Randy Walker

May 9, 2025

Last Saturday, I was in the outer reaches of our coverage area and thought I’d swing by Waycaster Tiki on my way home. I’ve wanted to visit since it opened back in December, and I finally got the chance to go to South Lyon.

From the outside, only the sign and a few tiki decorations hint at what's inside the nondescript building.

The interior tells a different story.

Stepping in the door, you’ll need a few seconds for your eyes to adjust. The lighting is very low and designed to give chill and intimate vibes.

Once I could see... I was blown away!

The well-decorated interior seats 40 people, divided into several cozy sections designed for small groups rather than centered around a main area.

Each unique seating area offers something different – one separated by vine curtains, another featuring a bar counter with paired stools.

As I was alone, I chose one of the four stools at the bar.

Behind the bar was the usual array of backlit bottles, but crowning the back bar were two shelves that held a variety tiki mugs in various shapes.

The menu was small, but on point.

Each page held an image and a description of a single drink — some with the expected rum, some with gin, and some with tequila. There was even a giant shareable cocktail on the menu. Beer was available, as were nonalcoholic drinks.

I sampled three cocktails: a Tradewinds, Singapore Sling and Jungle Bird. Each drink was delicious and very different from each other.

There is also a “Rations” section of the menu that has dried fruits and nuts, cheeses, and cured meats.

My Palm Plate included mango ginger cheese, brie, honey, dried fruit and pita crisps. It was a great snack to pair with my drinks.

When I got there in the late afternoon, the bar had a sparse crowd and the friendly staff were happy to chat with me.

As day turned into night, things started to pick up as reservation holders arrived. The tiki music that plays all the time could still be heard, but various conversations blended together to make the place sound lively.

I definitely plan to return to Waycaster Tiki! Next time, with friends.

You will find it at 228 S Lafayette Street in South Lyon.

Check out their website at https://www.waycastertiki.com for hours and to make a reservation.