(Drank/Snacked 06/27/2026 SA @ 9:00pm): I'd gladly be a stowaway at this enchanting tiki bar and…read morelounge!
After a farewell dinner to/at Gulliver's Prime Ribs Of Beef, our party of six continued the evening several miles away at Stowaway for some light bites and libations. Personally, I was all about the Hawaiiana tiki culture and tried to live it every day. Founded by co-owners Leonard Chan and Dominic Iapello, its current home of barely three years in a former dive bar came about when they unceremoniously had to leave the original location. With its proximity to Disneyland's Enchanted Tiki Room and the very niche underground-like society of tiki culture, they found their footing with a consistent customer base and the thrill of island escapism through colorful cocktails, pleasurable pupus, and tropical trimmings. Would I stow myself away somewhere inside and never leave!?
PURCHASE(S)
Don Q Punch Bowl ($38.00): Made with Don Q's Cristal Silver, Anejo, and 151 Gold Rums, respectively, peach brandy, passion fruit, pineapple juice, and citrus juices, this flaming concoction was rumtastic in every way possible as the tropical juices just made it that much sweeter. There were more ice chips than I liked, but it was a fun trough to drink out of for the four of us who wanted to imbibe.
Coconut Shrimp 6pc ($12.00): Breaded and flash-fried plump shrimp served with a sweet chili dipping sauce, these were tasty and perfectly paired with the Don Q cocktail I was drinking.
Stowaway Fries ($17.00): Constructed with a pile of crisp golden spud sticks, rum braised pork, and topped with a hearty gravy and sunny-side up egg, this loco moco fries dish was slamming while the slightly charred juicy pork had me squealing with enjoyment.
SERVICE
We had reservations, so once our entire party arrived, they quickly seated us in a cool cave-live separate alcove for more privacy. Our server arrived with menus, suggestions, and glasses of water. Minutes later, we all ordered at once, and everything (drinks and food) arrived within ten minutes. Because we had another reservation inside the same bar, we informed our male server and to let us know when we were allowed to go there. All was casual, chill, and somewhat on island time - aloha and mahalo!
PARKING
(FREE): They shared a medium-sized private lot with several other businesses who were closed at this time with plenty of spots - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
Located within a strip mall, you opened the front door and walked into an island oasis as if you were a cast member on "Gilligan's Island" with thatched roof material above you, tiki statues displaced on all of the volcanic-looking walls, collections of tiki mugs past and present for purchase, a central square bar with plenty of stools, and seemingly small dark nooks and private spaces where naughty things could happen. No natural lighting whatsoever while an assortment of extremely low-lit electric lights barely guided you along. There were no TVs while I recalled various styles of music played in the background along with chatter and clamor of conversations in all directions.
ATTIRE
Although I was actually dressed appropriately for the occasion in an aloha shirt, linen pants, and flip-flops, this place was totally casual, so a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops would suffice.
OVERALL
I had a cowabunga time at Stowaway, and I couldn't wait to return to try more of their awesome-soundling elixirs. I loved tiki bars, and although this was generally out of my range, I'd make a special trip or two here. My one drink was lip-smacking good, the pupus were yummy, the prices were reasonable enough, the atmosphere was stupendous, and the service was friendly and professional. While the drinks menu was loaded with tropical cocktails, an impressive rum selection, and a decent assortment of local craft beers, the food menu was somewhat limited. And, the bar had happy hour TU-FR 4pm-6pm. Plus, I always preferred to support small local mom & pop businesses. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $75.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS