Tavern Blue launched its Tiki Yard on Feb. 7 after weeks of overhaul and challenges with local fire code at 805 2nd St. in Coralville.
Meant to be a “year-round tropical escape,” according to a news release from Tavern Blue, the Tiki Yard is also the first of its kind in the state. It features a full bar, along with a dining area, decorated tropically with murals, lights, and leis. The space also boasts 22 interactive games that adults and children can enjoy.
General Manager Victor Naja said the space took around five weeks to renovate. An issue with local fire code delayed the process, Naja said, as the turf flooring they installed initially was deemed a fire hazard and needed to be replaced with a safer material.
The tiki bar has tropical grass decor on top of the bar area, which he said had to be completely sprayed down with fire protectant.
Customers Eric Jungbluth and Jennifer Schwickerath said they were impressed by the space and said they would definitely be coming back, but next time with a group.
“I’ve never been here, so I was really impressed at the size and how big the tiki bar is, and all the decor they have on the walls, very creative,” Schwickerath said.
After ordering drinks, Jungbluth and Schwickerath were playing a game of pool, one of the many games the tiki bar offers. Along with three pool tables, the bar offers foosball, shuffleboard, giant Jenga, putter pong, ring toss, and ladder ball, among others.
An up-front payment of $10 per person and $5 for children under 12 earns three hours in the bar. Once the clock hits 6 p.m., the Tiki Yard turns into “Iowa’s Beach for Grown Ups,” and all bar patrons under 16 must leave.
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“Our goal was to create a place where people can forget about winter and feel like they’ve stepped into a beach getaway,” Naja said.
Naja said the bar stands out for its specialty drinks and events with plans to host a pool tournament at some point in the near future. Naja said the bar is focused on a smooth opening to start.
The bar saw 124 guests by 6 p.m. on its opening day, Naja said, estimating it to reach 200 for the day. He said they expect an average of 80 to 100 people to visit the tiki bar every day.
Iowa City resident Whitney Pope and her friends John and Kim Anderson, of Iowa City, attended the tiki bar’s grand opening together, decked out in tiki-themed outfits. They described themselves as “tiki bar aficionados.” The group travels the country in search of tiki bars and expressed they are very excited about one opening in Coralville.
Kim Anderson said she was pleasantly surprised by the tiki bar, as someone who has seen so many. The group said they will absolutely be coming back.
“I think this is really cute, and I could see how this would be fun all year round,” Kim Anderson said. “And I love that the kids can come at certain times.”
Naja said that he hopes the grand opening will foreshadow a successful future.
“The Tiki Yard brings something completely new to Iowa — a space built around fun, connection, and atmosphere, no matter the season,” Naja said.