WORLD FAMOUS

HOLIDAY ISLE TIKI BAR

Home of the Rum Runner 

History 

Once known as "The Hapi Hula Hut," our tiki bar opened its doors in 1969. In 1971, the name officially changed to "Holiday Isle Tiki Bar" and has been a favorite among tourists and locals in the Florida Keys since.

Serving cocktails and good times for over 50 years, the Tiki Bar is also home of the now-famous Rum Runner cocktail. Legend has it, over 40 years ago the Tiki Bar manager John Elber (Tiki John) had to get rid of an excess of rum and other liqueurs before the arrival of new inventory. Tiki John was challenged to concoct a cocktail that would help use the surplus inventory. So he mixed banana liquor, Meyers rum, brandy and grenadine and named it the Rum Runner!

He named the drink after the early liquor smugglers that inhabited the Florida Keys in the early 1900's, known as "Rum Runners." Just like the bootleggers during the prohibition era, Rum Runners smuggled alcohol too, but by sea instead of land.

Today you can enjoy a Rum Runner much easier than in the days of prohibition! Enjoy your drinks under the open air tiki or high tops overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Sing along to the music of the best local bands performing nightly, or enjoy a relaxing evening by one of the fire pits along the Bimini Row dock.