If you look at the reviews for Off Key Tiki you'll see a lot of mixed feelings, all of which are warranted. Â This place has a world of potential and delivers in some key areas but is in fact "off key" in other apsects. Â From my experience, I also had mixed feelings about this place.
My first  impression was not a positive one. I got here late on a Friday night and the place was packed out. The vallet service was not available (from the reviews that doesn't seem like such a bad thing now) since the parking lot was full. So we were forced to find parking elsewhere which was unbelievably difficult. The neighboring roads were pretty much dirt road ally ways where parking was forbidden. The actual side roads had security guards or signs informing us that we couldn't park there.  Even parking at a near by business would have gotten you towed.  We eventually parked at the train station and walked through the shiesty neighborhood.
Once we got there I was impressed with the size and unique atmosphere of this place. It had a cool look and vibe going on. The live band played some soft familiar sounds which served as background music. Since it's outdoors, they even had a cigar shop located on the premises. The bars had some TVs going with the sports games..... so there was something for everyone. Â
We then met some friends at the restaurant area. They had waited for about 2 hrs(!) for their food and when they finally got it- I was told it was not worth the wait. Later the grill was shut down so I am guessing it was just a rough night for them. The bar was pretty well stocked with some of my favorite drinks but the prices were ridiculous considering it's practically located in Hazzard County... not exactly Manhattan. Â
I had a decent time, but not sure I'd come back. If Jon Taffer came in and made the proper changes I think this place could be incredible.
If I coud give 0 stars I would.. PLEASE DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY!!! I came here to celebrate my friends engagement, by getting some drinks, apps and dinner. Well, first off, we had to pay a $10 cover to even get in, even though we were having a sit down dinner.. The waitress comes over and says the kitchen is really backed up, so we can't take any food orders. Â I look around, and half the tables were empty, so why was the kitchen "backed up?" Â When we finally did get to order, they didn't have a few items on the menu, so we had to change our order. Â When we finally got a our food, LITERALLY AN HOUR LATER, it was cold and not what we ordered. Â My avocado chicken salad had to be one of the worth things I have EVER ATE! It's not that difficult to mess up a salad, but leave it to Off Key Tikki. Â The salad was supposed to come in a tortilla bowl, and didn't. Â When asked if we could get the bowl, the waitress says "Oh let me check" and comes back 5 minutes later and says, "yeah, as you probably would have guessed, we don't have any." Â The salad was skimpy, with barely any avocado, and the few pieces that were in there were NOT ripe and were not edible. Â The grilled chicken was actually cold and so rubbery, you couldn't even chew it. Â The best part of the meal was that my friend ordered a salad, which came out with every vegetable you can think of, including potatoes, that were FRIED. Â The whole plate was fried food on top of 3 pieces of lettuce. Â It was ridiculous. Â This place is ridiculous. Â We sat on plastic chairs at plastic tables that would be used for an outdoor BBQ and our food was served on plastic plates with plastic utensils. Â It's unfortunate, because the place has potential to be a cool, laid back tikki bar right on the water, but this place needs to close down. Â I could only imagine the amateurs running this place. Â IT'S A COMPLETE JOKE- DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY!!!!!!
Review Source:There should be a warning sign at the entrance of this coastal street telling every driver to return to reality...I went there for the first time last night where I was met by a valet at the end of dirt road in front of burning torches and an odd building at night.
Apparently, there was a $10 cover, unless you were there for dinner....I was there to meet a crowd already assembled and seemingly enjoying themselves. As I walked around the building, a night time playground unfolded in a South Pacific meets Patchogue style (tiki torches/plastic chairs) and I could hear the back beat of the cover band playing early 80's hits.
Unable to locate my party from the maitre d' list, I just wandered in to meet my party and to speculate what drove them here. I was informed by some girls at the next table that the waitress covering the area would take our orders, so we waited....and waited...and waited....then said "f-it" and went to the bar ourselves.
The bar seemed to be doing well and exhibited a passing beer selection, so I engaged their pouring services in plastic pints of Blue Point's great new White IPA. Upon returning, we met the supposed waitress who was complaining about us serving ourselves at the bar. Claiming she was getting heat from her managers (her menu ticket sales must have been low), she asked if we could order from her instead of the bar. Damage already done, we agreed, took the menu, and asked for a separate check from the group that been there already for 2 hours.
Our food arrived relatively quickly, along with another set of beers, but it didn't taste like much. I thought it was possibly "sandbagged" (cooked in advance and held).
We both had the burgers, which we thought to be a safe bet, but were proven wrong. The beer was the only safe thing....
When the check arrived, I was floored to find my check combined with the larger group attending, so I had to become an accountant after 3 beers to ferret out the truth with the others and the waitress....
My return is unlikely, unless effected by three servings of Planter's Punch....spiked with Bacardi 151..
I have read the reviews and think they are somewhat harsh since you gotta understand where you are. Â the food is so so. but the atmosphere is great. singers, sand, water. drinks are rather expensive and food is too and its mediocre. not terrible mind you. but if you want great food there are other places in patchogue and oakdale that are great. It makes up for it by very good entertainment and great feeling---its as if you are in the carribean. If you want fun fun fun go there. its a nice crowd of 20s 30s 40s and 50s. its relaxing. If you want a great dining experience go somewhere else. its all what you are looking for. summer this place is great.
Review Source:I did not have a good experience here. It was Memorial Day weekend and I just had my car detailed. I was looking forward to a nice evening with friends. I drove into the parking lot and handed my car over to the valet. When I was leaving the valet returned my car to me. The parking lot was dark, I was unable to notice the damage to my front bumper. I drove to my home approximately 2 miles away and parked my car in my driveway. The next morning I went outside to admire the car when I saw the front bumper was pulled off the car. I immediately went to the police station and made a report. I then went to see the owner of the Off Key Tikki who assured me his insurance would take care of the damage. BUT, they didn't! They said I failed to report the damage when I picked up the car. No mention of them being negligent in not telling me they damaged my car! $600 worth of damage and the business owner would not keep his word and take care of the car. I think a business that does not appreciate their customers does not deserve their patronage.
Review Source:Envision:: Jimmy Buffet's Carribean Margaritaville being teleported to a random residential side road on the south shore of Long Island.
Add:: Red Lobster (bibs and all), paper plates, plastic forks, and faux rocks abutting a pond in which I stared at through the evening in hopes it would be one of those imitation volcanoes you see at mini-golf and simutaneously hear a T-rex roar. P.S. It never happened.
What it is not:: Caribbean / Hawaiian cuisine. Where are my pineapples? and my jerk-chicken dammit?
What it does have:: A good happy hour. Bands. Valet in a dirt parking lot. That's about it.
Food:: Probably as exciting as putting your phone on vibrate and leaving it on your lap while driving. Translation: It only lasts a few seconds. Not worth it.
Why not worth you ask?:: We were there for my sister's birthday. She got food poisoning after eating here.
Advice:: Stick to the happy hour drinks.
Went  there last night and had a great time. I agree 100% with the last review. We had gone to Dublin Deck first and decieded it was a little too "young" Off Key Tiki is exactly what we were looking for.... A great view, great drinks, great music.. all at a decent price... and everyone there was very nice!
Review Source:Surf's up!
Ok, so you might not be doing much surfing on the Patchogue River due the amazing lack of wave action, but you can dust off that nasty ass Hawaiian shirt you have in the back of the closet and come have some fun at Off Key Tiki.
The location is set back from the road a bit - there is a smallish sign that you might blow past on the entrance. Â The place is larger than it would seem at first glance. Â As you head in you can swing left into the bar area proper, then there is seating and it is basically split int o three areas: bar, seating and "beach".
The place seemed a bit more laid back than the Dublin Deck down the street - the crowd seemed older as well which was fine for me. Â Once you have plopped your butt down, you are totally surrounded by tropical decor- you forget you are sitting in NY for a minute and after a couple of tropical drinks, you won't care!
Prices were decent - it is a summer outdoor place. Â There is a lot going on almost every night so check their online thing for what is happening.
I had a  ball there, you will too!
Parking out front.