Tour Guides from Hell: DevilDriver’s Favorite Tiki Bars and Tour Spots

Next month, the mighty DevilDriver will embark upon their latest headlining tour of North America (dates at the bottom of this post) — and they’re bringing Death Angel, Winds of Plague, The Agonist, and Azreal along with ’em! To celebrate, we asked DevilDriver vocalist Dez Fafara and guitarist Neal Tiemann to share some of their favorite tour spots with us. Neal concentrated on a range of locations, while Dez chose to focus on some his favorite Tiki bars. Who knew the guy who wrote the lyrics to “Grinfucked” was so into tropical drinks?

Check out all of Dez and Neal’s picks below, then make sure to catch DevilDriver on tour starting in February!

Vocalist Dez Fafara’s Favorite Tiki Haunts

Las Vegas, NV – Man, there’s nothing like hitting Vegas after the show and going to Frankie’s Tiki Room! I love everything Tiki, and this place has it all – strong drinks (if that’s your thing) and a killer juke box with old punk rock, psychobilly, surf rat, and Tiki music like Martin Denny, etc. The atmosphere is just what you want – it’s dark, no white lights, glass floats hanging everywhere with a South Pacific vibe all its own… for me, it’s the seminal Tiki bar, next to my following entry!  

Fort Lauderdale, FL – For a more classic Tiki hang out filled with string guitar players and waitresses dressed in luau gear… whenever we play in Fort Lauderdale, I always make my way to Mai-Kai. It’s not only famous, it’s world famous! From its ship bar interior that looks like you’re under the ocean to the tables that give you your own space if you are there to eat, from the fire dancing shows to the insane food – it’s definitely a “must visit” if you’re like me and enjoy Tiki bars and all they bring.

Disneyland, Anaheim, CA – Then there’s the granddaddy of all Tiki hangouts for me, in California, on Disney property: Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. Walk in, it’s dark as fuck, and don’t mind the eyes on the Tikis that follow you as you make your way in. The wood tables, grass hut interior with dioramas of volcanoes and South Pacific-themed windows… order certain drinks and the lights go off and thunder erupts while the place erupts in a frenzy! They have a killer patio outside with a fireplace and live music, plus a menu (including drinks) that’s pretty damn good for bar food! And, of course, everyone’s in character to the max because… it’s Disney.  

Enjoy a Tiki adventure today! 

Gutairst Neal Tiemann’s Favorite Tour Spots, Location-Based Memories, and Local Tips

Houston, TX – On a tour many moons ago, the transmission went out on our already-unreliable-but-lovable RV, which forced us all to hole up in a seedy motel for five days. We spent most of our money, earned on tour or elsewhere, at some mechanic shop, and the only walking-distance entertainment which was a low-budget, Chuckie Cheese-esque arcade.  

Atlanta, GA – Because of touring, I’ve spent a lot of time in Atlanta, and I love every chance I get to have a night off there. Fox Bros. BBQ and Clermont Lounge are each a must. 

Missoula, MT – A few years back I had to catch a flight out of Missoula after a show there to participate in my best friend’s wedding. The band dropped me off, but I didn’t manage to catch the one flight out that day,  and almost missed everything. At least Big Sky Brewing Co. is out of there. Moose Drool rules!

Window Rock, AZ – Last year we played Window Rock to raise awareness/money for the Diné tribe, of which Dez is a member. The whole experience was profound and memorable, and their fry bread tacos are out of this world. 

Portland, OR – It’s as quirky as you think, and it’s great! Always good food and interesting people. 

Buffalo, NY – La Nuova Wings and Founding Fathers Pub are two of my favorite establishments in the world. 

St. Paul, MN – I love a good eating challenge (although I usually just watch nowadays), and The Nook in St. Paul doesn’t disappoint. Great burgers, cool place!

New Orleans, LA – There’s something for everybody in this town, and it’s always a good stop between the inevitable Texas to Florida tour routing. I’ve laughed there, vomited there, got engaged there, and more. Be sure to check out the RV lots for cheap places to park. 

Calico, CA – This a great ghost town located generally on the drive from LA to Las Vegas. I stopped there hoping for an hour or two of diversion, and ended up spending an entire day roaming its streets. 

Boston, MA – I can’t remember my first visit there, but I do remember my first Bruins game. They put me on that big screen over the ice! That’s as specific as I can get because I always have too much fun there. 

DevilDriver with Death Angel, Winds of Plague, The Agonist, and Azreal

02/08 Santa Ana, CA – Observatory
02/09 Los Angeles, CA – Regent Theater
02/10 San Jose, CA – The Ritz
02/12 Denver, CO – Summit Music Hall
02/14 Chicago, IL – Portage Theater
02/15 Toronto, ON – Phoenix Concert Theater
02/16 Montreal, QC – Corona
02/17 Worcester, MA – Palladium
02/18 Reading, PA – Reverb
02/19 Patchogue, NY – Emporium
02/20 Baltimore, MD – SoundStage
02/21 Dayton, OH – Oddbody’s
02/23 Dallas, TX – Gas Monkey
02/24 McAllen, TX – Sofie’s
02/25 Houston, TX – Scout Bar
02/26 Austin, TX – Grizzly Hall
02/28 El Paso, TX – Tricky Falls
03/01 Mesa, AZ – Club Red
03/03 San Francisco, CA – The Regency Ballroom
03/04 Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre
03/05 Seattle, WA – Studio 7