The Best Tiki Bars in San Diego
6 tiki bars in San Diego ranked by rum selection, technique, and atmosphere.
San Diego has one of the most serious modern tiki scenes in the world, anchored by False Idol — routinely placed in lists of the worlds best bars. The proximity to the Pacific and the surf culture make San Diego natural tiki territory.
The bars cluster in Little Italy, North Park, and the Gaslamp.
Order a Mai Tai built with a Smith and Cross blend, a Painkiller, or anything the bartender suggests with aged rum.
The 6 best tiki bars in San Diego
False Idol
Modern tiki room run by a Beachbum Berry alumnus. The cocktails are precise and the back bar is one of the deepest in the United States. Reserve.
Bali Hai
Heritage tiki restaurant from 1955. The view of the bay is the headline. Tiki cocktails, big portions. Open daily.
Sycuan Casino
Polynesian themed casino bar with a serious tiki cocktail program. Open daily.
Nokomis Tiki Bar
Modern neighbourhood tiki bar with a tight rum list. Open Tuesday to Sunday.
Polite Provisions
Cocktail bar with a tiki adjacent menu and a serious rum program. Open daily.
The Grass Skirt
Hidden tiki bar accessed through a poke restaurant. The room is dark, the cocktails are technical. Reserve.
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