Trader Vic's, opened in the Hilton Atlanta in 1976, brings the feel of the Pacific Islands to Atlanta with its exotic interior, Polynesian cuisine, and potent tropical cocktails. Guests can sip fruity concoctions and enjoy tantalizing tidbits in the Mai Tai Lounge or enter the dining room for a gourmet taste of the islands. Named for “Trader Vic” Bergeron, a world traveler and gourmand, the flagship restaurant opened in 1934 in San Francisco and has expanded to 21 restaurants worldwide.

Located on the lower level of the Hilton Atlanta, Trader Vic’s unique entryway festooned with tropical flora and tall wooden tikis welcomes guests into the captivating restaurant. Colorful glass buoys suspended from the bamboo rafters set the scene in the Mai Tai Lounge where guests can imbibe ceremonial Luau drinks served in festive communal bowls. Trader Vic’s, famous for the invention of the original Mai Tai, has an extensive list of island-inspired cocktails.

Trader Vics, the home of the Mai Tai is my new local bar. They encourage locals to hang out. You walk into this place and... its a 1965 vision of a 1930s Polynesia that never existed, built in 1976. They have kept it up marvelously. But they have not updated it. Its a surreal classic, and they have fruity drinks that can't be beat.

Band on Thursday, $4.50 Mai Tai specials.