The staffs, restaurant décor, drinks and non-alcohol drinks were great for hosting birthday parties there. We all dressed up with leis and Hawaii shirts and had great time. Parking on the street. Restrooms were clean too. The only downside was food (3 star). But most people going there are not looking for food but fun. read more

Continuing our Saturday of Tropical drinks and Tiki culture, my beau and I went to the Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge in Alameda. This is a small, neighborhood bar type place in the middle of a residential neighborhood, but looks are deceiving with this place. FI has over 100 rums, a huge cocktail menu, drinks to share and classic cocktails that will blow your mind. The menu is huge. They have classic tropical drinks like the mai tai, fogcutter, zombie, etc. from Trader Vic's and Don the Beachcomber. They also have new versions of drinks as well as standard cocktails and beers. It could take you 1/2 hour just to read the menu. Our bartender was really nice and super fun. The drinks were outstanding. I tried a Fogcutter and Navy Grog. The liquor is good quality, the juices are fresh, the drinks are made well and not very expensive for the quality. This place opens at 5pm. It starts getting pretty busy about 10pm and there is standing room only. I can't wait to return here for another fun night at the island. read more

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The atmosphere here is very unique. There were oldies playing, not really a dancing kind of place. More like a hangout and talk place. I like the decor in here a lot, decked out with tons of islander stuff. Friends and I shared a bunch of drinks: - scorpion bowl: this tasted like fruit punch in a bowl. Tasty. - macadamia nut chi chi: tasted like a buttery/nutty pina colada - my favorite drink!! - another bowl I can't remember: Tasted like chai because of the cinnamon and tamarind I think. This was interesting. - Boo Loo: Not as good as I thought it was going to be. A lot of pineapple and again citrus flavor. I couldn't really taste the honey. Too sour for me. - Zombie: Citrusy again, but not too bad. We were expecting these drinks, especially the Zombie to be very strong but they were not! So sad... but we liked the novelty of these drinks and the different flavors. The bartenders were pretty nice, but were so busy making drinks the whole time. Sucks that we weren't able to see them light the middle of our scorpion bowl on fire. Sucks that the women's restroom only has one stall!! Had to wait forever... read more

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Awesome place to hang out with friends! My favorite drinks here are the Chamborlada, Macadamia Nut Chi Chi and the Banana Mamacow! I always order the regular boneless chicken wings to munch on. $1 off drinks with Yelp Check-in! read more

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I must admit, being in Alameda for 3 1/2 years now, I have always forgotten to come hang out here. When I decide to go out in Alameda, it's on Park Street. (More lively.). I sure will be coming here more often though. My friend said, "This is a go to place right after work. You feel at home." When I hear, "feel at home" it means to me "island feeling." My parents are from the Fiji Islands, so the feeling is similar. I am a cocktail kind of gal, so looking at the drink menu, was pretty overwhelming. I couldn't finish reading all the drinks they had. LOL I have time to read it now, since I will be coming more often. LOL I got to meet the owner; pretty nice guy! I LOVED the coconut shrimp & popcorn chicken. I think I will get those every time I come by. Mozzarella sticks are always good, therefore, theirs we're good. **One thing that is thumbs DOWN though, is their guacamole dip. Also, I think that their crisscross fries are too salty. Of course, being mixed with Island blood, I love their parking lot sale, full of island goodies to buy! It's a thumbs up that the taco truck from La Pinta Azul is there to feed everyone while shopping too. LOL Thanks guys for the free birthday drink on my birthday! See you guys soon! read more

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You know when you have one of those days at work and it's been one of 'those days' for a week or so? I think I found a cure! Was with a co-worker who suggested that the only way to deal with this onslaught of bad juju was to go worship the gods of all things tiki during the happy hour at Forbidden Island. It's literally called HAPPY, what could go wrong?! The mai tai was on special, and it was big and alcoholic and more than I could have ever hoped for on that one no-good-very-bad-day. The poppers and fried zucchini were also great. AND THEN, oh yes, there's more, we decided to do another round. So much for one and done!! The camaraderie at the bar was amazing, my co-worker and I had a blast, the bartenders were so much fun, and of course, the decor was en pointe. So then we ordered the seasoned waffle fries. Holy gazongas, guys, these were the right amount of crisp to seasoned to delicious, then hello third round! What an incredible experience. Totally turned my week around, or at least my attitude about it. Thanks, guys! read more

Had an absolutely fantastic time. My girlfriend and myself came here on a date on a recommendation. We were able to sit at the bar, and our bartender was Brian. We ordered 5 drinks between and had 2 appetizers. The drinks and food were all amazing, absolutely no complaints. Brian was very attentive and we never felt like we bothered him, no matter how busy he was - and he was always busy. We will be back, sooner than later! read more

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My fav place to hangout at! Very nice people and drinks too! Love their pinacolada when handmade !

don't come here with a large-ish group of femme presenting people or else you'll get served by a weird dude asking if this is a "sapphic party" and saying that he'll "call the drinks chi-chi's for the sake of this party". the other server/host that checked us in was nice and professional. sometimes i forget if you're in other areas of the bay people are weird about groups of people that look alternative or present to have alternative lifestyles. honestly if it wasn't for our server the night would have been great, everything else about it was perfect for a birthday gathering. but the server left a bad taste in our mouth, made the birthday person uncomfortable and put a damper on her night. maybe have your employees touch up on what is appropriate to say to your customers and how to not make them feel alienated and uncomfortable. typically i would just send the place an email but want to warn other lgbtq+ folks that this place is not it for us. read more

I've been coming here for years. I love this place. Drinks are great. It's an unforgettable experience. They used to play old Elvis Hawaiian movies, I hope they bring that back soon when everything calms down. read more

Forbidden Island - Indoors - Tiki Bars Near Me - Alameda, California

Dude This place is SO AMAZING The staff is fabulous Went during this Covid crap and still had a great time The Rum Barrel drink is FUCKING INSANE They're Mocktails are out of this world too read more

Terrible service, slow drinks and they kick you out even if you have a reservation. I would not recommend if the service is always like this. read more

Forbidden island. Staff were very attentive. Drinks were good. One of the best tiki spots in the area and an institution.

Love the staff and I always order corn dogs when I get here. Drinks always on point, I always come here whenever I want to feel like I'm sipping something tropical on the islands. read more

A solid tiki bar that has gained a real cult following online. Not unusual to see this listed as a favorite spot and a must do while in the Bay Area. I don't quite get this hype as while it is a perfectly serviceable stop if one is in Alameda and does everything well, there is nothing in particular that puts it up there with the crème de la crème of Bay Area tiki bars. Drinks are good but not Smugglers Cove level. Decor is good but not zombie Village level. Experience is fine but nothing like the excitement of the revamped Tiki Toms Didn't try the food but the menu is limited. The history of the place is noteworthy as being part of the tiki renaissance but it is not as remarkable as Tonga Room or the legendary Trader Vic's. Things the place does well include the dark lighting and surf/exotica music that is quintessential of a tiki experience. There is also a wonderful collection of mugs that are apparently from bar regulars on display. Dollar bills also hang from the ceiling, a dive favorite. On a tv behind the bar they had the 1967 version of Casino Royale playing and seeing Peter Sellers constantly bumbling about in ones peripheral version is never a bad thing. The service was also quick and friendly. I purchased one of the souvenir mugs and it has quickly become one of my go tos when drinking at home. They also have a number of private bamboo huts that are available by reservation. Finally there is a large and relaxing patio that is is unusual for most area tiki bars. Things that I didn't love were the somewhat confusing debt card policy that is hastily explained to you (though not ultimately that big of deal, just different). We also were sat at a small table right in the middle of the walkway despite there being spots available at the bar. This felt rather awkward and made it hard to feel totally settled. Lastly at least as far as I can tell they don't have a dedicated parking lot so one must find street parking which wasn't the easiest at least when I was there. Overall this is a good Bay Area tiki experience but not amongst the best. read more

A great place to grab an umbrella drink on your day off. The menu is limited during this time (no shrunken skull), but still an enjoyable experience. read more

Forbidden Island - Tiki Bars Near Me - Alameda, California

Always a favorite! They make a darn good virgin tiki cocktail, not to mention they have some pretty rock'n DJs

Fantastic drinks, love the tiki bar had a fantastic time! There's a fantastic back area, and they have live music just a fantastic place to go highly recommend! read more

Hands-down the best tiki bar in the bay area. Not only are the drinks delicious and well prepared but the staff is always kind and polite. Even when it's extremely busy which it often is. Highly recommend making reservations and staying for at least two drinks and some of their delicious coconut shrimp. read more

I've been back enough now, that I had to update my star rating. 5 stars easy-peasy! The theming is off the chain, and the drinks are amaze-balls. My favorite cocktail is the Make Mine Ginger. As a ginger freak, I appreciate how this drink is ALL ginger, no added flavors. I enjoy sitting inside if we can find a spot at the bar or a table, and outside is a good second choice. It gets crowded here, like right when it opens! I don't recommend the food here unfortunately, as everything we've ordered has been blah. The guacamole tasted straight from Safeway, including the heavy taste of sour cream. Who adds sour cream to guac?! Be sure to check in with Yelp for a buck off! read more

Forbidden Island - Tiki Bars Near Me - Alameda, California

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I arrived right on time for my reservation, unfortunately the place is so amazing my table wasn't available. The guy that checked me in grabbed a couple of bar stools and sat us in a cozy corner at the end of the bar. The drinks are really tasty you can barely tell there is rum in them that is until you stand up lol. I do suggest making a reservation they can have a bit of a wait w/o one. We went on a Friday night around 9:30 and the line was out the door. They have outdoor seating but I believe after 9:00 they close the patio. The interior has dollar bills hanging all over the sealing which I thought was cool. read more

I'm a long time Alameda resident. And a friend always tries to get me to go to this place, AND EVERY TIME ITS HORRIBLE. Where do I start. The service is hands down the worst I've ever seen. No one acknowledges you for at least 20 minutes. If you finally get to order a drink.... Sit tight.... That takes another 30 minutes. Then the drinks are soooooo not good. Ive tried at least 5 on the menu in the past 5 years. It still doesn't change. Please do avoid. read more

Disappointing. Nice but pretentious and expensive. More of a special occasion place than a daily afterwork tavern for a coupla beers like lucky 13 or walleys or the club house. I like the theme though. read more

Great drinks , food , and service ! Perfect for date night or girls night. Parking can be limited tho

Great tiki bar in Alameda. They have a really nice patio in the back, which has expanded into their parking lot for a pretty large outdoor space. When outdoor dining is allowed it's basically the only place around where you can get a legit freshly prepared tiki drink with the full presentation. Their kitchen is super small, so basically all the food just comes out of the fryer. The chicken bites and corndogs are pretty good, but mainly I go for the atmosphere and drinks. read more

Although I wish I could go have a drink at the bar, the cocktail shack is pretty amazing! With the weekly features, I get a chance to try out new drinks and everyone is always wonderful when I go for pick up. I would highly recommend getting cocktails to go until we can return to the bar! read more

Forbidden Island - Cocktails to go! - Tiki Bars Near Me - Alameda, California

I would give zero stars if only it was an option. Went here with friends and received exactly one beverage within a 90 minute period. Waitress was AWOL and management apathetic. We could barely even find anyone to close us our so we could flee to somewhere that actually wanted to give us cocktails in exchange for money. read more

I'm always forgetting about this place when I'm on the island and regretting that I don't go more often. The libations are fantastic and the atmosphere equally so! And the staff are super fun and pleasant even when they're working there tails off with patrons lined up like crazy! read more

Finally got to try this place! I was expecting this place to be packed and small, so glad I had that mindset coming here. Seats were mostly taken when we arrived 830pm. There were only 3 booths to seat a group of about 4-5, some couches in the back, and then a few tables outside in their back patio. I had the Chamborlada which is pina colada mixed with Chamborde. A little stronger than your normal pina colada but honestly, after halfway drinking, there was only flavored ice left. TIP: check in on Yelp for $1 off your drink! My bf had the tiki itch which was really nasty. Way too sweet and sour, to the point where none of us could finish it. Was that even supposed to be a drink? It did come with a back scratcher though, so that kind of makes up for it. The 4 of us finally got a booth (thanks to the awesome bartender who told us which booth was leaving). We ordered the scorpion bowl for 4 which the waitress forgot. 30 minutes and more later, we told the waitress and she was able to give us a scorpion bowl on the house. 10 minutes later it arrived in an interesting tiny bowl. We didn't care that it was smaller than the other bowls since it was free and they were running short of bowls. But quite frankly, the drink itself did not take like the scorpion bowl at all! It was essentially lime juice and rum, which made it very very hard to drink. The 4 of us could not finish it since it was too sour. One of our friends said that was definitely not the scorpion bowl since she tried it before. Although on the house, we felt scammed a bit. We were willing to pay for a legit one! The drinks here are a bit over hyped, don't think I would go out of the way to come back here unless there is a reason to. read more

Forbidden Island - Chamborlada - Tiki Bars Near Me - Alameda, California

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It's part 3 of the battle of the Tiki's, and our next stop brings us to the Forbidden Island! Tucked away in a quiet part of Alameda, Forbidden Island serves as a true "hidden treasure". I came here one evening with a date after coming from District in Oakland. First off, this place is really hidden! We almost passed it on the way there because it's located off of a random street near a residential neighborhood in Alameda. We were able to find a parking space on the street right across from the bar. We walked in and had a seat at the bar. This particular Tiki bar is smaller than most in the area, but it makes for a cozy and intimate setting. The place wasn't too busy as it was a week night, but the crowd seemed to be enjoying themselves. My first observation was all of the old dollar bills and mini drink umbrellas that were plastered on the roof of the bar. Some may find this appealing, but I honestly thought it was rather tacky. As far as the décor goes, I really liked how the bar was set in a cute cabana. Other than that, nothing really stood out for me. It was just your average Polynesian theme with a few neat trinkets in sight here and there. Another annoyance was the multiple shifts in bartenders. I started off with one lady who started a tab for us, one guy who came by to take our food order, another lady who got us waters, and yet again another woman who closed out our check. Not really sure if this is how they operate, but I was completely confused. A warm transfer between them or at least an explanation would have been nice. We looked at the menu and decided to get the Planet of the Apes, the Zombie, and some mozzarella cheese sticks to snack on. They also have happy hour specials but we arrived well after happy hour and just ordered off of their regular menu. I had the Planet of the Apes which was a concoction of bananas, coconut, cream, and silver rum. It was good but nothing over the top. It was delivered to me in a wet glass and dripping all over the bar counter. At the time, no bartender was around so we had to scout for napkins. My date liked the Zombie cocktail which consisted of a mix of different rums and juices. The mozzarella sticks were crispy and the cheese melted like butter in my mouth. I feel that this place is a little pricey for the area. I know it's a Tiki bar and all but to truly get the best cocktail, you will need to shell out $14 for a specialty cocktail. You're looking at $28 if you want just two of them and that's not including tax and tip. Ouch... a little pricey for this area in my opinion. In closing, Forbidden Island is a decent Tiki bar, but not really a place that I would go out of my way to go to. I might stop by again when I'm in the area but I will probably try them out for happy hour next time instead. read more

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Great drinks, staff, and atmosphere! Both outdoors and indoors are comfortable. The team is well versed in helping you find a drink you'll enjoy. read more

Busy. Not enough sitting. Nor standing room The drinks unique but overpriced . Staff were friendly. read more

This place has turned into a tiki drink puppy mill, skip it. I was in there a few weeks back meeting a friend after work for a drink. During our stay we were asked to move 3 times to make room for "reservations". The fist time was within 20 minutes of being seated at the bar by the staff (all seating is assigned by the staff). After a little time trying to enjoy our drinks in the second location we were presented with some bar placards displaying prose about 90 minute max seating times. Then we were moved a 3rd time (this is when we decided not to order more drinks). I can appreciate having some guidelines around people camping out all day getting ripped on rum drinks but this treatment was fundamentally disenchanting. "Slam your drinks and get out" seems to be the mentality and I'm not returning because I don't slam drinks. read more

Great place for an authentic tiki room experience! The bartender are the fabulous the drinks are so good and so strong you will only need one or two! I always drop in if there is a tiki room in town and this one deserves seconds and thirds! read more

Forbidden Island - The drink menu of coarse! - Tiki Bars Near Me - Alameda, California

Cutest little gem ever found! This place is so cute you literally feel like your in Hawaii or on some little island when you walk in! Monday's are all day happy hour! So my husband and I like to go for good drinks and their tasty mozzarella sticks! Their so good! We also love their drinks. I love their mix on the pina colada the charmbolada I believe it's called it's the perfect amount of sweet and it's huge! I love that they are not stingy on the liquor either! They really hook the drinks up! And the main girl who takes your order is super cool! She is really great and comes around to make sure your okay. It's like a chill environment kind of like Gilligan's Island but with cooler people! So I say check it out if your not looking for your typical bar and want a little bit of island fever with your drink! read more

This was only the second time I've been here (the first was last Halloween), so I was wondering how they would operate during the Hellscape Endtimes we are all living in. The answer: LIKE A BOSS. They have cleared out the parking area, so there is a LOT of outdoor seating. You can reserve a table through Yelp!!! The staff, as always, is amazing, and the both they and the customers are diligent about distancing and masks. The drinks are amazing (of course) and the food is as good as ever. I always admire when a business is able to innovate and deal with the unthinkable, and certainly even more so when can still make it fun and easy for their customers. This may just become my go to-Sunday place!!! read more

Kool little island feel. Tiki bar. I went on my birthday and I had such a great time. Friendly environment.

I love this place! I was looking for a new tiki place to try on our way back from a weekend getaway, and I am so glad I wound up picking this place. The inside was well-decorated and well-stocked with all sorts of spirits and liqueurs. We were seated at the bar where Sara made us some awesome cocktails and was a great multitasker, making several drinks at a time while still engaging with patrons and staff without missing a beat. She made us feel welcome and well-taken-care-of. Aside from the drinks, the food hit the spot (coconut shrimp that was not so overdone that you lose the sweetness and a well-paired dipping sauce that might have had a some Dijon in it and chicken bites with a nice barbeque dipping sauce). I definitely want to come back and bring friends! read more

This is THE best tiki bar in the Bay Area! Their drinks are the tastiest, service is always above and beyond. So glad we have this gem in our community. read more

After living in the area for a couple of years I finally made it to Forbidden Island over the weekend. I showed up with two friends around 8pm and there were still a couple seats available outside. Thirty minutes later, the place really started filling up and then by 9pm everyone from outside had to come inside and cozy up with everyone else. Other than it being a crowded place, the drinks are quite tasty! I ordered The Planet of the Apes which was a mix of coconut and banana; it seriously tasted like a smoothie! My boyfriend ordered the Boo Loo which was pineapple and honey, SUPER SWEET! The drinks were all a bit on the pricey side at first, but when we got the drinks they were HUGE! Definitely worth the money. The bar itself is really awesome. The decorations are on point and the dollar bills coming from the ceiling really give the place character. The place "A-OK". read more