The Tiki Bars

The Tiki bars are temporary structures on Bradford Beach. They were part of the new developments on Bradford Beach in 2011. There are three Tiki bars on the beach, each a prefabricated wooden frame structure. They resemble cottages with thatch roofing sometimes found on beaches in tropical places. The Tiki bars have fencing attached to one side for storage. They have counters on all four sides, with bamboo chairs so people can sit at the bar. The central Tiki bar has a large tent attached to one side, as well as tables with shade umbrellas for customers to eat at.







Making the Beach a Destination

In contrast to the North Point Custard Stand, the Tiki bars serve alcohol in addition to food. Because of this difference, the Tiki bars tend to attract a different group of customers than the custard stand. For example, the South Tiki bar mostly serves young adults and college students, as this is the area of the beach where they congregate.

All three Tiki bars are set back from the water and are close to spaces for other beach activities, such as volleyball. Located between those who are swimming, tanning, working out, or playing on the beach, the Tiki bars have become a central feature on the beach. They give beach-goers a reason for spending more time at the beach and they provide a "tropical" place to relax, eat, and drink.

View BLC-Tiki Bar in a full screen map

Joe McLean, manager of the Tiki bars, talks about the patrons of the place. 
This "tropical" feeling is also due, in part, to the construction of the Tiki bar itself. The thatched roof and bamboo bar stools give the structure an exotic appearance, while the music pumping from the speakers lets beach visitors know when they are getting close to the Tiki bars. Once you approach the bar, many refrigerators, coolers, and taps are visible. By having these items visible, the Tiki bars entices visitors to linger.
Joe McLean, manager of the Tiki bars, talks about the "tropical" feeling that patrons get at the beach.

  • Joe McLean, interview by Maia Stack, Milwaukee, June 26, 2013.