Post #732287 by JenTiki on Fri, Nov 28, 2014 7:43 AM

So its not like this abomination then?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VniSESFF9Cs#t=328

Fortunately, no, that is not the mai tai they are currently serving. To start with, the one in the video is non-alcoholic {shiver}. But the mai tai they're serving now is closer to the Trader Vic's recipe. Fresh lime juice, no pineapple juice, and I don't recall any black rum in it either. That video was likely shot before the recent revamp. I've been a fan of the Tonga Room since my parents first took me there in the '70s, but for most of the past 10 years I would tell visitors to "definitely check it out for decor and atmosphere, but you might want to order a beer." Now I feel comfortable recommending they drink a cocktail in that wonderful room. (Although I still recommend leaving before the band starts.)

But I am again baffled at the snobbery of those members of the craft cocktail generation that think "Tiki" is a just cocktail genre, and that any place that does not use a grocery shelf full of fresh spices does not deserve the term "Tiki".

I agree. However, a bad drink can certainly color my experience of an otherwise great tiki bar. For instance, the history and decor at Trad'r Sam's on Geary in San Francisco are pretty cool with the bamboo framed booths and all, but the blended daiquiris with whipped cream on top kinda kill the vibe for me. Whereas a great drink can only enhance what is already there, and make some shortcomings tolerable.

Smuggler's Cove ... is also, however; small, crowded, stuffy, and NOISY!!!

Sure, if you go on a Friday or Saturday night. Any bar in San Francisco will be crowded and noisy on weekends, but if you hit "The Cove" early in the week, say Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, you'll find it much less crowded and with tolerable noise levels. Other nights, like Thursdays and Sundays are great if you get there early in the evening before the party crowd shows up. A good gauge is whether or not there is a line at the door. If there's a line, it will be crowded, noisy, and stuffy. If there's not, then it's likely that all is good inside. That's why the line is there, to try to keep it comfortable for those inside.

My biggest gripe with the list is the omission of any Trader Vic's, especially the one in Emeryville. It's a classic. It's the standard. The food and drinks may not be great, but they're pretty darned good. And if not for Trader Vic's, would any of the others on the list even exist? Maybe, but maybe not.