Alameda, California, United States
Forbidden Island is a tiki bar on the island of Alameda just east of San Francisco. It opened April 22nd, 2006, but it has the look and feel of a classic old tiki bar. The bar was the creation of Martin "Martiki" Cate, a longtime tiki devotee, rum expert, and former Trader Vic's bartender, and brothers "Conga Mike" and Manny Thanos, who are part-owners of the nearby Conga Lounge. In early 2009, Cate left the Forbidden Island partnership, and opened his own Smuggler's Cove in San Francisco.
Forbidden Island has a commitment to quality, with only fresh-squeezed juices and premium spirits used. The drink menu features dozens of tropical cocktailsa mix of classics such as the Sidewinder's Fang and the Zombie, and new creations like the China Clipper and the Fugu for Two. There is also an extensive list of premium rums.
The decor is filled with many layered details, and was crafted primarily by Bamboo Ben and Martin Cate. There is an abundance of bamboo and thatch, and the walls are lined with wood, giving the appearance of the inside of a ship. There are several artifacts from tiki lounges of the past, including a war club from the Kahiki in Columbus, floats from Eli Hedley's Island Trade ship, which were used at the Pago-Pago in Tucson, Koa wood tabletops and large pieces of bamboo from the Lanai in San Mateo, and several carved pieces including two large carved poles by Ken Pleasant that were used at the Kahiki Moon in Burlington, Vermont. The logo tiki was carved by Tiki Diablo, and presides over a water feature in a cozy corner. There are three hut-like booths, and a long bar with comfortable seating. A rear patio is open until 9p.m. (after 9 it closes to minimize noise for the surrounding residential neighborhood).
Music on the jukebox is predominantly pre-1964, and was specially selected to fit in the vintage lounge environment, with no shortage of Exotica available. A small selection of snack food is available.
Some parking is available in back, and there is plenty of free parking on the street. Alameda has a speed limit of 25 MPH throughout the whole island, and it's strictly enforced.
First time here visiting with Ilene and picked up one of their Tiki Diablo signature mugs during day 3 of our 4 day Tiki Spectacular Vacation.
The first tiki bar in my tour of the Bay Area. Although there were a few telltale tiki signs on the exterior, it was quite unassuming, and blended in with the neighborhood. It's the kind of place you could drive by for weeks before noticing that there's a secret inside, and there's definitely something to be said for that. We got seated in one of the hut booths, which gave us a nice view of all the cool floats, lights, and some giant pufferfish. The staff was cordial--not overly friendly or interested, but service was good and the drinks were well done. We also liked the special tots, which had sriracha mayo and hoisin sauce. I got the signature mug, which was currently in the chartreuse variant. The music was appropriate and nothing was too loud, so you could actually hold a conversation with those around you. A rare treat for a bar.
Forbidden Island Tiki Mug - Tenth Edition - Chartreuse
Forbidden Island 12th Anniversary Tiki Mug In Bone White
Tumuaki - by Benzart - for Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge
Forbidden Island Tiki Mug - Ninth Edition - Orange
Forbidden Island 15th Anniversary Mug - Black Dress Glaze - by Tiki Shark - for Forbidden Island
Forbidden Island 15th Anniversary Mug - Red Dress Glaze - by Tiki Shark - for Forbidden Island
Forbidden Island Tiki Mug - Eighth Edition - Matte Turquoise
Forbidden Sub - by Doug Horne for Forbidden Island
Forbidden Island 20 Weeks of Tiki Drinks Coconut
Forbidden Island Tiki Mug- Seventh Edition - Chocolate Brown
Forbidden Island Tiki Bar Kill Devil 2.0 Mug Second Release
Forbidden Island Diver Mug
Forbidden Island 12th Anniversary Tiki Mug In Bluish Brown
Forbidden Island 12th Anniversary Tiki Mug In Reddish Brown
Forbidden Island 11th Anniversary Tiki Mug Green
Forbidden Island 11th Anniversary Tiki Mug Brown
Forbidden Island Tiki Mug - Fifth Edition - Red Wipe Away Glaze
Forbidden Island 10th Anniversary Mai Tai Glass
Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge Porthole Tiki Mug
Forbidden Island 10th Anniversary Tiki Mug
Ono Lono - Brown - for Forbidden Island
Forbidden Island Tiki Mug - Sixth Edition - Glossy Dark Turquoise
B-Rex Forbidden Island Mai Tai Glass
Forbidden Island 13th Anniversary Mug
Forbidden Island 11th Anniversary Tiki Mug Bone White
Forbidden Island Tiki Mug - Third Edition - Light Matte Brown
Forbidden Island Tiki Bar Kill Devil 2.0 Mug
Nuku Nuku Brown For Forbidden Island
Forbidden Island Tiki Mug - Fourth Edition - Delft Blue Wipe Away Glaze
Forbidden Island Rum Barrel Bowl
Tau'a in Caramel Brown For Forbidden Island
Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge Octopus Rum Barrel Mug
Forbidden Island Float Mug Blue
Makalani Light Blue for Forbidden Island 5th Anniversary
Forbidden Island Tiki Crate Mug
Forbidden Island 5th Anniversary Mai Tai Glass
Forbidden Island Volcano Bowl
Forbidden Island Tiki Mug II Brown
Kapulapu Forbidden Island Two Year Anniversary Edition
Forbidden Island Tiki Mug II Limited Diablo Edition
Forbidden Island Tiki Mug - Second Edition - Glossy Green
Forbidden Island Pusser's Rum Cup
Forbidden Island One Year Anniversary Skull Mug
Roberto Loco De La Isla Prohibida
Forbidden Island Fugu
The Forbidden Island Bad Liver
Forbidden Island Tiki Mug - First Edition - Glossy Brown