New Tiki Bar Opens to Warm Reception in Ferndale

A new outdoor tiki bar attached to opened in Ferndale last weekend, promising craft cocktails and a laid-back environment.

Honi Honi, located behind The Oakland on a back patio with distinctive multi-color lights overhead, offers a Polynesian-themed tiki bar where you'll find '50s surf guitar music, standing room and space for larger groups to convene.

Sandy Levine, owner of The Oakland, said he opened Honi Honi to offer a change-up from the posh cocktail bar's elegant atmosphere, seating-only space and intricate drinks that can take several minutes to prepare.

"I think there is a lot to like about all of those things but there are also some people who want to go out and have a much more casual time," he said. "It's sort of like the opposite of what The Oakland is, but without affecting what the atmosphere is inside The Oakland."

A small, rotating drink menu features two cocktails, one or two punches and a couple of beers and sodas. Its signature drink, the Honi Honi, is like a Mai Tai but made with bourbon instead of rum.

"The response was really positive," Levine said of Honi Honi's first weekend in business. "I think people like having the option, and they also like being able to get our drinks while they're waiting for a table."

For now, Honi Honi will be open Fridays and Saturdays (weather permitting) from 5 p.m. until between midnight to 2 a.m., depending on business.

Levine points out that the drinks - though somewhat simpler than those inside and priced lower, with cocktails at $5, punches at $6 and beer at $3 or $4 - are still handcrafted. He said his team juiced about 1,300 limes and spent around 12 hours making orgeat (an almond syrup) prepping for their first open weekend.

"We still spend a lot of time on those drinks; we spend more in preparation," Levine said.

For more information, visit Honi Honi's Facebook page or call 249-291-5295.