Pagan Idol
9 Apr 2017
1st attempt was shortly after opening when only the front bar was open. It was really crowded with non-tiki people and there was barely room to stand let alone sit so I left. Went back at midnight the same day at the end of a long day of visiting San Francisco Tiki and brewery spots, so probably not the most objective palate by that point. However, I thought their spin on a mai tai and zombie were both great. Vibe was also much more chill and escapist at that time. Cool decor and water feature in the back.
Smuggler's Cove
8 Apr 2017
Went before opening and waited in line, but still very busy and hard to get a drink. Need to go back.
Tonga Room - at the Fairmont Hotel
8 Apr 2017
Trad'r Sam
7 Apr 2017
Went here the day I found critiki.com and read their article about this being the oldest tiki bar. Fun but definitely was more of a sports bar vibe and the drinks were strong and divey.
Trader Vic's - Emeryville
6 Apr 2017
Great experience. Mai tai was awesome. Went during a quiet time and was able to explore. Bartender gave me a menu as a souvenir.
Beachbum Berry's Latitude 29
24 Sept 2016
My first visit was 7/15/2016. I tell people the mai tai was life changing. It took a few more visits here before I got fully hooked on tiki bars and cocktails. This is the oldest picture I have from Latitude 29 a few months later.
Trade Winds Tropical Lounge
11 July 2013
Went here several times on vacations before my Tiki bar enlightenment in 2016 without ever thinking of it as a Tiki bar. I would consider it a dive bar with Live Music. There is a large oil painting of a Polynesian village and some nautical decor.
I had a tropical punch and it was decent for a free pour rum and fruit juice concoction.
Over the past 10+ years I've been there when it was a huge party and everyone was doing shots and I've been there when it has been pretty quiet. Not knowing what you'll get is part of the fun.