Some restaurants disappear. Others become Columbus lore.
More than 25 years after the Kahiki Supper Club closed its doors, people still talk about the flaming drinks, the giant Easter Island heads, and birthday dinners that felt more like stepping onto a movie set than walking into a restaurant.
Now, a little piece of that magic is popping up beneath Forno.
Tucked away, speak-easy style, in the basement at Forno in the Short North, The Lost Kahiki has transformed the restaurant’s underground cocktail bar into a nostalgic tribute to one of Columbus’ most iconic dining destinations. Guests can step into a tropical escape filled with handcrafted tiki cocktails, immersive island-inspired décor, vintage touches, and plenty of nods to the legendary supper club.
Long before themed restaurants became trendy again, Kahiki was transporting guests to paradise.
The sprawling restaurant first opened in 1961 on East Broad Street and quickly became one of the country’s most famous Polynesian restaurants. Complete with towering tiki statues, indoor waterfalls, lush tropical landscaping, and theatrical cocktails served in elaborate mugs, Kahiki became a Columbus institution for nearly four decades before closing its doors in 2000.
Even today, it’s remembered as one of the city’s most beloved restaurants, with former guests still swapping memories of birthdays, anniversaries, first dates, and those unforgettable flaming drinks.
The pop-up doesn’t try to rebuild the original restaurant.
Unfortunately, they didn’t recreate the famous indoor waterfalls, which is probably for the best. But don’t worry, they did lean all the way into the tiki vibes with new cocktails, themed food specials, vintage-inspired décor, and enough tropical flair to make you forget you’re underneath the Short North.
The Lost Kahiki is open Thursday from 6 to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Sunday from 6 to 11 p.m. Reservations are already open, and considering Columbus’ affection for all things Kahiki, waiting until the last minute probably isn’t your best strategy.
After all, Columbus loves two things: bringing back old favorites and finding hidden bars. This pop-up manages to do both.
You can learn more or make your reservations right here.
