Trader Sams Enchanted Tiki Bar

[maleficent55]

Can’t decide which is better, afternoon or evening or if there’s much of a difference. We ended up with two since it’s a day we are still finalizing our concrete plans for.

I’ve done both but can’t remember if the vibe is really different depending on the time of day.
We’ve got a kid with us so either way it’ll be before 8 either way…

 

[Porsche4]

We went for lunch one day and there weren't too many people there so that could be a decision breaker. It also depends on what sort of ambience you want. Both my adult daughter and I are on the autism scale and we did in fact get coveted seats at the indoor bar however no sooner had we sat down when my daughter turned to me and said mum this isn't going to work for me, its too cramped and noisy in here. We asked to be reseated outside on the terrace which garnered a weird look from the waitress but we had a much better quieter experience outside. Just something to think about if you have a youngster with you.

 

[maleficent55]

We went for lunch one day and there weren't too many people there so that could be a decision breaker. It also depends on what sort of ambience you want. Both my adult daughter and I are on the autism scale and we did in fact get coveted seats at the indoor bar however no sooner had we sat down when my daughter turned to me and said mum this isn't going to work for me, its too cramped and noisy in here. We asked to be reseated outside on the terrace which garnered a weird look from the waitress but we had a much better quieter experience outside. Just something to think about if you have a youngster with you.

That was us last year but not because of noise bug my daughter was freezing inside.
I was super bummed to have to move outside.
This was august when it was a drastic difference in temperature between inside and on the terrace
This time we will be prepared with how we are dressed.

 

[AprilsZoo]

If this is your first time going to Trader Sam’s, make sure you look at the menu before you go. It wasn’t what dh & I were expecting.
I don’t remember seeing anything kid-friendly on the menu at all, or I probably would’ve ordered it. I ended up with a noodle soup (kinda like ramen, but not really) with a bunch of mix-ins (wood ear mushrooms, pork belly, and a couple other things). I don’t recall what dh got. Neither of us were very impressed.

We were seated outside on the patio/terrace, and at least at night, it is very much a bar atmosphere— including very loud live music. Not bad music necessarily, but dh & I couldn’t even hear each other talk, and the waiter got right up by our face for us to speak into his ear— it was … uncomfortable. And there’s kind of an eclectic mix of seating (at least outdoors) from high & low barstools, to upholstered stools, fan back rattan chairs, & low tiki stools.

They told us the only inside seating was in the “grab & go” section and they weren’t using it yet (this was early October 2021, a few months after reopening). You had to walk thru there to get to the bathrooms, and it was very bright and didn’t seem to be as themed as the outside. They had mainly fruit cups and maybe some sandwiches in their convenience store style display (looked temporary, maybe) but I only glanced in passing. It’s was very cold in there. I was glad I had my sweatshirt on. It was extremely limited seating, but definitely much quieter. That area was to the far left once you’ve come in past the hostess stand. We were seated near the “bar” to the right.

For us, this was a once and done experience. It was ok… we don’t regret it. Plus while we waited for our table (we were walk-ups) we did some souvenir shopping and just generally looked around the DLH area, which I hadn’t seen since they took out the Peter Pan pool with the murals and stuff, many years ago. It’s very different now.

 

[fantasia73]

I just had dinner there this past week. Service was really slow. We weren't rushing off to anywhere, so it was fine. We really enjoyed our cocktails and the food was just what we expected (bar food, but good bar food).

 

[Bruno33]

If this is your first time going to Trader Sam’s, make sure you look at the menu before you go. It wasn’t what dh & I were expecting.
I don’t remember seeing anything kid-friendly on the menu at all, or I probably would’ve ordered it. I ended up with a noodle soup (kinda like ramen, but not really) with a bunch of mix-ins (wood ear mushrooms, pork belly, and a couple other things). I don’t recall what dh got. Neither of us were very impressed.

We were seated outside on the patio/terrace, and at least at night, it is very much a bar atmosphere— including very loud live music. Not bad music necessarily, but dh & I couldn’t even hear each other talk, and the waiter got right up by our face for us to speak into his ear— it was … uncomfortable. And there’s kind of an eclectic mix of seating (at least outdoors) from high & low barstools, to upholstered stools, fan back rattan chairs, & low tiki stools.

They told us the only inside seating was in the “grab & go” section and they weren’t using it yet (this was early October 2021, a few months after reopening). You had to walk thru there to get to the bathrooms, and it was very bright and didn’t seem to be as themed as the outside. They had mainly fruit cups and maybe some sandwiches in their convenience store style display (looked temporary, maybe) but I only glanced in passing. It’s was very cold in there. I was glad I had my sweatshirt on. It was extremely limited seating, but definitely much quieter. That area was to the far left once you’ve come in past the hostess stand. We were seated near the “bar” to the right.

For us, this was a once and done experience. It was ok… we don’t regret it. Plus while we waited for our table (we were walk-ups) we did some souvenir shopping and just generally looked around the DLH area, which I hadn’t seen since they took out the Peter Pan pool with the murals and stuff, many years ago. It’s very different now.

You’re talking about Tangaroa Terrace, I think, for the inside part.

Trader Sam’s indoor is different. Very small but themed to the gills. Real bartenders who make real tiki drinks. Some come on fire or cause a storm inside the bar (complete with “rain.”)

 

[AprilsZoo]

You’re talking about Tangaroa Terrace, I think, for the inside part.

Trader Sam’s indoor is different. Very small but themed to the gills. Real bartenders who make real tiki drinks. Some come on fire or cause a storm inside the bar (complete with “rain.”)

Could be… maybe it wasn’t all open again after the pandemic. Like I said, they indicated they weren’t seating indoors “yet”. Parks had only been open for a few months at that point, and masks were still required most places across the resort.

 

[maleficent55]

If this is your first time going to Trader Sam’s, make sure you look at the menu before you go. It wasn’t what dh & I were expecting.
I don’t remember seeing anything kid-friendly on the menu at all, or I probably would’ve ordered it. I ended up with a noodle soup (kinda like ramen, but not really) with a bunch of mix-ins (wood ear mushrooms, pork belly, and a couple other things). I don’t recall what dh got. Neither of us were very impressed.

We were seated outside on the patio/terrace, and at least at night, it is very much a bar atmosphere— including very loud live music. Not bad music necessarily, but dh & I couldn’t even hear each other talk, and the waiter got right up by our face for us to speak into his ear— it was … uncomfortable. And there’s kind of an eclectic mix of seating (at least outdoors) from high & low barstools, to upholstered stools, fan back rattan chairs, & low tiki stools.

They told us the only inside seating was in the “grab & go” section and they weren’t using it yet (this was early October 2021, a few months after reopening). You had to walk thru there to get to the bathrooms, and it was very bright and didn’t seem to be as themed as the outside. They had mainly fruit cups and maybe some sandwiches in their convenience store style display (looked temporary, maybe) but I only glanced in passing. It’s was very cold in there. I was glad I had my sweatshirt on. It was extremely limited seating, but definitely much quieter. That area was to the far left once you’ve come in past the hostess stand. We were seated near the “bar” to the right.

For us, this was a once and done experience. It was ok… we don’t regret it. Plus while we waited for our table (we were walk-ups) we did some souvenir shopping and just generally looked around the DLH area, which I hadn’t seen since they took out the Peter Pan pool with the murals and stuff, many years ago. It’s very different now.

Oh no! Not first at all, I really try to go every trip...But this will be the first in over a year (skipped in earlier this year) and actually my first time back to Trader Sams at the holiday time since 2014!
I guess I just wondered if afternoon or evening would be better, more festive in any way, or a different vibe.
We actually love the food/drinks and my daughter (13) will always eat a cheeseburger anywhere.

In retrospect I think I need to decide if I have other holiday happenings around our resort (GCH) or the parks that would sway me to a day or night reservation. I'm just wanting to decide soon so I can drop the one I don't need so someone who's waiting for an opening can get one! ;-)

 

[maleficent55]

I just had dinner there this past week. Service was really slow. We weren't rushing off to anywhere, so it was fine. We really enjoyed our cocktails and the food was just what we expected (bar food, but good bar food).

was it absolutely freezing inside?
This may have just been my experience last time (August 22) since it was SO hot outside and the ac was probably pumping!

 

[AprilsZoo]

Oh no! Not first at all, I really try to go every trip...But this will be the first in over a year (skipped in earlier this year) and actually my first time back to Trader Sams at the holiday time since 2014!
I guess I just wondered if afternoon or evening would be better, more festive in any way, or a different vibe.
We actually love the food/drinks and my daughter (13) will always eat a cheeseburger anywhere.

In retrospect I think I need to decide if I have other holiday happenings around our resort (GCH) or the parks that would sway me to a day or night reservation. I'm just wanting to decide soon so I can drop the one I don't need so someone who's waiting for an opening can get one! ;-)

DH and I may try it again now that experiences are back to normal. Other post make me wonder if we just went at a sub-optimal time.

I don’t think there was a cheeseburger on the menu when we went. I just asked DH and he doesn’t remember one either. It was an EXTREMELY limited menu. There were a few appetizers, a few things that were entree-ish and a LOT of drinks—many in souvenir containers/cups/glasses. Some were more akin to ceramic sculptures.
The bar was outdoors, most of the patio/terrace area was quite dark. We could barely see our food. If they *had* given out menus, we couldn’t have read them in the low light… I guess luckily, at the time we went, the menus were still being accessed via the QR code on the table.

I wish we’d taken some pictures. Guess that’s another reason to try it again.

 

[merfsko]

was it absolutely freezing inside?
This may have just been my experience last time (August 22) since it was SO hot outside and the ac was probably pumping!

I was there two weeks ago (October 15) and it was SO COLD inside, even with the outdoor temperatures being more moderate. Definitely bring a sweater.

 

[NorCalFanatic]

.

 

[maleficent55]

Their full menu is online. It’s not a Cheesecake Factory menu but there are plenty of dishes to choose from and chicken tenders for the kiddos. The wagu burger, pork gyzo, and panko crusted green beans are our favs. The short ribs are good too!

Yes
I know the menu well, we’ve eaten there more than a few times..

Was asking more in regards to lunch vs dinner for anything ambiance holiday-wise I may be unaware of for next month

 

[maleficent55]

DH and I may try it again now that experiences are back to normal. Other post make me wonder if we just went at a sub-optimal time.

I don’t think there was a cheeseburger on the menu when we went. I just asked DH and he doesn’t remember one either. It was an EXTREMELY limited menu. There were a few appetizers, a few things that were entree-ish and a LOT of drinks—many in souvenir containers/cups/glasses. Some were more akin to ceramic sculptures.
The bar was outdoors, most of the patio/terrace area was quite dark. We could barely see our food. If they *had* given out menus, we couldn’t have read them in the low light… I guess luckily, at the time we went, the menus were still being accessed via the QR code on the table.

I wish we’d taken some pictures. Guess that’s another reason to try it again.

My daughter has ONLY ever had the cheeseburger there lol!

 

[AstroBlasters]

Night is better.

 

[NorCalFanatic]

.

 

[fantasia73]

was it absolutely freezing inside?
This may have just been my experience last time (August 22) since it was SO hot outside and the ac was probably pumping!

It wasn't freezing. We thought it was fine. The night we were there it wasn't that hot, so maybe they decided they didn't need to freeze people!

 

[cmph]

The timing of this thread is so funny. DH and I ate inside on Friday evening. It was our first time inside, and I was so excited for it. The first thing I said was "dang, it's freezing in here!" and our waitress overheard and agreed. It was already after dark, and we had sweaters on from being outside, so don't think they just blast AC on hot days. (Definitely wasn't hot out that day.) I wonder if they have to keep it purposefully cool for some other reason related to the decor and theming elements?

I'm not sure there would be a huge difference for afternoon vs. evening, unless people are more inclined to drink adult beverages in the evening? Part of the fun is experiencing what happens when people order certain drinks.

 

[maleficent55]

The timing of this thread is so funny. DH and I ate inside on Friday evening. It was our first time inside, and I was so excited for it. The first thing I said was "dang, it's freezing in here!" and our waitress overheard and agreed. It was already after dark, and we had sweaters on from being outside, so don't think they just blast AC on hot days. (Definitely wasn't hot out that day.) I wonder if they have to keep it purposefully cool for some other reason related to the decor and theming elements?

I'm not sure there would be a huge difference for afternoon vs. evening, unless people are more inclined to drink adult beverages in the evening? Part of the fun is experiencing what happens when people order certain drinks.

It must be an element they need for something...or they get really hot chanting Uh-Oa! all day, ha ha

 

[MaxnElliesMama]

This will be our first ever visit to Trader Sam's ... YAY!

We have a 7:45 reservation one evening (will they sit us outside automatically being so close to 8?) and thankfully I snagged a 1:10 reservation another day, but that isn't as convenient as it is our departure day.

During the Christmas Season, is the patio/outdoor seating open? Do the patio heaters keep you warm enough out there? Has anyone enjoyed outdoor seating during the winter?