After work, sometimes you wish you could just escape to a tropical island. Luckily, you can experience a little slice of paradise at some of the best tiki bars in the Bay. Here’s a list of our favorites:
Forbidden Island is on an actual island- Alameda! Check out this cutely decorated spot with old-school movies playing in the background and gentle island music pouring through the speakers. There’s even a back patio, but get there early to save a seat. Yummy food like chips and guac, coconut shrimp and more are also available.
Nestled at the end of Piedmont Ave in Oakland, Kona Club is a perfect spot to hang out and grab a pina colada with friends. With a chill atmosphere, intricate detail, and a side pool room, this will for sure make the top of your tiki list.
This tiki bar has been an Emeryville staple for years, with founder Vic Bergeron being the guy behind classic tropical drinks like the Mai Tai. Families are welcome to hang out together and enjoy the scenic views on the water.
Pretty new to the tiki game, The Kon-Tiki opened in 2017, but is already a local favorite. The decor is amazing and the food is delicious, with options ranging from burgers, chicken sandwiches and more. Like most tiki bars, this spot gets pretty crowded on the weekend, so get there early.
This place has a different feel than most traditional tiki bars; it’s built from parts of an actual airplane and looks as though you’ve crashed and been deserted on a desert island. Lost vibes, anyone? There’s a huge carving of a skull in the back of the bar which you can check out while sipping on their tropical concoctions.
From the owners of Bourbon & Branch comes this neat combination of two tiki bars. The front bar is designed to look like a “captain’s quarter” and if you walk up the stairs, you’ll be immersed in a twinkling, volcano-erupting inland.
The classic Tonga Room! Located inside the Fairmont Hotel, this bar is home to a lagoon where rainstorms happen every hour. Their food is delicious too, with a mix of Chinese and Hawaiin cuisine that’ll pair perfectly with your fruity drink.