Downtown Columbus just got a little more tropical.
Huli Huli Tiki Lounge officially opened its second location today at 22 E Mound Street, bringing tiki cocktails, carved wood decor, and island-inspired vibes to the former Jury Room space near the Ohio Statehouse.
The new downtown bar marks the latest expansion for Huli Huli, which first opened in Powell in 2019 and quickly built a following for its immersive tiki atmosphere and strong cocktail program. While the new location is smaller than some of Columbus’ larger nightlife spots, that’s part of the appeal. The intimate space includes about 12 bar seats, additional table seating for more than 20 guests, and a front patio for warmer evenings downtown.
Inside, the attention to detail is hard to miss.
The restaurant’s Maui statue and interior dividing wall were designed by Rick Huffman, while bartender Trader Nic handled many of the carvings and decorative touches throughout the space. Together, the design leans heavily into classic tiki bar aesthetics, with layered wood textures, vintage-inspired decor, and the kind of cozy lighting that makes you forget you’re a few blocks from Capitol Square.
For Columbus, the opening also adds another chapter to the city’s surprisingly longstanding appreciation for tiki culture.
While tiki bars first exploded in popularity nationally during the mid-20th century, Columbus has had its own pockets of tiki fandom for decades. Over the years, the city has seen everything from Polynesian-inspired restaurants to dedicated cocktail bars embrace the escapist style that became synonymous with elaborate rum drinks, bamboo-heavy interiors, and over-the-top presentation.
In recent years, Columbus’ cocktail scene has continued to lean into more specialized concepts, and Huli Huli has carved out a niche by focusing fully on the immersive tiki experience rather than just offering a few tropical drinks on a menu.
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That experience now has a home downtown.
The new location officially opened today at 4:30 p.m. and will operate Wednesday and Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Owners say they expect to expand hours once additional staffing is in place.
And for downtown visitors worried about parking, there’s another perk: free parking after 5:30 p.m.
For tiki fans, cocktail lovers, or anyone looking for a new downtown hideaway this summer, Huli Huli’s newest location is officially open for business. For more info, head over to hulihulipowell.com.
