You can never go wrong with a tiki bar, and in San Francisco's famously inventive and creative mixology scene, you can guarantee our city hosts some of the best ones for a wonderful island experience.
Whether splitting an entire cocktail bowl with friends or just want to lounge casually in one alone, all of these notoriously fun hotspots are completely immersive and fully commit to being a magical oasis through their stunning decor, imaginative drinks, and tremendously friendly service.
See also: The Most Unique, Creative, And Inventive Cocktails To Try In San Francisco
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375 Bush St / Website
We start with one that is quite literally a seafaring adventure as soon as you walk in! With the front of the venue decorated as a boat, guests will then be able to explore the island of the back portion that the ship "lands on." Complete with fog, secluded huts, and a mystical volcano inside, this bar goes all out, especially with their deluxe cocktails. Set sail for a delicious voyage with any of their superb offerings!
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950 Mason St / Website
Unassumingly located in the Fairmont San Francisco Hotel is this bar that reveals a full lagoon with a floating boat on it! You will feel instantly transported with their full tropical "rainstorm" effects, island music, and tasty libations. Just make sure to get here early as the highly popular getaway tends to fill up with other adventurers!
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650 Gough St / Website
If you happen to be around Hayes Valley, definitely make a voyage to Smuggler's Cove, as this intimate lounge is replete with resplendent pirate decor that will make you wonder how they managed to fit so much fun inside. This swanky and entertaining cove is dimly-lit and smaller than others, but makes up their size in the grandiosity of their drinks' flavors and full commitment to the pirate atmosphere!
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6150 Geary Blvd / Website
The oldest, longest-operating tiki bar in San Francisco,
Trad’r Sam is the oldest and longest-running tiki bar here, so visiting undoubtedly is akin to literally stepping into history. With its 1930's original feel, this joint is more of a casual dive bar, but still is fully devoted to the jungle aesthetics and island flavors.
See also: The Coolest San Francisco Bars For Frozen Cocktails & Boozy Slushies
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718 14th St / Website
Totally diving into the castaway vibe is this bar actually constructed using pieces from an actual abandoned airplane! Their posh bar seats are upcycled and refurbished from a 1990s United plane, and the rest of the interior rocks a chic island aesthetic with lush foliage and tropical drinks that are, naturally, heavy on the rum.
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479 Broadway St / Website
Lastly, in North Beach, Bamboo Hut is known for their irresistably enticing Volcano Bowls, ignited with a real flame in the center! This is another highly-casual dive that is rustic, genuine, and, aside from their ingeniously sweet concotions, definitely no-frills.
With all these delightfully authentic tiki bars, you are sure to cool down for the summer, or immersively enter a tropical paradise for anytime of the year!
See also: Indulge And Refresh Yourself With These Coolest Asian-Style Shaved Ice
Photography by: Nao Takabayashi/Unsplash
