It’s time to say “aloha”-- as in goodbye -- to one longtime Midtown bar and “aloha” -- as in hello -- to a new one, starting tomorrow.
After 20 years, Lava Lounge owner Scott McCray has closed the three-story bar at 57 13th St. NE to make way for Tiki Tango, a "hideaway oasis" in Midtown, with an official Feb. 5 opening date. McCray is teaming up with Frank Simotics, a local designer and artist known as The Tiki Rancher who specializes in tiki decor, to launch the new concept.
Lava Lounge has only been open over the weekend for the past six months in preparation for the change.
Tiki Tango will feature a selection of traditional and modern tiki drinks in custom mugs and specialty glassware, along with a menu of tiki-inspired small bites.
Each floor of the bar offers a different experience -- located on the top floor, the “Flamingo Room” has a peaked roof and skylights that provide a view of the skyline under bamboo and thatch; the “Tango Room,” located in the basement, has a full dance floor and a 30-foot custom red bar; and the “Main Deck” is home to two giant cedar tiki carvings, a real lava wall and the “Tiger’s Den”, a VIP lounge within the bar.
The bar also features a two-story projection wall that will broadcast live sunsets from around the world via high resolution web cams and will host live music.
Tiki Tango will also sponsor Inuhele, a weekend-long tiki event Feb. 15-17, which will attempt to set a world record for the world's largest Mai Tai.
In addition to Tiki Tango, McCray's LEAD Hospitality Group also owns Foxtrot Liquor Bar, located next to Tiki Tango; McCray's Taverns in Midtown, Smyrna and Lawrenceville; and The Mill Kitchen and Bar in Roswell.
Tiki Tango will be open from 5 p.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 5 p.m.-3 a.m. Friday-Saturday.
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