The Downtown Tiki Lounge

San Mateo, California, United States

The Downtown Tiki Lounge was opened by two friends, Jim Wilkinson and Dennis Romero, in 2010.

The decor in the bar was a mix of beach, Caribbean and Polynesian (many of the carvings appeared to be Indonesian imports), and the music was typically reggae. The place was full of surfboards provided by Seven Tiki Rum (who also provided the glassware). There was a comfortable seating area near the front, and the rear had a small raised seating area.

The drink menu appeared at first glance to have a few classics, including a Sidewinder's Fang from the long-gone San Mateo power palace, The Lanai. The tribute was a wonderful gesture, but sadly anyone who was excited to have that great drink would be disappointed: what they served had the same name, but not at all the same recipe. The drinks tended strongly to the sweet and chemical side, and could perhaps have used an upgrade in ingredients.

Closed permanently in 2020-2021.