Detroit may be known for its muscle cars and Motown grooves, but now, thanks to Shinola Hotel’s Evening Bar, it’s also home to a tropical hideaway. Say aloha to Model T-iki, a sultry island oasis nestled in the heart of downtown, transporting guests from the city’s urban grit to a Polynesian paradise—at least until mid-April.
Once a sleek, speakeasy-style lounge, Evening Bar has transformed into an immersive tiki experience, complete with thatched huts, lush foliage, and a vibrant menu of tropical cocktails and bites. But Model T-iki isn’t just a kitschy getaway—it’s a tribute to Detroit’s rich tiki history, a nod to the days when the city’s hardworking automotive industry took refuge at legendary spots like Chin Tiki and Mauna Loa.
Bar Director Darryl Chan, the mastermind behind New York’s acclaimed Portrait Bar, has curated a tiki-inspired cocktail menu with a distinct Detroit flair. The drinks at Model T-iki aren’t just visually stunning—they’re well-balanced, innovative, and packed with flavor. Some standouts include:
Model T-ai – A bold take on the classic Mai Tai, featuring a layered blend of Jamaican rums, pineapple rum, Grand Marnier, orgeat, and kalamansi for a sip that’s equal parts rich, tropical, and citrusy.
Colada ‘66 – A Piña Colada reimagined, swapping out coconut cream for the creamy tang of Greek yogurt, with an added kick from Detroit’s own Doctor Bird Jamaican Rum. It’s smooth, funky, and refreshingly unexpected.
River Rouge – This fishbowl cocktail for two is a boozy tropical dream, blending Genever, passion fruit, falernum, orgeat, and lemon, finished with a Negroni float for a sophisticated bitter-sweet contrast. A portion of proceeds from this cocktail supports Friends of the Rouge, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting Southeast Michigan’s watershed.
No tiki experience is complete without dishes to match the drinks, and Chefs Cory Barberio and Andrew Carmellini have delivered a menu that hits all the right notes. Guests can snack on:
Slow-cooked baby back ribs glazed in sweet and tangy guava sauce for a sticky, finger-licking bite.
Crispy taro chips are served with charred pineapple salsa and cilantro, bringing the perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and zest.
With these flavor-packed dishes and carefully crafted cocktails, Model T-iki isn’t just a bar—it’s a full sensory escape, an unexpected slice of paradise tucked away inside the Shinola Hotel.
From now until mid-April, this island oasis is open to all who crave a little escapism—no plane ticket required. Whether you’re sipping a Model T-ai after work, sharing a River Rouge with a date, or simply soaking in the laid-back, transportive vibe, Model T-iki is proof that Detroit knows how to do tiki right.
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