My little sister told me about her experience at the Secret Tiki Temple in Jacksonville on a podcast episode of JAM Session. You can check out that interview by clicking the play button below.
But any who! When I found out about this unique spot I HAD TO GO! So my sister made us a reservation for the weekend I was coming to town and needless to say, I was very excited!
Here are some things you should know before you go!
Reservations ONLY! - No ifs, ands, or buts about it. This is a reservation only type of place. If you just show up without a reservation, you will likely NOT be seated. Once we got there I see why you need a reservation. The room is very small, like 8-9 tables small.
To ensure you have a reservation you will be given a secret password before you go, but unfortunately no-one asked me my secret password... I was slightly bummed about that.
DON'T be late! - According to the website, If everyone in your party is not seated within 15 minutes of your reservation time, your seat might be given away. We were early/on-time and wound up waiting over 30 minutes to be seated. The waiting area is very small which was kinda awkward, but the girl up front offered us more chairs, drinks and told us a little about the menu while we waited. We also spoke to the owner who was very welcoming and friendly. He told us that he has been open for over 6 years, he stays very busy and does zero advertising. It's just the kind of place you would never know existed unless someone told you about it.
NO large groups allowed - The maximum amount of people allowed in your group is 6. With that said the website also states "Multiple reservations under many names will not be accommodated close to each other, they will be seated at socially distanced tables." So it is possible to dine out with more than 6 friends, but you might not get seated together. We had 6 people in our group and we were seated in a lounge area that had a pretty small coffee table ( picture below ) in the middle. It was a tight squeeze, especially when the food started coming out but with a little re-arranging we were able to fit everything on the table.
No dinner menu - This establishment offers appetizers and Dim Sum only! I didn't see any prices on the food menu which was a little strange. There was a variety of things to try but my boyfriend and I wound up ordering 4 plates.
Crab Ragoons - I really enjoyed these!
Spring Roll - I never got my spring roll but I stole one from someone at the table and it was good.
Shrimp Rolls - These were smaller than I imagined but delicious
Salt and Pepper Shrimp - This was good flavor but I didn't like having the shell on the battered and fried shrimp. I ate the shell but I don't know if I was suppose to?
NO Bar Seating? - This detail is listed on the website but must have changed recently because we were sat at the bar for a couple of minutes while we waited for our table. All of the drinks are top secret and the ingredients are not listed on the menu. When you order a drink you have no idea what you are getting or if you will like it. The best thing to do is tell the staff what types of drinks you like, or don't like, and they will make a suggestion. All the drinks were very cute and some even came with fire! I had 4 drinks total and they were good, generous with the alcohol, and I left feeling buzzed.
You are on a time limit - That's right, you have 120 minutes and then you've go to go according to the website! If you think you will need more time, you can ask, but there is no guarantee they will accommodate your request. I honestly do not know how long we were there but it felt like more than 120 min and no one ever rushed us out.
Cancellation Fee - If you can't make your reservation, let them know as soon as possible. If you cancel your reservation less than 24 hours before the reservation time, you will be charged $30.
Closed - on Mondays
Final thoughts - If you are good with all of the above rules and quirks of this little gem, I would totally recommend checking it out. It is a very unique experience with great decor, exciting drinks and yummy finger foods and it is unlike anything else in the Jacksonville Florida area.
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