Made in SF with ❤️
Last updated: February 2026
Back in the depression era, tiki bars presented a much-needed escape and a drop of paradise in a cup. There are plenty of awesome tiki bars in San Francisco since this is where it all started in the US.
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If you’re on the hunt for the best tiki bars in San Francisco, look no further! Here’s a roundup of my favorite top spots to enjoy a tropical cocktail:
Top 5 Tiki Bars in San Francisco
- 1 Smuggler’s Cove – Martin Cate’s tiki haven in San Francisco is a mecca for its extensive rum selection and expertly crafted cocktails. The decor will transport you to a pirate’s hideaway, complete with nautical artifacts and tiki statues. My favorites are the Jet Pilot and the Painkiller (3 oz). If you come away wanting to go deeper down the rabbit hole, he has an extensive cocktail book for making your own at home.
- 2 Tonga Room – Located in the historic Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, Tonga Room is a must for the vibes and atmosphere. Enjoy your drink while listening to live music from a floating bandstand on a lagoon with “rain” pouring down. It’s kitschy and feels a little like Disneyland, but it’s also a fun time. The drinks are super expensive and only OK, but you’re really mostly here for the atmosphere.
- Trader Vic’s – Read about the storied 90-year history of Trader Vic’s, which started in SF, expanded all over the world, and then retreated to only a few outposts. Emeryville is now the OG, with a prized spot overlooking a marina and a taste of old-school tiki charm. Sip on their famous SF Mai Tai and soak in the exotic ambiance before the location potentially goes away.
- 4 Pagan Idol – Step into the Polynesian paradise of Pagan Idol in downtown San Francisco, where you’ll find a mesmerizing decor of tiki masks, thatched roofs, and a cascading waterfall. Their creative cocktails are fun and tasty.
- 5 Zombie Village – This San Francisco tiki bar features twinkling lights and thatched roofs a plenty. It has great drinks and fun scorpion bowls often featuring fire, but is located in the Tenderloin, so maybe don’t walk to/from there.
There are several cocktail bars in San Francisco that heavily feature tiki drinks, like Pacific Cocktail Haven and Holy Water. Read more about that in my Best Cocktail Bars in San Francisco article here.
I have not yet been to Trad’r Sams in SF but have been meaning to check it out. Sacrilege, you say? I know! I will have to go soon and report back.
Whether you’re a tiki aficionado or just looking for a fun night out, these tiki bars in the Bay Area are sure to impress with their tropical vibes and flavorful drinks. Cheers to a taste of paradise!
FAQ: Tiki Bars in San Francisco
What is the best tiki bar in San Francisco?
Smuggler’s Cove is widely considered the best tiki bar in SF (and one of the best in the world). With over 200 rums and an incredible multi-level pirate ship interior, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Do I need a reservation for SF tiki bars?
Smuggler’s Cove doesn’t take reservations — it’s first come, first served, and the line can be long on weekend nights. Arrive before 8 PM to avoid the worst wait. Other tiki bars like Pagan Idol are usually easier to get into.
Are tiki bars good for groups?
Yes! Tiki bars are great for groups because many drinks are designed to be shared (like scorpion bowls and volcano drinks). Just note that Smuggler’s Cove is small and may not accommodate very large groups.
