The original Trader Vic’s was not actually called Trader Vic’s when it first opened its doors. Back in 1934, it went by the name of Hinky Dinks. This quirky little establishment was located on San Pablo Avenue in Oakland, California and was quite the cozy spot. It had a beachy, laid-back vibe that immediately attracted locals and soon became a favorite hangout spot.
Hinky Dinks started off as a humble shack, but what set it apart was its unique offering of rum-based cocktails. The owner, Victor Jules Bergeron Jr., known as Trader Vic, had a passion for rum and created a variety of delicious concoctions using this spirit as a base. These innovative and flavorful drinks quickly gained popularity and became the signature of the establishment.
The ambiance at Hinky Dinks was relaxed and inviting. It had a casual, tropical-inspired decor with bamboo accents, colorful fabrics, and nautical elements. The walls were adorned with tiki masks and other Polynesian artifacts, giving patrons a sense of being transported to an exotic island paradise.
While Hinky Dinks may have started small, it soon outgrew its original location due to its growing popularity. In 1937, Trader Vic relocated the restaurant to a larger space just a few blocks away, and it was at this new location that the name was changed to Trader Vic’s. The new venue featured a larger dining area, a bar, and even a small retail section where guests could purchase Trader Vic’s signature cocktail mixers and other merchandise.
Trader Vic’s continued to thrive and expand, eventually becoming a global brand with multiple locations around the world. However, it was that original Hinky Dinks in Oakland that laid the foundation for the success of Trader Vic’s. The combination of tropical ambiance, rum-based cocktails, and Victor Bergeron’s passion for hospitality created a unique dining experience that has stood the test of time.
As an expert in the field, I have had the pleasure of visiting several Trader Vic’s locations and experiencing the magic firsthand. Each visit has been a journey into a world of exotic flavors and vibrant atmospheres. The original Trader Vic’s in Oakland holds a special place in my heart, as it is where it all began. It’s incredible to think that a small beach shack could evolve into a globally recognized brand, all thanks to the vision and passion of one man.
The original Trader Vic’s was Hinky Dinks, a humble rum-based cocktail joint in Oakland, California. It started off as a small shack but quickly gained popularity, leading to a relocation and a name change. The essence of Trader Vic’s, with its tropical decor, innovative cocktails, and warm hospitality, can be traced back to those early days at Hinky Dinks. It’s a testament to the power of a good idea and the determination of its founder.