4 Kahunas — Restaurant in Arlington

Went here once just to check it out since it's so close to me. The minute I sat down and announced I had never been there, a drunk dude next to me ordered me a drink on his tab. Very nice. The drink was OK. Nothing amazing. Talked to the man, thanked him, then left after finishing my drink. Went back a 2nd time to try and order my own drink (something better). When I said to the bartender that I had been there once already and wanted try a different drink, I began describing the drink I did not want (because I did not know the name of it), unaware that a second bartender listening in misunderstood and started making the drink I was describing. Before I could land on a new drink choice off the menu, the 2nd bartender slid the drink I did not want in front of me. The first bartender said "oh no, sorry, the other guy thought you were describing the drink you wanted". Oops! I said "It's OK. I didn't want this one. It's not a flavor I like, but I'm easy going and I'll take this one off your hands since you already made it. Shouldn't waste a perfectly normal drink". So I drank some of it, still did not like it, then put $10 on the bar (figuring that was more than the cost of 1 drink) and said I'd like to settle up and leave. That's when the bartender said "Ya, it's $14"...(???) Yeah buddy, cough up $14 for that half drank drink that you did not want, order, or ask for. Sorry, but I did not know what the drinks cost nor did I even get a chance to see what the prices were. Had any of this been done correctly instead of rushing to shove drinks in my face, I would have perused the menu, seen the prices, and refused the ridiculous, overpriced swill. Never going back, even if I did like wasting $$$ on trite/trendy mixologist cocktails and Spongebob...

Look, we have been here more than 20+ times and have thoroughly enjoyed this place. It is always filled with good bartenders, good vibes, and it’s just an overall fun place. However, today we ran into the person who identified as the “GM” and we’ve never had a worse experience.

We entered while this “GM” sat at the end of the bar with a pal, let us come in, didn’t greet us, wondered if there was even a bartender waiting for 5 to 10 minutes, and then he finally came around and took our order and served my drink in a plastic cup. They are known for their cool fancy cups so this was just him doing the least. I’ve never been served my drink in a plastic cup In all the times, I’ve been there.

A couple of cute girls walk in, and he makes condescending comments about my husband and I down the bar that I think he thinks we can’t hear. Then, he finally serves our drinks. The drinks barely filled to the top, and they have none of the flare which is part of the reason you go here - cool, flamboyant, strong drinks. I had to grab my own straw because he didn’t do his job. Then, he told us not to touch the straws – well, if he had made our drinks correctly – we wouldn’t have had to grab our own straws.

As my husband left, he told him how unhappy we were, and how it has been our worst experience, and this “GM” follows us out and records us. It’s a total gaslighting experience. Hopefully you catch me at the end telling him in the video how very rude he was and how it was the worst experience in just a very calm demeanor.

Obviously, he is not aware of how rude and inconsiderate, and what kind if customer service takes to run a business.

We have been so very happy with all of our other visits. This...

At long last, the void filled by Trader Vic's closing has been filled! 4 Kahunas is such a welcome breath of fresh air. Cute, super cozy bar with nautical-themed decor, and lots of Texas Tiki artists represented on their walls!

The cocktail selection is HUGE. There are 28 drinks on the menu, and 3 "group" drinks. I love that they all feature fresh juices and homemade syrups. No artificial junk in these drinks! They also have a great rum selection - it's obvious that the owners and staff have taken great care in curating it. Be patient - Tiki drinks are usually pretty complex, so don't be surprised if your drink is not delivered to you as speedily as your rum & coke or vodka & soda! Sit at the bar and watch the bartenders make the drinks - it's pretty entertaining!

Try the Blackbeard's Ghost (which comes with a badass pirate ship garnish), or the Zombie, if you're feeling brave! Either way, you can't go wrong. I've tried several drinks on the menu, and never been disappointed. They can even make mocktails, for those of you who end up being the DD, or have other issues preventing you from drinking alcohol. Who says you can't have fun, too? Ladies, there are purse hooks at the bar (YES!!), as well as freakin' USB ports! Now, you can charge your phones so you can Instagram pictures of your drinks to your heart's content (because trust me, you WILL want to).

So glad 4 Kahunas is here - I will be making this my new favorite local...