Flower leis, hula dancers, grass skirts, smoking volcano bowls, and fruit garnishes in colorful rum punch drinks—San Diego’s tiki scene dates back to the 1950s, and the city has plenty of neighborhoods with distinct tiki bars that transport patrons to a tropical world of wonder with exotic cocktails and island vibes. 

The idea of tiki bars is decades old with its origins dating back to the 1930s with two popular tiki establishments: Don the Beachcomber in Hollywood and Trader Vic’s in Oakland. The owners of these tiki bars, Donn Beach and Victor Bergeron, claimed they were the original creators of the Mai Tai when they both opened their own bars in 1937. Each tiki bar spawned its own national chain and started a new tiki trend that would continue years after World War II. 

The interest in tiki culture, however, started to decline around the 1960s, and nearly went extinct. Luckily, the tiki craze has made a major comeback in San Diego thanks to local Escondido artist Bosko Hrnjak. Hrnjak brought back the tiki culture to the masses again, while giving it his own spin.

In honor of the new documentary celebrating Hrnjak titled “Bosko and the Rebirth of Tiki,” here are 4 neighborhood tiki bars in San Diego. Prepare yourself for an aloha state of mind.

East Village - Cat Eye Club and Fairweather

East Village neighborhood photo courtesy of Roman Eugeniusz

East Village is known for having ample bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues, as well as a prime location close to the downtown hub of the city. In this lively neighborhoodyou’ll find the retro cocktail lounge and tiki bar called Cat Eye Club. Here, you’ll experience a swanky a late 1950s and early 1960s nightlife vibe with a mix of pop and tiki culture. The bar’s decor consists of a Mondrian glass wall, dim lighting, fern wallpaper, wicker furniture, tiki carvings, and lava lamps. The hand-drawn menus feature colorful and tropical cocktails like Mai Tais, which are available on tap, and the popular Goonies Never Say Die speciality drink—an appleton signature blend with orange juice, lime juice, and grenadine served in a treasure chest-style glass with dry ice and garnished with candy and gold coins.

Another East Village tiki joint is Fairweather, a hidden gem located above Rare Form deli. This modern rooftop tiki spot offers great views of Petco Park that’s located right next to this establishment. Fairweather provides an earthy feel as well as a big screen TV for patrons to watch the games. Open at 11:30 a.m. on weekdays, Fairweather makes for a solid bar to unwind and sip tropical cocktails like a mai tai or pina colada after a long day at the office. 

Pacific Beach - The Grass Skirt

Pacific Beach neighborhood photo courtesy of Roman Eugeniusz

Pacific Beach is the perfect neighborhood where you can enjoy a tropical vibe thanks to its location by the Pacific Ocean and endless entertainment options along the beach. The Grass Skirt, which has a poke restaurant out front and a laid-back tiki bar in its interior, is the perfect spot to enjoy all things tiki. The Polynesian decor and tiki drinks like a classic Mai Tai, Grass Skirt Daiquiri, and their world-famous Boozin’ Susan’s Chi Chi (vodka, lime, pineapple, coconut, demerara, and cinnamon) will transport you to paradise. Some of the drink options also come with fun special effects, such as flames or thunder and lightning.

Little Italy - False Idol

Little Italy neighborhood photo by Shutterstock

You wouldn’t think to find a trendy tiki bar in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood, but there is. Located on Beech Street, False Idol features classic tropical drinks inspired by tiki culture and history, such as Trader Vic’s. Bar owner and cocktail expert Martin Cate began with the tropical themed and tiki inspired Lost Lake in Chicago and Smuggler’s Cove in San Francisco before his full out tiki adventure in San Diego. This bar not only celebrates artist Bosko Hrnjak, but also San Jose artist Ignacio “Notch” Gonzalez, with tiki mugs designed by the artists. Themed carvings accentuate every surface and space, and exotic cocktails include historic throwbacks, as well as modern concoctions made with a variety of rums.

Point Loma - Bali Hai Restaurant

Point Loma neighborhood 

Residents living in Point Loma will find Pacific Rim-style cuisine and festive tropical drinks at this waterfront eatery on Shelter Island Drive. Winner of the Diner’s Choice Award in 2017, Bali Hai Restaurant is one of the few establishments that survived the initial wave of tiki culture, since opening its doors in 1954. Family-owned and -operated by the Hams, Bali Hai has two tiki icons at its entrance, and it’s also a bit of a museum with Polynesian artifacts displayed throughout the restaurant. Their menu is not only Pacific Rim-themed food, but it also offers farm fresh ingredients. If you pick this tiki spot for your next tropical “getaway,” be sure to get a table that faces the San Diego Bay for scenic water views.