Meet Tucana Tiki Bar’s Nicky Vann Tisdale
Get to know Nicky Vann Tisdale, the woman behind Birmingham's new (and only) tiki bar — and get a peek inside!
In the Parkside District, just a few blocks from Regions Field, is a tropical paradise waiting to greet you with easygoing island vibes and libations. With its swanky bar, glam lounge spaces, and a menu of rum-infused drinks, you’ll think you’ve been transported to another world.
That’s precisely what Nicky Vann Tisdale envisioned when she set out to open Tucana Tiki Bar, Birmingham’s new (and only!) tiki bar. Inspired by the versatility of rum — and a toucan-shaped constellation — Nicky charted her course to provide an urban oasis where visitors can slow down, unwind, and embrace island time. Get to know Nicky, and get a look inside the space!
First things first, tell us about you! Have you always lived in Birmingham?
I’ve always lived in Birmingham, and it really is the Magic City. I’ve worked at a multitude of places, from dive bars to fine dining. I’ve been really fortunate to grow in the food and beverage scene.
Did you always know you wanted to be in hospitality?
I began working in hospitality at a young age and have always loved taking care of people. It was very obvious to me early on that I had found my industry.
Tell us about your journey to opening Tucana.
My focus originally started in Hospitality Management in fine dining, however, I wanted to learn another skill in craft bartending. I fervently studied classic cocktails and the differences between spirits, amaro, and vermouth. I fell in love with it. It combines my two favorite things: beautiful hospitality and getting to throw a party every night for a living. Who doesn’t want that?
What do you think makes the Birmingham restaurant scene so special?
Southern hospitality and our community. We are all here to help support each other in a not-so-easy industry. I have some insane mentors in this city. Plus, having such great resources like beautiful local farms and produce doesn’t hurt.
What inspired the idea of a tiki bar in Birmingham?
I just think rum is so cool. It’s made all over and, in my opinion, is the most versatile spirit in the world. Plus, Birmingham needed its own tiki bar to see what modern tiki is: great vibes and even better drinks.
Tell us about Tucana’s space. How did you take your vision and turn it into a vibe?
We wanted to go for jungle island vibes downstairs, with our disco ball constellation room upstairs. This inspiration came from the Tucana constellation in the southern hemisphere. The vision started off slow but quickly gained speed with the help of our team: our architect Haley Treadaway with Black Design Architecture and Josh and Shelton Carnley with Studio Carnley for our branding. It just came to life.
As Tucana’s Chief Concoction Officer, tell us your process and inspiration for developing new drinks.
I do a lot of reading and love finding unusual flavor pairings. I take a lot of inspiration from my husband, Trenton Tisdale, who is a local chef. I love seeing complex flavors and how they balance on a plate and then doing the same thing in a glass.
What are your favorite drinks on the Tucana menu?
Of course, I love all of the classic tiki cocktails. From our originals, you can’t miss the Let’s Split, Violet Diver, and Monsoon Season.
What is your best piece of advice?
Don’t let perfect get in the way of great.
Name three things you can’t live without.
Sunday snuggles with my doggies. Tacos. The Sopranos.
Lightning Round!
Last delicious local meal: Great Wall
Favorite place to vacation? New Orleans
Your go-to gift to give: Vintage glassware
Favorite recent TV show binge: True Detective
Book(s) on your bedside table: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
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Meet more dynamic and inspiring Southern women in our FACES archives!
Katie Leigh Matthews
A Birmingham native, Katie is a lifelong waterfall chaser and is passionate about the outdoors. She also loves connecting with remarkable women in the Birmingham community and bringing their stories to life. Katie has been writing professionally for over six years; you can find more of her work at Moms.com and Islands.com.