Post #126835 by weirduncletiki on Mon, Nov 22, 2004 10:29 AM

I was driving with The Mysterious Miss Mauna Loa (I know, lucky me!) in Berkeley a couple nights ago and she asked me to pull over so she could get something out of the back of the car. Looking up from our parking spot on University Avenue, I saw a joint with a sign that read "Temple Bar" and promised luau buffet, exotic cocktails and live Hawaiian music. WOW! It was closed at that time, but we returned an hour later to find an open door inviting us in to a dim yet warmly lit room strewn with tapa cloth, Hawaiian print fabrics and even some tikis. Traditional Hawaiian music was playing on the stereo as a smiling white-haired man of Kauai welcomed us to the bar. His name is Uncle Kem and he's a gracious host, a fine bartender, and a man of many intriguing stories. We all had a fine time sipping cocktails and hearing about Uncle Kem's experiences as a musician, his inspiration and angst from Hurricane Iniki, and some of the history and activities surrounding his bar. The bar itself was fashioned in the ninteenth century and is a beautiful piece of work. The cocktail list has over a dozen drinks, many of which are house originals and are all $5. Full bar and beer also available. We must plan a Tiki Central night here!!!! The Temple Bar is only open for bar business on Friday and Saturday nights. There are ukulele classes every Tuesday taught by Uncle Kem. Hawaiian bands with open mic and luau boo-fay are to be had every first Sunday of the month. So much fun to be had here! Much more info can be found on their website in the above post. Hope to see you all there sometime soon.

-Weird Unc