The food menu at Trader Vic’s has evolved over the years. In the very beginning, at Hinky Dinks, the food served was limited to sandwiches and light fare cooked on the pot-bellied stove Trader Vic brought in from home!
TIKI IS NOT A DRINK, it’s a lifestylE
From his travels around the world, Trader Vic drew inspiration for the cuisine, cocktails and décor that would define tiki culture. Today, Trader Vic’s continues to deliver more than a meal, offering an escape to an island experience.
SCROLL TO JOURNEY THROUGH OUR HISTORY
1934
Vic "The Trader" Bergeron opened a cozy bar named Hinky Dinks in Oakland, California.
1938
Hinky Dinks transformed into Trader Vic's, shedding its rustic roots to become an island paradise.
1944
The Mai Tai was created, a simple rum cocktail featuring 17-year-old J. Wray & Nephew Rum, lime juice, orange curaçao, orgeat, and rock candy syrup.
1947
Trader Vic's Book of Food and Drink was published, marking the first time such a vast collection of cocktail recipes was documented in a single book.
1953
Trader Vic introduced the Mai Tai to the Hawaiian Islands, partnering with the Matson Steamship Lines to serve drinks at the Royal Hawaiian, Moana, and Surfrider Hotels.
1963
Trader Vic's first overseas location opened in London at the Hilton on Park Lane.
1964
"Senor Pico," an Early California Mexican restaurant, debuted at Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco.
1974
Trader Vic's made its debut in Asia with a restaurant in Tokyo.
1978
Warren Zevon's song, Werewolves of London, mentions him enjoying a Pina Colada at Trader Vic's. Ahhhoooooo!
1986
Trader Vic's San Francisco was honored to host the Queen of England, marking her first public restaurant dining experience.
1994
Trader Vic’s expands to the Middle East with its first location in the UAE.
2009
To commemorate the cocktails origin, August 30th was designated by Proclamation of the Mayor of Oakland as the Official Mai Tai Day.
Present Day
Present Day: on the eve of celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2024, the company continues to expand and has recently formed Trader Vic’s Hospitality Group which encompasses multiple concepts under its banner.
OUR CONCEPTS
Wherever your taste buds wish to go, our restaurants will take you.
Featured Blogs
In 1934 Vic Bergeron built a cozy little saloon on the corner of San Pablo Avenue and 65th in Oakland, California called Hinky Dinks. Originally offering simple fare, liquor and beer.
Charitable Partnerships
Proud to support a diverse group of charities and cultural organizations around the world.
BUY A Piece of history
Shop and bring Trader Vic's to you.
“It is always with great pleasure that I look back and reminisce on the important part that rum has played in the molding of empires.”