Post #475760 by JenTiki on Sun, Aug 9, 2009 10:48 AM

Unfortunately, the only tiki bar in San Francisco that is open before 5:00pm is Trad'r Sam's way out on Geary. The interior has some cool bamboo work, but everything else about it is "dive bar" chic. The crowd is surly, the music is rock, the drinks are horrendous. It is included in the crawl every year simply because it is the oldest tiki bar in the city, but really, only a few people bother with that part of the crawl.

If you can get there, Trader Vic's in Emeryville is open for lunch, but public transportation is a bit of a challenge. You would need to take Bart AND two different buses and a bit of a walk to get to Trader Vic's. If you were going to be here on a weekend, I'd be happy to meet you in the city and drive you out to Trader Vic's, but I just can't do it on a weekday.

Kona Club in Oakland opens at 2:00pm, but if you have a 4:00 flight, you won't get back to SFO in time. Forbidden Island, Conga Lounge, Trader Vic's in Palo Alto, and the Tonga Room don't open until 5:00 on weekdays.

Sadly the hours of 8am - 4pm just aren't Tiki Time in the bay area. I suggest taking the Bart train from SFO to the Embarcadero station. Visiting the Ferry Building, then walking north along the Embarcadero to Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf. Or if you'd like to do some shopping, just take Bart to Powell Street and visit the stores in the Union Square area. Macy's, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Sak's, and tons of designer boutiques. There are also some great restaurants in that area. There are also several amazing museums that are easily accessible on public transportation.

[ Edited by: JenTiki 2009-08-09 10:54 ]