 1 but what I didn't realize is that the international restaurant/bar was in Dallas before. And it gets even more intriguing...

Trader Vic's was in Dallas from 1967 until 1989 when it closed down. It was in the exact same place. Not only that - but the interior was left mostly untouched for 18 years! Who knew that I had an awesome tiki lounge 5 minutes from my house that was in mothballs? I just find this fascinating. My friend Shane even found it more fascinating and found these pictures taken by someone who got to get inside about 3 years ago: Trader Vic's 2004

Shane is originally from Dallas and was scurrying around the place last night inspecting walls and piping and taking it all in trying to compare the new restaurant with his memories of the previous one. It was quite amusing!

So how does a restaurant keep most of it's exotic woodwork and furniture mothballed in the same property for 18 years? How do the investors not liquidate it? It's just fascinating to me.

Anyway - it was a great success. Totally tiki. Totally fun. We didn't get to try the food save a couple of appetizers but I'm anxious to give it a go as I have eaten at the Trader Vic's in Tokyo a couple of times and was impressed.

Some great pictures and history of the old and new here: Tiki Central
From D Magazine: Trader Vic's To Rise Again