Post #9313 by bigbadtikidaddy on Thu, Sep 26, 2002 12:54 PM

I always dug tiki bars & there always seemed to be so many around when I was growing up. I always dug the dark, mysterious tropical interiors & the strong assed drinks full of fruit & umbrellas that seemed so harmless, yet knocked you on your ass!

I took a date to the Mermaid Room when I was 15! My parents drove us there!
My parents thought it was hilarious & more of an experiment: they didnt think we'd get through the door, much less get served.
We got served alright & pissed drunk!
I borrowed one of my dads' turtleneck sweaters to look older & more sophisticated.(ha!)
I wish I had photos of that night.
This fueled my confidence alot because I started taking dates to the Lanai in San Mateo as soon as I could drive & can't remember ever getting turned away. I think they needed the business.

They never seemed to card anyone.
I even went to the Tonga Room on prom night.
We always had pilfered souvenirs around: mugs, fishbowls full of matches, swizzles, ect.
I guess I started keeping these things soon after the Lanai closed down around 1990-91.