Ka'Tiki — Restaurant in Treasure Island

We are a group of 5 professional people between the ages of 52-62. Two of us are retired firefighters, one is an active fire chief, one is a business owner and one is a software engineer, (3 men, 2 women). We are locals and have patronized this bar several times mostly for the live music. Last night, at 8:30, we walked into this very crowded bar and got a drink. One of us was dancing on the dance floor and 3 of us were standing on the edge of the dance floor watching with a speaker very close to our ears. A bald man wearing a black shirt with no markings, or anything that indicated that he was an employee, ran up on us aggressively and was screaming and flailing his arms. We had just seen him drinking a beer and thought he was just an aggressive drunk. The regulars are known to be territorial here. We then figured out that he was telling us to move over to keep a pathway open behind us. We moved in, creating a 3 foot path between us and the people behind us. He continued to scream and I mouthed to him to calm down. My husband told him to go drink his beer. He left and a minute later, a bouncer came over and asked if we had a problem. We said no and the bouncer left. At no time did anyone ask us to leave and we would have been surprised if they did. Five minutes later, the bald man, now referring to himself as the owner, arrived with the police and we were asked to step outside. The bald guy yelled that he wanted all of us out, once again, yelling and flailing. Four police officers took our ID and ran them. The officer actually apologized to us but stated he had to ask us to leave because it was private property. We obliged gladly at that point. We were also told that we can never return. What an outrageous reaction to paying customers because we were standing in the wrong place. How about some ropes or signs to indicate this? How about employees wearing something so patrons know who they’re talking to? How about approaching patrons with some respect? How about your staff not drinking when they’re on duty? There are so many other bars on the beach with live music where we can spend our money. I highly recommend that anyone reading this steer clear of this place. This “owner” was just looking to fight. Getting 4 police officers involved was outrageous and a waste of resources. If you want to go to a fun dive bar with live music, I recommend the Drunken Clam.

Update - The general manager reached out to me and, after reviewing the videos, determined that his employee overreacted. He apologized and reversed the trespass order. He stated he will address the employee. I appreciate him taking accountability for his employee.

Update 2 - I had left the same review on Trip Advisor. I haven’t looked at that page in a while. When I did look at it I found 2 private messages written 6 months after the incident where the employee called me names and said I was lying. This man needs...

7.20.2025 - I had been bringing my serivce animal for 2 weeks before this Sunday. As I'm walking to meet the regular group like usual. The bartender stopped and said they don't allow dogs. I explained he is a service animal. She said it doesn't matter we serve food, he can't be in here. My military friends came to my defense trying to explain to her that is allowed regardless. She threw her hands up and walked away. We had usual amount of bloody Mary's and were living to go to the American Legion. As I was leaving another guy that worked there stopped me and asked if the bartender said anything about my dog. I said yes she did make comments about my SERVICE ANIMAL and she didn't understand that it should not been an issue especially since he was quiet and not making a scene any of the times he was there. He said yes but since we serve food it really isn't allowed. So, I gave the whole speel again, and even he didn't get it. That day was the last time I went to Katiki. I will not go somewhere that does not understand the necessity of having a service animal or the CORRECT rules and difference of a SERVICE ANIMAL and an EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL and don't understand the law or respect Veterans, the only reason you have opportunity to complain. Y'all don't deserve a 1 star after that treatment.

I have added photos of my battle buddy, Troubadour and the military family that have made me feel at home since I have been in Florida as a testament to his character and the group that have helped this bar's morning group. By all of their individual contributions, by using their own money to assist in bring in toppings for the bloody Mary's and increasing business for this local location Ka'tiki is strong as ever by the local support which are mostly retired veterans. After all the hardships this place has been through in the past few years, you think they would be more up to speed on current laws and state regulations as regards to service animals verse emotional support animals. Service animals have the highest protection under the Disability Act

I'm really thinking of suing them for .50cents + attorney fees just to allow other services members the ability to go there without prejudice. I personally will never go back without an apology. I miss being with my military family would love to forgive yet not forget and let go back to a 5 star review. The next steps is yours Ka'Tiki. Can you try to be for those of wanting to help continue to heal and move forward? I'm still here for 3 more weeks and would to be allowed to hangout with my extended family til I come back early next for...

Band was the best part of the entire place. Way too good for the staff, for sure. Witnessed racism I didn't think was possible in 2018. Extremely disappointed. We recommend Caddy's across the street. Pretty sure they don't turn away POC like Ka'tiki does....after what i witnessed, I almost expected the bathrooms to be segregated, but I guess not, since anyone other than white isn't allowed in the first place. In addition, if you stand up against the racism, you'll be asked to leave as well. That was fine by us. I will not be back and I will tell everyone I know about this degrading and terrible experience.

In response to owner's comment: You might want to keep better tab on your staff then, bc members of that same group were served with their VALID IDs the night before by other members of your staff. Another person in your establishment had an ID from the same state, which was an under 21 ID upon date of issue (although still valid) and was served all night as well. Consistency is key when running any business. Make sure staff's personal views are not causing your business to appear less than savory toward your (specifically) African America clientele (if POC was too broad of an umbrella) If the IDs weren't valid last night, they certainly weren't valid the night...