The Location

When you enter Rareform, you head toward a dark hallway in the back and hang a right. Use your spidey-sense/the force, and through a combination of staircase and long hallways, you will arrive at an outdoor balcony that sits way back on the 3rd base foul line of the park. Yes, all outdoor. So make a note if it’s a little chilly outside. But also make your way there if the weather is nice, which in San Diego… means anytime! A long bar and several booths sit on the balcony. Weather beaten nylon rope art provides a tiny bit of shade and on a good weather day you can’t beat coming up here mid afternoon.

The Drinks

While the decor is definitely not tiki at all, their menu sure is! A small but quirky little list of classic and signature beverages, the menu delights. I went for the two barometer drinks, Zombie and Mai Tai. The Mai Tai is solid and not too ‘leaded’. Their version is light enough to not put you out too soon, especially if you’re going to hit False Idol later that night (of course). The Zombie though was not my favorite. It was especially juicy and again, on the lighter side – which also again, maybe not a bad thing for this place being somewhere that is best hit in an afternoon. The signatures are pretty great. So if you are looking for something out of the ordinary, I would recommend the Oaxacan Dead. Super Funky! Mezcal, Absinthe, and Two Rums? Booyeah!

Fairweather is the perfect place to hang on a sunny afternoon. Especially great on ballgame days as you can take in the ambiance of the game while sipping a tasty beverage. It will be hard to pass the Stone Tap Room down below though (you can go another time). Just keep your eyes on the tiki beverages in store and head to the back of the deli and up to the balcony at Fairweather. It’s a good time.

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The Location

Only a block away from the famous Musso & Frank Grille on Hollywood Boulevard and right next to a frat bar is a discreet palm tree painted on white brick with a skinny inset lobby. Once you get inside you will notice what used to maybe be a fireplace at the front that allows some light through the middle but mostly keeps things dark and comfortable inside. Greenery adorns the walls and touches of nautical embellish throughout. In the back, and only open on Friday and Saturday, is a large open atrium bar. There is plenty of booths and seating throughout and ample space all around, especially on this Sunday afternoon.

The Pearl Diver

I tried a bunch of different things the couple times I went here. Let’s start with the Pearl Diver. A difficult drink to make, the best I have ever had was at Latitude 29 in New Orleans and I can safely put this one right at the top as well. Really well made with a nice good froth with the perfect amount of buttery taste. It’s served in a wine glass so the froth doesn’t last for too long, but still great.

The Macadamia Mai Tai

Lono’s Mai Tai is one of the most unique ones I have had. It is very creamy which may be lent to the custom Vanilla Demerara Lime mix they use. A gentle Macadama flavor also rounds this out making it a hint sweeter than most Mai Tais but not too much. I really recommend having this one as your first when you go here. I love the taste and haven’t found anything like it anywhere.

Many More Tasty Things

So yes the Mai Tai but also yes to everything else. The bartender here really loves some Tiki and makes all these beverages with a great deal enthusiasm. He tried his best to convince the two white wine drinkers with reservations to a Tiki Bar to maybe try one of the MANY great options (sadly to no avail). The Curse of the Lono, one of their signature drinks is basically a pineapple heavy Rum Barrel. Big and fruity, it hides its rum well. The A’ole Pilikia, a super complex Painkiller with rum Pisco and flavors of banana and coconut. Finally the two staples, Navy Grog and Zombie. Navy grog on my first trip was a little heavy on the grapefruit but the second trip delivered a perfect mix with the right honey balance. The Zombie had lots of nice spice notes but was very orange flavored for some reason.

Overall

Lono takes reservations and you will probably want to take advantage of them if you are looking at going on a busy weekend night. I would like to go back some time and brave the crowds to enjoy that back room on a summer day. Looks like a great experience back there. But don’t ignore a chill Sunday afternoon at Lono. The menu is fantastic. They have a good PuPu menu as well. Tiki is back on Hollywood Boulevard!

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Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz location, is in an area that I somewhat assume is a downtown-esque sort of place. We walked there from the Wharf, and noticed a multitude of little eateries and clubs peppered about the area. Now it’s not super close to the Wharf but it is walkable. When you approach there is a nice little street side area that looks nice for lunch along a quiet street. Inside is reminiscent of more of a surf bar than tiki. It wasn’t too busy but we opted for the bar since we were in for a quick snack and beverage. Popping my head around the corner of the bar I saw a moderately decorated “Tiki Room” that was a little more in line with what I thought the rest of the restaurant was going to be. If you came back on Friday or Saturday, I’m sure they use this room, maybe.

Monterey

In Monterey, Hula’s is only a few blocks up from the water and a few over from Cannery Row, all very walkable. The main eating area here is a little more “woody” in theme. There isn’t room for a patio out front but out back there is a quaint little space with several small tables and a larger couch area for a group. There is also a satellite bar back there I have never seen used both times we have been here. The several times I have been to this location, we have always sat in the back patio and I think I would actually prefer it to the inside anyway (as long as the heaters are on – Brrrr!).

The Drinks

The menu is not very large and there are a few classic beverages on the list. Looking at the menu, you’ll see that the ingredients are not true to classic recipes as Hula’s has added their own twist to most of them. Where this did not work was the Zombie. It was really just a sweet tropical passion fruity drink with some forgettable rum that was pretty watered down by the juices. Unless you want something sweet and juicy, I’d give this one a pass if you’re looking for something Zombie-esque.

The Zombie wasn’t quite what I expected. The Mai Tai too would be highly suspect but thankfully I was surprised! While on the surface it seems like you may be getting a Hawai-Tai, it was and it wasn’t. (Hawaiian style Mai Tai, mostly pineapple juice with some almond syrup and white rum, floater of dark rum)

surprisingly tart version that actually wasn’t too sweet or pineapple-ey and was pretty well balanced with a tasty float of JWray Gold atop! A treat!

If you check the website, it shows there are two other restaurants in the family of Hula’s Island Grill located in Phoenix and Scottsdale (Both named Hula’s Modern Tiki). They both have similar drink menus to their California cousins, though the food menu looks to be a little more refined. The food at both the California locations was great and I would classify it as Thai, not bad.

Summary

Both Hula’s Island Grill offer up some nice Tiki and while I didn’t approve of the Zombie, the Mai Tai brought me around and I look forward to what other concoctions they have to offer on the next time I’m around.

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Red Rackums Revenge

Because I had to avoid anything with grapefruit for a while (tragedy!), I skipped on the Zombie this time. Having been here before though I wasn’t too disappointed as I have had this particular Zombie and recall it being quite good. So, I ventured into original drink territory, which has been, in my experience, a mixed bag in places. The Red Rackums Revenge was my choice for beverage #1 – and it did not disappoint. It really was an explosion of all the things I love about a very layered Tiki beverage. Cherry Liqueur, All Spice, Cinnamon, and Ginger all working together here with Demerara and Jamaican 151 rums. Finally the concoction is flash blended to produce a frothy top. This is one that I’m going to have to try and reproduce at home. They have come up with something really exceptional in this beverage.

The Mai Tai

Vic’s Mai Tai was up second, and I knew this one would be a slam dunk, and it was. A perfect blending off the proper mixings. They actually have three available here (two displayed on the current menu). There is the Vic’s version, they also happily have the DTB version which is less sweet than the Vic’s and a bit more heavy on the booze – also it has grapefruit in it so it is quite tart. Finally they have the Bitter Mai Tai, which is, heavy on the bitters! But boy is it good. I didn’t have it this trip, but if you are looking for a non sweet Tiki – then try the Bitter Mai Tai. Really good.

We have never come here in the evening hours and I don’t think that it would be the best idea as the place is quite small. There are three booths inside and only about 10 or so seats about. There is an outside patio that has much more seating, but being Palm Springs, can get pretty hot out there (even though they have misters). It has been my experience that coming around dinner time yields the best chance to get a seat inside as it is crowded in the afternoon and certainly at late night. It is a bit out of the zone of the restaurant area of the strip, but I find that walking up there isn’t a big deal (and then taking a Lyft on your way out).

Overall

Bootleggers is the second Tiki bar of note in Palm Springs and makes going to PS all the sweeter.

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Hiding in plain sight

Smuggler’s Cove is quite small; Broken into three floors, there are only two bartenders, one in the basement and one at ground level. Because of this, and the small size, they limit the amount of people who can be in here. So if you’re thinking about coming on a weekend, prepare for a line. I really recommend coming any other day besides Fri and Sat. You’ll enjoy yourself much better.

The Drinks

I have been here several times and I try to explore something new every time I go. It goes without saying that a couple of my absolute favorites (Zombie – Three Dots and a Dash) are fantastic here. Also the classic Mai Tai is perfect. So this trip, I gave a go on something new called the Demerara Dry Float. A bit like a Mai Tai, it’s quite sour but has some real slight different hints of flavors just hiding around. The Demerara Dry Float also comes with a sidecar of Hamilton Demerara 151. The intention of the sidecar is that you can drink them separately to balance the flavors, or mix it in, half and half, whatever. I actually tried to seek out the ingredients when I got home to make it myself it was so good (the key stuff is Maraschino Liqueur and Demerara Sugar Syrup).

I had one beverage here once called The Expedition. Martin Cate (the owner and also the owner of False Idol in San Diego) came up with this beverage that is described as representing the travels of Don The Beachcomber. The Expedition is certainly an interesting beverage (it has a coffee liqueur in it among other things). The drink also has an awesome glass you can get – it was custom designed for Smugglers Cove.

Learning is fun

The first time I came here I was pretty new into appreciating all things tiki beverage, when I was discussing with a cohort who was with me, how I had discovered the DTB variety of a Mai Tai and the recipe that I had found to try and recreate it (this was before the wonderful Total Tiki app was available). Well the bartender overheard and said that I had found everything right BUT I should replace the Cointreau with Orange Curacao to make it that much better. Helpful!

Overall

I’ll go on record as saying Smuggler’s Cove is currently the best Tiki Bar in the US (that I’ve been to). If you can’t make it here then it’s sister bar, False Idol, in San Diego will really give you the idea of what you’re missing up here. But just don’t come here on a Friday or Saturday, really!

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See, the thing about bar hopping on State is that your typical room is most likely going to be on beach side of the train tracks. That’s where the small little hotels and motels (and of course Fess Parker) are all at. There aren’t really a great amount of hotels on the other side of the freeway. What does this mean? Well, from your hotel to a tiki bar is quite close! So it’s good for an immediate opener to the hop or a great closer. Win – Win !

The Bar

The decor is simple and effective. There is a cute sitting area right at the front that includes several comfy chairs as well as a sofa. An alcove about mid-way through provides for a separate room experience without being fully disconnected from the rest of the bar (and seats probably 12). Finally there are a couple high tables and then an L-Bar that seats 8. I can’t imagine that the seats would be very comfortable for more than one, mayyyybe two beverages as they are on the high side and don’t have backs to them. There is a patio out front but I’m not sure if they use it as there were no tables there. The patio could be a spring/summer only type of deal.

The Drinks

The menu is small but well curated. They even have a couple non-standard slushie beverages that are on tap that I would love to try next time (Painkiller and an original called ‘Mango Drank’). Went in for my usual Zombie and it was made really really well. In fact it tasted just about how I like to make them which follows Don’s recipe very closely. I would put their mixture right up at the top of my favorite Zombies. Also had a Mai Tai (like I do) but sadly right about the time I started try and enjoy this beverage, my sinuses decided to take over and shut down my ability to taste anything. I had my wife taste it and she gave it high marks, and with the quality of the Zombie, I don’t doubt it.

She ordered a Test Pilot and also loved that too. It came topped with Absinthe foam which was super tasty. There was some discussion on whether it would better to first lick the foam off, mix it into the drink, or just let it naturally settle into the beverage as it was consumed. She opted for half lick and then mix into the drink. I think this was a good call as you get to taste the odd sweetness of an Absinthe foam. The rest of the foam then can integrate into the drink.

Overall

A perfect antidote to the myriad of wine tasting rooms and craft beers that surround State Street, I hope to come back here again on my next trip to Santa Barbara.

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Reservations

I can’t speak to weeknights, but if you are going to visit on a weekend, you must unequivocally make reservations. If you don’t you will be tempting fate. I made some two weeks out for a party of four, and boy am I glad that I did, because not only was the place absolutely slammed, but we scored a table center ‘stage’. Again, reservations a good thing because this place is small – not Tiki-Ti small – but still, pretty small.

The Location

Comfortably lit with a ceiling full of internally lit faux
Japanese fishing buoys and Blowfish, there are several booths here along with a ‘U’ shaped bar and some standing
room between the booths and the bar. The entry to the bar can be tricky to find if it werent’ for the huge amount of people waiting for their turn to be escorted in. False Idol shares a building with the restaurant Craft & Commerce in the Little Italy section of San Diego. Look for the big freezer door to the left of the long restaurant bar to find your way into the tiki wonderland (and don’t even talk to the hosts for C&C, they seem annoyed that you are going to False Idol).

The Drinks

The drinks. Are. Fantastic. The Zombie is great. Mai Tai – Made Perfectly. The one other drink I had though – Victory on the Red Sea – YES! So damn good. It’s a bit on a take of my favorite tiki drink of all time – Three Dots and a Dash – but dare I say… better! Mind you, this is an advanced level tiki drink with all of the craziest flavors a true tiki beverage is known for, all mixed in to perfection.

Others at my table were all equally happy with the beverages they ordered as well – Tradewinds, Polynesian Fourty Niner, and the Pearl Diver. So happy to see the Pearl Diver on the menu as it is one of the hardest tiki drinks to make (has to do with butter and seperation and such, look up Don’s Gardenia Mix if you want to get into it), and as such you really don’t see it around except for places that are really on their game. So now the only two places that I’ve come across this beverage is here at False Idol and at ground central of the tiki beverage reawakening – Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29 in New Orleans.

Overall

I really am looking forward to getting to here again, not only is it great great great – but there are so many drinks to try on the menu. Just a whole lot of fun things to try! So now get on the train down to SD right now already! Not only are there so many great places to eat, fantastic breweries and brews, and now a THIRD tiki bar!

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Update 10-01-2017: New menu. Lots of options compared to before. Haven’t had a crack at anything new yet but looks pretty awesome!

Continuing a trend of new tiki bars opening, the Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach originally opened way back in 1947. it closed a few years ago and, after a renovation, has reopened as a pretty great destination for any tiki fan. The decor is of island style, palm fronds, lots of flowers. The restaurant has a soft seperation from the pretty crowded bar area which is fairly modern. The food menu is small but varied (I dont partake of the seafood and there were plenty of options). Now with all that out of the way, lets get to… the Drinks!

The Menu

I was pleasantly surprised by the menu. When I had originally looked up this place, I had found a menu which now I think may have its past life, right before it closed and only had a couple tiki style drinks on it. The current menu isn’t huge but there are some good options. This place is known for the Lapu Lapu. I cant find info to say that definitely that this drink originated here at the Royal Hawaiian, but my extensive research (of typing the name into the search bar; Hard work) only references either the Royal Hawaiian or “polynesean restaurants”. So lets just say, one of the first!

The Lapu Lapu

Right. So… The Lapu Lapu (also known as the Chief Lapu Lapu) is their most featured drink and both the people at my table who ordered it both enjoyed it. I had a quick taste of one of theirs and I would agree with the general characterization that it is a slightly sweeter Mai Tai. It comes served in the traditional snifter that a Lapu Lapu requires. For my usual main tasting drinks, I went right to the Zombie and Mai Tai.

The Zombie

The presentation of the Zombie is great; Garnish is well done; Its tiki glass is huge and fun. My first swig of this massive concoction was, woah, very creamy – perhaps the creamiest I’ve had, almost as if there were egg whites in it. Quite odd. Additionally, this drink was very sweet. Not something I would really expect from a drink as storied as a Zombie. It is definitely a potent drink though. Not lacking there. The rums are exceptional as well. It was quite a large drink for sure and with it being so sweet and creamy, actually made it a bit hard to get through. I wouldn’t write it off though – just know that this dude is more up in the dessert category with something like a Painkiller. Maybe they should have called this drink the “Double Tap – It’ll finish you off!”

The Mai Tai

The Mai Tai was done in the Trader Vic style (orgeat, curaçao) and wasn’t particularly flavorful. Presentation was great and there was clearly some care that went into making it, but there wasn’t anything to notable about it. I would have expected a little bit of tartness to it but I wasn’t getting that at all, maybe a little light on the lime and bitters. I do love that they use fresh flowers in just about all of their beverages. Always a great touch.

Overall

I am looking forward to going back here again to try the others on the list and for no other reason than it is a pretty cool place to hang with good food and good beverages right on the California coast!

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One of the first Tiki Bars I went to and certainly one of the best if not the biggest, Don The Beachcomber in Sunset Beach is named after the iconic Tiki Legend, Donn Beach. Donn (born Ernest Gantt), was the first to bring us Tiki restaurants and bars. One of his first and most legendary beverages is the Zombie, created all the way back in 1934! Over several decades he and his wife opened 16 restaurants and at one point there were over 20 locations. Eventually all of them closed down when the Tiki fad had passed by the 80’s. Now there are three places bearing the name but none of them are original. The name was bought by a holding company and is licensed to the three restaurants, one of them happily located here in California.

Previously a restaurant called Sam’s Seafood, Don’s opened in 2009. It is an odd collection of various sized rooms and bars which are used for both dining and live entertainment. All of them have their own theming and the vibe is unparalleled. My favorite place to go however is the Dagger Bar. Quickly changing from chill to vibrant – the Dagger Bar is comprised of several booths off to the side, tables in the middle, and a long bar against the other side. Entertainment comes in the form of live bands at the front of the room as well as Karaoke (check the online calendar for an always updated schedule). My favorite time to
visit is right after Karaoke; The first group of the day will have just left and you have a chance to experience a quiet relaxing/chill time enjoying Pu-Pu’s and the great selection of drinks on the menu. If you are a regular, you’re invited to bring your own Tiki mug to store at the bar and they’ll dispense your beverage into it for you.

The drinks, with the exception of a few, are all original Don The Beachcomber concoctions and for how fast they are made and delivered they are still quite good. Some of the Absinthe laced ones usually have a bit too much of it in it and so they end up dominating the drink. As with all the tiki bars I go to, I always try the Zombie and Mai Tai first as they are very good indications of how the rest of the drinks will be made. These both do not disappoint. The Mai Tai is made in the Beachcomber style, which is to say there isn’t Orgeat in this one, and is not as sweet as the Trader Vic style of Mai Tai (remember, if there is Pineapple juice in your Mai Tai, it’s not one – in fact it’s more of a ‘Hawaii-Tai’). Beachcomber style Mai Tai’s are my preferred and they are great here. The Zombie is pretty good but not the best I have ever had. It doesn’t have quite all the nuanced flavors that I would expect in a classic Zombie. Of note, they have a Nui Nui on the menu and this is one of my favorite tiki beverages – don’t pass it up.

Overall this place is fantastic and we are lucky to have it so close, or not so close for me anyway. The worst part about Don’s is that it is quite an expensive Lyft out there for me, so I don’t go out there as often as I’d like to. Maybe that’s for the better.

Update 8/16/17: Happy Hour Menus and times

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