The Luau

173

432

4 years ago

The Luau had a fun, relaxed vibe. They have indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor is cute and gives a luau feel for sure. The drinks are all so pretty, be careful though some are quite strong too. My favorites were the Luau Shooter and the Hawaiian Coffee. The Scorpions is also a great one to share, it's fun, flaming, and tasty! The service is great too, everyone is really nice and accommodating. read more

The Luau - Mango Colada - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

The Luau - Itch Scratcher - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

The Luau - The Luau Shooter - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

The Luau - Scorpion - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

The Luau - Mai Tai - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

The Luau - two cocktails on a table - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Shena R.

282

281

479

4 years ago

Such a cute place! Apparently they opened following the closure of a different bar about four months ago and they have completely revamped the entire decor to be Hawaiian/ tiki chic. The service is great (I believe my servers name was Sin) she was very friendly made good drink suggestions and checked on us several times. The atmosphere is very mellow. I loved the tropical drinks especially since it is very hard to find a place that does them well in San Diego. read more

The Luau - Piña colada with strawberry - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Danielle M.

156

461

846

4 years ago

A new tiki bar in SD! I had to check it out and have a mai tai. Very chill atmosphere, nice back patio. They give you a complimentary tiki shot when you sit down. Everyone is super friendly and the mai tai is quite tasty. I'll be back to try other drinks! read more

The Luau - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Alex H.

274

428

5 years ago

What a great new addition to Rolando! Drinks are amazing ans strong! Friendly bar staff attentive and knowledgeable! Amazing back patio . John makes a mean Mai tai! Come check this place out! read more

See all

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Pham T.

4 years ago

Amazing bar! Affordable drinks Meg is an awesome bartender Brett is one chilled dude. What more can I say, just come thru and find out. read more

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Christina A.

4 years ago

Fantastic cocktail bar! I was so pleased to see a tiki bar opened in the old Go Lounge spot, so of course I went. They make ridiculously good drinks! So far I've been twice on Saturdays, when Kayla is bartending, and she is out of this world at cocktails. I would HIGHLY recommend checking this spot out. My absolute favourites so far? The Polynesian 75, and the Humohumonukunukuapua'a (named for the infamous Hawaiian state fish). The latter is a gin drink, my least favourite alcohol, and I still am all about it. Do yourself a favour and don't miss this spot. read more

The Luau - Singapore Sling - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Vina R.

210

620

3700

4 years ago

What a cute new tiki bar lounge in SD. My friend told me about it and in a heart beat I was there! Brett (bartender and owner) and Cassie are awesome. Love the local bar vibe they give this place. Also grateful for their patience with my questions! Especially Brett as I had the hardest time trying to pick a drink. That happens when there are so many good choices on the menu. We started off with the Luau Shooter with is a fruity drink to start. Then we tried The Scorpion which is. A punch bowl drink. We got the small version (they have two sizes) as we were going to order another drink. Alright The Scorpion was loaded. Brett was very generous with this one lol. But my original drink I wanted was the Nabana Hammock. I haven't had a banana cocktail so this one interested me the most. This drink does contain dairy, but Brett was still able to make it dairy free (basically a banana daiquiri). Let me tell you I just found a new favorite drink! All you banana lovers I would highly recommend the Nabana Hammock or the dairy free version if lactose intolerant. We were lucky enough to have Brett play us a song as we sipped our drinks. Really love this new tiki bar that I can see becoming a new local favorite. I'm definitely going back to try some other drinks that interested me like the Hawaiian Coffee, the Chi Chi and the Polynesian 75. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Monika H.

147

5 years ago

Went to the grand opening and absolutely love this place! Everyone who works there was very friendly, drinks are delicious and the place is super cute, specially the patio area! Will definitely be back! read more

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

V W.

460

3770

4 years ago

The Luau, isn't a huge place, and it's a little tough to spot when driving by, but it's cozy and non-pretentious and has all the right ingredients for an enjoyable 'Tiki Time'. There are various tiki cocktails, including shared bowls, many served in tiki glasses. The walls are painted a shade of deep red/orange, decorated with various tiki art and masks/statues. The other seating option is a spacious tropical back patio. There's even live music on occasion (check their website). We sat at the bar where Chris the bartender was very attentive and fun to chat to. He immediately gave us a complimentary shot and some pretzels and goldfish crackers while we hovered over the menu. It was a fun vibe, we enjoyed it and would come back with friends, especially for the live music. Note: Street parking -- we parked around the corner on 72nd. read more

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jasmine L.

192

4 years ago

I forgot to take the "Before" pictures because these are just too tasty! Ive been here a few times... the environment, the service, the drinks, and the owner are all so nice! I highly recommend this spot if youre looking for a tiki vibe or just relaxing spot to get some yummy drinks! read more

The Luau - Daiquiri - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Phuc ..

2 years ago

Always a great time here. Bartenders are always nice and chill here. Yummy drinks, nice people, and tiki equal a great time. read more

The Luau - Tony the Tiger - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

The Luau - Out front - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Mario M.

2 years ago

One would never expect to have a tiki bar in El Cajon Blvd. but this place is great the team there are Rockstars!

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Tiffany L.

Elite 21

1028

406

1242

4 years ago

This place was definitely over-hype for me. We really liked the decor and art they had at the bar, but the alcohol they use were definitely not high quality. We all had just 1.5 drinks each and all had a nasty hangover after leaving the bar. This has never happened to us at other tiki bars, so we were very disappointed. We liked that this was a low key tiki bar compare to the other ones in downtown SD. read more

See all

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Kayla P.

3 years ago

My new favorite spot! Brett was incredibly inviting, the vibes were great, and the drinks were yummy. A great place to hangout with friends, play some games, and have a good time! read more

The Luau - Brett wanted to be in the photo - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

The Luau - Chi Chi, Mai Tai, Blue Hawaii - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Chirag M.

112

2 years ago

Wonderful bartender and service, the owner came by and said hello to our group. Drinks were amazing! Check this dope little spot out

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 1

Carmen V.

3 years ago

I love The Luau! It's such a cute spot with delicious drinks. Always easy to find parking as well.

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Veronica W.

2 years ago

I've been coming here since day one with my boyfriend. We're locals in La Mesa, and we have never not had a good time! TONY is the man! Funny, genuine, hospitable. Always smiling and in a good mood! We met the owner a few times too the first year and he's a really kind guy too! Really love supporting this place and it's great for a date night or night out! Highly recommend ! read more

The Luau - Bar front - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jessica Y.

139

319

179

4 years ago

I love the luau! Such a cute little bar with an unassuming exterior and a Whimsical interior and perfect outdoor patio. The area is really crappy and there is only street parking. You are likely to miss the luau when driving past it, because it really is that small. When you park in the surrounding area it's residential or strip mall essentially. However they have welcome shots when you come in that are delicious, the snacks that they give you for free are goldfish and pretzels which is very cute, and the drinks are incredibly strong and come in all different kinds of tiki glasses. The outdoor patio is dog friendly, they have mixed drinks as well as Frozen Blended drinks and non-alcoholic options as well. This is certainly a bar that needs to be on your must list, as I've always felt very relaxed with friends and family when visiting the luau. read more

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Yesenia A.

701

929

4 years ago

I came here on a date and the service was kind of rude. I'm not sure why. The server kept giving us dirty looks and attitude. Other than this the drinks were great and the aesthetic and theme was really cute read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Michelle R.

3 years ago

Wow!!! Probably the most fun I've had a bar this year! Drinks were tasty and super fair priced! Tony was an AMAZING bartender ! What a great guy, coming back just for him! Super kind and funny and he even made us some Star Wars themed blue milk! It was bomb! Gosh I love tiki bars!!! Super cool ambience and the outdoor patio is sooo cool! read more

The Luau - Complimentary goldfish and pretzels ! - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

The Luau - Blue Hawaiian - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

The Luau - Bowl for two ! - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

The Luau - The frida :) - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

The Luau - Outdoor patio ! - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 1

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Chrissy F.

Elite 19

250

242

3 years ago

Writing this from the comfort of my bed still feeling the cocktails from earlier. Every drink was delicious and boozy. I got my moneys worth ! Great hidden gem and the decor is so cute. I didn't feel like I was on El Cajon Blvd. We were allowed to bring in food from outside as they don't offer food. Glad I did because it's been like two hours and I'm on one LOL read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Shirley F.

297

458

3600

4 years ago

What a sweet bar. We loved the bartender Chris. Good drinks Hawaii style. Go there have fun . You will the atmosphere. read more

The Luau - Outside - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

The Luau - Blue Hawaii - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Business owner information

Brett R.

Thank you, Shirley! We're so happy you had a great experience :)

Helpful 2

Thanks 1

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Christina L.

291

4 years ago

Such a great little place in La Mesa. You are greeted with a complimentary shot when you arrive. Their decor is super fun and the outdoor patio is just amazing. I went with a bunch of friends for their Disney karaoke night and some people didn't realize that they didn't serve food. We munched on their complementary goldfish and pretzels. The staff was amazing and kept refilling our little bowls. My only complaint is about another customer who really didn't take no for an answer. We actually thought he worked there because he was refilling glasses of water. Ended up asking a waiter who told us that he didn't work there, which made us even more uncomfortable cause he was definitely acting like he did and the actual staff seemed to encourage his pretend waiter behavior. read more

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

David A.

3 years ago

Loved the vibes here! Shailee is best bartender and has a great taste in music that matched the vibe here perfectly! She recommended great drinks and was very personable. Will definitely be coming back and highly recommend visiting!!! read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Nikki M.

3 years ago

My favorite bar! A hidden gem. The drinks are really good and I love the snacks. The bartenders are nice and make the drinks well. I love coming here. Also, shoutout to Tony! Thank you! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

John G.

103

150

4 years ago

We watched the renovations going on here for months, anxious to have a new place in the 'hood. They totally changed the place, and it is way nicer. Very tiki. GREAT patio in back. Lots of good tiki drinks - big and strong, and priced to match - a bit steep for the neighborhood in general I think, but they were strong, and tasty. Hard to be too put off by the price, when they give you a free shot when you sit down. Good service. Nice vibe. Now one of our semi-regular stops. We might be there more often if they opened a little earlier in the day, or had a more attractive happy hour special . . . read more

Business owner information

Brett R.

Thank you for your nice words John. So happy you enjoyed your Luau…

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Tina A.

161

169

313

5 years ago

Wish I would have taken pictures but I had to decompress from a stressful week and went out without my phone! This was the perfect place to go. The atmosphere was fun and lite and the drinks are amazing. The overall vibe is surf tiki and the best part is if you live in east county or by San Diego State, you won't need to travel all the way to the beach to experience the culture I usually order Mai Tai's at these places but went for a Tropical Itch. Quite Yummy! Check it out! Oh and check out the back patio. Love it! read more

Helpful 4

Thanks 0

Love this 3

Oh no 0

vanessa c.

183

463

4 years ago

The vibe is always there!! My BF and I have checked this place out a couple times and have enjoyed it everytime! Plenty of yummy drinks if you want something more strong or fruity they can make it!! Love my time at the Luau read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Ann S.

3 years ago

Our group had our holiday party at the Luau and had the best time! Brett, Shailee and Tony are absolute rockstars and very accommodating. Super cool place decorated with the Tiki vibe plus fun Christmas decorations. Brett connected us with their karaoke source and let us bring a Hawaiian caterer - paired with the Merry Mai Tais it was the perfect party!!! We will return for trivia night and more Mai Tais for sure - Aloha!! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Yesenia H.

4 years ago

Very surprised that this place is bigger than it looks. There's a patio!!!The hospitality is over the top great! You are welcomed with shots as soon as we were seated. We are encouraged to bring our own food. There are a variety of tropical drinks to choose. There was live music. I can't wait to return again! Carmen is the best! read more

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Mikkel B.

3 years ago

Great selections of drinks with fast service. I love the tiki vibe they accomplish for their inside and back-out areas.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kona Y.

4 years ago

Legit super cute spot! Drinks are spot on and prices are even better. Great vibe for a date night or to hang out with friends! read more

The Luau - Bar area - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Elizabeth C.

No answers yet. Be the first to answer.

253

447

4 years ago

The best little bar! First of all free shots as you walk in, they sold me with that alone. The tiki decor is tacky yet charming and the waiters are super nice and chill. The drinks are STRONG and relatively cheap ($11 or less). Plus they're cute and sweet! The itch one is probably the best bang for your buck as it's huge. A must have is the shareable drink for four!! They light it up like a volcano, I've never experienced something like it. And my personal favorite part is the snacks! They fill up a bowl in the middle of the table periodically with goldfish and pretzels. Love and highly recommend! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Donna T.

4 years ago

We love this place!! The decor and ambiance is perfect! We were greeted with a free shooter upon sitting, then ordered 5 diff drinks between us, and each one was was wonderfully garnished and extremely delicious! The bartenders and owner were very kind and gracious to us. If you're lucky enough to be there on a live show night, you'll feel like you're actually on one of the Hawaiian islands! This was a top 10 night and we plan to become regulars!! :) read more

The Luau - Live music - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

The Luau - Shooters - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

The Luau - Cocktails - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

The Luau - Decor garnishes - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

The Luau - Fruit garnishes - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Queena T.

443

5 years ago

What a gem! Went out for a casual drink and found this fun lil bar. The live music and atmosphere was perfect. We had the mai tai, tropical itch, tiki old fashion, and zombie. All incredibly well made and delicious. Thanks Brett for the strong drinks and good vibes. read more

The Luau - Shots - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Tonia B.

4 years ago

Absolutely love this place!! We walked in to wonderful Hawaiian decor and the owner himself was behind the bar making drinks, I really appreciated his friendly upbeat attitude. He came by our table many times to confirm that all was well. Our server Carmen did an amazing job serving us, we never had to ask for a thing. There was fun Karaoke happening that was really entertaining. I look forward to going to Karaoke again and other nights for live music as well...The place has such a great vive, I would absolutely recommend people checking it out! read more

The Luau - Karaoke night...AI Entertainment! - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Alana G.

4 years ago

I want to give a huge mahalo to The Luau + their staff! I hosted my business' soft launch party with them and everyone complimented the space, their decor, and most importantly, their team. Brett, the owner, is such a kind soul who put a lot of love and care into this bar. His team that day, Johnathon, Alli, and Dari, took care of my guests and I with a huge smile on their face. They really went above and beyond. The drinks are amazing and the team knows their stuff - definitely get the Mana Mai Tai for an extra kick! It's my favorite "hole in the wall" bar and I think we successfully converted my guests into new regulars! read more

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jeannie L.

4 years ago

My friends and I came to check this place out and immediately we were warmly greeted and felt so welcome. We loved our Polynesian fruit drinks. The owner is local and friendly and our server Liam was very attentive. We go out alot and we all said that this is our new local spot. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Gabriel S.

3 years ago

Nice little tiki bar. Karaoke is available. A local's bar. Drinks are good. Definitely get the tiki vibe.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Neena T.

Elite 24

166

4 years ago

The drinks are strong. Very strong. And tasty. I have to recommend the pina colada and Frida - absolute favorites if you're trying to get wasted on one drink. The Mai tai is also delicious. I have to say the welcome shots are very adorable and they add bowls of gold fish and pretzels that just add another touch to this place. The strong drinks, friendly service, free shots/snacks make it hard not to like this place. Love love love !!! read more

The Luau - Pina colada - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Page 3 of 5

7123 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92115
Directions
(619) 467-7334
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.theluaubar.com

Hours

What time does The Luau open?

The Luau opens at 5:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.The Luau opens at 2:00 PM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does The Luau close?

The Luau closes at 12:00 AM (Next day) on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.The Luau closes at 2:00 AM (Next day) on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Thu 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Next day)Fri-Sat 2:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Next day)Sun 2:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Next day)

Payment methods

Does The Luau take credit cards?

Yes, The Luau takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does The Luau serve alcohol?

Yes, The Luau serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does The Luau allow dogs?

Yes, The Luau allows dogs.

Does The Luau have TVs?

No, The Luau does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does The Luau have bike parking?

Yes, The Luau has bike parking.

Does The Luau have outdoor seating?

Yes, The Luau has outdoor seating options.

Does The Luau have parking?

Yes, The Luau has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Does The Luau allow outdoor smoking?

No, The Luau does not allow outdoor smoking.

Does The Luau have free WiFi?

Yes, The Luau has free WiFi.

More Info

Health Score

Ask the Community - The Luau

Are there tiki mugs available for purchase?

Can we bring in our own food?

According to the bartender, yes.

View question details

When do they have live music?

There is live music every Friday and Saturday from 8 to 10, and there is Karaoke every Thursday.

View 1 more answer

Do they serve food? Island food?

No food on the menus. At least not yet. They did give us a bowl of goldfish and pretzels which was nice.

View question details

View All 5 Questions

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Tiki Bars 10,492 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Explore benefits

False Idol

My brother found this place several years ago on his visits to SD. It's now become a regular spot…read morewhenever we are in town. Most recently we were there for an event and as always, they were nothing short of exceptional! The drinks are always fantastic but what really elevates this place is the staff. They always have the best attitude, they are so accommodating, and you can tell they want you to enjoy your experience in every way. During our most recent visit, Lamar really went above and beyond to ensure our group was able to all be together for an event. I'm so very grateful for his assistance and wanted to say thank you again for everything! This place is an absolute must each time we visit, and I would highly recommend adding it to your list to try!

This place is hidden inside Craft & Commerce which is a quirky little bar itself. There was a wait…read morefor entry this past Sunday after 9pm. Staff was also not very attentive to guests' needs, rather just going through the motions. For instance, they noted "standing room only" and that they would eventually seat our party of two. They walked us to an exact spot on the floor to stand and view the menu in the dark (we used our phone flashlights, but it wasn't easy while carrying our belongings too), and they instructed us not to order at the bar in this colorful but dimly lit tiki lounge. We essentially ordered from staff who took our order in the middle of the floor, then we had to hold our drinks, some that came with additional shot glasses, in full hands, as we were never seated. We did find a barrel to set our drinks on later, but their process and expectations for guests was just really weird and impractical. The theme and decor of the setting was lovely, with moments of a lightning and thunder effect that made the experience more immersive. But we were not impressed by the sticky menus and sticky floor, nor the lack of service and minimal help from staff while there. We made the most of our time at False Idol regardless of their shortcomings. The bombay sling and enigma de muerte were pretty decent in quality and flavor, so it's safe to say the drinks aren't the problem here. And though we probably won't return, it was cool for a one-time experience.

Tiki themed decor

Rum barrel

See all

Back bar rum selection

The Grass Skirt

What a cool spot ! I mean just the entrance is an adventure within itself. A beautiful speakeasy…read morevibe with lots of vibrant colors and an incredible ambiance. Food was yummy and the drinks delivered Our server was so great as well. Will definitely be coming back to visit again soon.

I visited (from out of town) with my husband six months ago and we had an amazing time and became…read moreobsessed with the Pandan Colada - so much so that we came back the following night to have the drink again and explore more of the menu. The bar was not really our vibe (it was very loud with minimal tiki theming and zero tiki music - the only thing that was truly tiki was the menu) but the staff and the large and interesting menu made up for it. We had a phenomenal time both nights talking drinks and ingredients with the bartenders and were so excited to come back. We came back yesterday when the bar opened at 5, hoping to have a quieter experience and the opportunity to talk with the bartenders again. Instead, the music was already blasting and they were in the middle of hosting a loud, drunk party. No worries, we were going to soldier through to have the Pandan Colada and explore the menu some more, until.... Horrors! We opened the menu. The drink list was now half the size. THERE IS NO MORE PANDAN COLADA. I saw some drinks that maybe might have been interesting, but it was not worth tolerating the late night drunken dance club vibes at 5pm to find out. There were no more banana drinks. It doesn't seem like any drinks now get lit on fire, which I admit is important to me. This place instantly went from one of our most important San Diego spots to visit to one not worth spending time in at all. We went next door to Captain's Quarters where we learned there's been a management change. So the Pandan Colada and multiple banana drinks on the menu are gone, as is our interest in ever returning. I wish all the best to the bartenders, who seemed to really care about what they were making, and I'd like to extend two middle fingers to the new management for breaking our Girl Drink Drunk hearts.

Tuna Tartar cones. Incredible!

Pele's Inferno

See all

G.S. Martini

Mothership

Ambiance: 5/5 Service: 4/5…read moreFood: 4/5 Drinks: 5/5 Price: 4/5 Parking: 4/5 Came by on a Monday late afternoon with a reservation. It was my third overall visit but my first time bringing my kids (12, 5). We all love it and are big Mothership fans! I highly recommend for all ages, though come early with a reservation if you're bringing minors.

The single worst experience I've ever had going out…read more If you're friends with the servers, bartenders, or hosts, you'll probably have a great time. If you're not a regular, be careful, because apparently all it takes is one drunk friend of the staff making up a story to get you kicked out. While visiting San Diego with friends, we came here after hearing so many great things. There was a short wait, which was fine. The four of us were seated at a small standing table, also fine. Behind us were two guys drinking at the standing bar. One of them bumped into my friend and then stroked her arm while apologizing. She was visibly uncomfortable, so I told her to switch places with me. The guy immediately said, "We're gay, so you don't have to worry," then turned to his friend and said, "Now he looks so stupid and embarrassing." I told him, "I don't think it's embarrassing to make sure your friends are comfortable," then turned back around. I didn't argue with him, insult him, or continue the conversation. I thought that was the end of it. A few minutes later, the manager came over and told us we had made comments that made other patrons uncomfortable and asked us to leave. We had already paid for our drinks and were still waiting for them. My friend followed the manager to ask what was going on, and I joined shortly after. The person complaining was, of course, the same guy who had bumped into her. He was clearly drunk and started rambling about how we had made homophobic comments toward him and his friend. This was especially ridiculous considering the friend I switched places with was there with her girlfriend. We calmly explained exactly what happened. The manager did not care. There was no real attempt to hear our side, ask questions, or figure out what actually happened. The decision had clearly already been made. While we were speaking to the manager, the guy who complained was cheerfully talking with one of the bartenders, receiving a to-go meal, and greeting them cheek to cheek. He very obviously appeared to know the staff. So that seems to be how things work here: a drunk regular or friend of the staff can make up whatever story he wants, and management will throw out an entire group of paying customers without even pretending to investigate. They refunded the drinks, which was the bare minimum. The ambience was nice, but that means absolutely nothing when the staff handles customers this poorly. Awful management, blatant favoritism, and easily the worst service I have ever experienced. I would never come back, and I would strongly warn anyone who isn't already friends with the staff to stay away.

See all

The Lobby Tiki Bar & Grill

Went for Happy Hour Love the Tiki bar Ambience…read more They got it right Hubby loved the Taco Tuesday fish tacos I had the dry rib chicken wings...perfect Shout out to our amazing bartender Parker

We really enjoyed the Lobby Tiki Bar and Restaurant. The place is decorated very nicely, but is…read morevery small. There are three small bay seating areas, and one larger area at the back of the restaurant. I can see how this place could get really busy! They don't have a lot of space. Our waitress was really good, very friendly and talkative! She was very interested and was very kind in her service. We went on a Tuesday, and they had a Tuesday taco special. It was great! We love the food! The coconut shrimp was the highlight! We had the Painkiller, nonalcoholic drink, it was packed with ice, and not enough liquid! I would've even preferred to have sparkling water mixed in with all the other ingredients just to have a little more to sip! The liquid side was so minimal, I would've preferred something a little bit more! Overall very nice place.

See all

Chief’s Da Tiki Bar

This is a real cool place, but they close at 10 on weekend. I've eaten here and the food is good…read more We had the empanadas. The decor is very Hawaiian-like, and I love that they have karaoke on Saturdays and Sundays. We received great service, and had a lot of fun. There aren't too many bars in the Bonita area, so I highly recommend visiting this one

Friends picked here to have some drinks. Nice array of beers on draft and some pretty interesting…read moremixed drinks. JJ's Island Gril is right next door if you need some accompanying food. We were here on a Thursday and they have live music. Three bar attendants who were very attentive

(R) side of the bar, featuring our amazingly sweet bartender

See all

View from the bar

Forbidden Cove

I enjoy the novelty of this place. I come here when I want to escape the city vibe…read more Ambiance 4* Drinks 4* Service 4* The only thing I think it's missing is the sound of the jungle--birds calling, distant waterfalls, and tropical ambience. Think Disneyland's Enchanted Tiki Room. That extra layer of immersive sound would take an already amazing experience to the next level. It would definitely be cool!

Be prepared to bring multiple forms of ID if you want to go here. I had been here once before few…read moremonths ago where I had a good experience. I came here again last night with friends and began to check in for our reservation with the bartender (the same bartender who had let me in the last time I was here). He spent a long time inspecting my CA REAL ID before going into the back. He returned and said he can't let me in since he doesn't trust my ID. He said store policy is that they have to be able to feel the imprint on your license's signature, which even he admitted that he could, but it was too faded so he wouldn't let me in. I showed him matching credit cards, Costco membership, and CA DMV mobile drivers license, but he still refused and pleaded ignorance. He gave me my driver's license back and said I'm lucky because he normally keeps fakes (thanks for the empty threat). In reality, he knew my license was legitimate and didn't want to have the cops called on him. This place really needs to update their policies and train their staff better on how to identify legitimate IDs. I'm definitely not gong to bother coming here again and will make sure I recommend others not to come here.

Painkiller (left) and Mai Tai (right)

Tiki Key

See all

Hamilton Guyanese rum

Raised By Wolves

This was beautiful, the vibe, the drinks, the service, enough said, just go and thank me later.read more

great customer service! nikkie was amazing! she took care of us all night. highly recommendread more

The secret panel that rotates like a carousel into the wolf den.

Tiramitini and Mojito.

See all

Smells of leather bound books and rich mahogany

Miss B's Coconut Club

Miss B's is the place! Awesome service, awesome drinks. Jenn and Cory were the best! We'll be back…read morewhenever we are in SD!

Love this place!! The service is amazing & the food is always great. The type of place that…read moreremembers your name & order the next time you come in. Great family atmosphere, the new guy was pretty cool even though he's new.

See all

Bali Hai Restaurant

We enjoyed our experience at Bali Hai! The restaurant has a fantastic aesthetic and is in a…read morebeautiful location. Our server was also great. Food is solid! The poke was nice. The famous Mai Tai was quite interesting. I would describe it as like... if an old fashioned were made from rum. Very booze forward and non traditional, but still enjoyable.

Came here for our anniversary dinner!…read more Last time we came we were blown away by the drinks and the food so we're really looking forward to it but unfortunately the food was all pretty dry and flavorless this time. The best things were the drinks, the lumpia, and the garlic noodles. Honestly I wish I could just have 20 of the lumpia and call it a day. We had the zombie and the Mai tai. Both drinks were outstanding! Victor was our server and the service was phenomenal. He checked on us often and made sure we were having a great experience. As a side note the first time we came here it felt like everyone dressed up a bit more. This time a lot of people were in tiki shirts and it seemed more like a themed place. For clarification not against that at all! Just wanted to point it out as we felt overly dressed. The views as always are outstanding and we were lucky enough to be right at the window. Can't beat that! Parking is easy as there's a lot next to it. All in all still a solid place with stunning views and great drinks but next time may pass on the big meal.

Wedding Reception - Private Event Space

Ahi Poke

See all

Realm of the 52 Remedies

My friend and I made reservations here for this past Thursday at 9 PM, and I'm already looking…read moreforward to coming back! Definitely make a reservation in advance through OpenTable because they fill up pretty quickly. There is also a deposit required, which you can lose if you no-show or cancel within 24 hours, but the deposit is refunded once you arrive for your reservation. When you arrive, a hostess greets you at the entrance. There's a small waiting area where you can sit until they come get you. Then there's a door where you press a button, and it opens to bring you into the restaurant/bar. Inside, there's a mix of tables and bar seating, and they serve food in addition to having an extensive cocktail menu. The drink menu was definitely the highlight for me. There were so many creative and unique cocktails that really stood out. I'm usually not a huge cocktail person because I don't like overly sweet drinks, and it can be surprisingly difficult to find cocktails that are both original and sophisticated enough to actually sip and enjoy. They definitely nailed that here. I tried several: *Kasato Maru: This was so smooth and absolutely delicious. By far my favorite. You could really pick up the St. Germain elderflower and pear, and the flavors worked beautifully together. Definitely one of my favorites. *Sunomono: This was more liquor-forward, but still incredibly smooth. Definitely a good choice if you want something that lets the spirits shine. *Je Ju: Unfortunately, this one wasn't for me. It had a really unusual flavor that just didn't work with my palate, and my friend wasn't a fan either. I'm usually not one to send a drink back, but the staff was fantastic about it. They happily took it back and made me a completely different cocktail. *Softly Spoken: My friend ordered this one, and it came in a glass filled with small ice cubes. I tried it and thought it was really good, but it wasn't quite my personal preference. It definitely had more of a fruity flavor profile. The food looked absolutely amazing although we didn't eat here this time. There are still so many cocktails on the menu that I want to try so I'll definitely need to come back. The atmosphere is dimly lit, intimate, and full of character. It has that cool, moody feel that makes you want to sit back, sip a cocktail, and stay awhile. And the service was phenomenal from start to finish. Overall, this was such a fun experience. Great atmosphere, creative cocktails, excellent service, and plenty more on the menu I still want to try. I can't wait to come back!

This speakeasy was such a fun experience…read more The entryway and the decor, music,lighting and Anime playing on the walls all added to an asian inspired sensory deluge. Loved the drinks, food, and the service. Highly recommend a visit!

See all

Starlite

I absolutely loved this place! Everything felt reasonably priced, especially compared to similar…read morespots in San Diego. My only complaint was that we didn't get to sit in the disco room--it looked so fun and was definitely one of the coolest parts of the restaurant. We skipped the cocktail menu and ordered pornstar martinis instead, and they were incredible. The passionfruit tasted fresh and natural, not overly sweet or artificial. For food, we shared the mozzarella sticks with caviar crème fraîche ($23), which came with a surprisingly generous portion of caviar. We also ordered the Caesar salad, which was a great size for sharing, and the Starlight Burger with a Wagyu patty and fries. Everything was delicious and exceeded our expectations. The service was just as impressive. Our server was attentive without being overbearing and checked in frequently to make sure we had everything we needed. Overall, every part of the experience was on point. Great food, great drinks, great service, and such a fun atmosphere. I'll definitely be back!

I had a reservation for Thursday and it was packed but took less than 5 minutes to get seated. They…read moredo check your ID at the entrance it's 21+ only. Parking is a nightmare good luck finding parking within a mile of the restaurant. Pros: atmosphere, drinks, service Cons: food wasn't great for the price, restaurant was small and crowded, no parking Service: All of our servers were friendly and very accommodating. Gave us some knowledge on the menu and recommended cocktails based on our preference. I had spilled my drink and they were quick to make me another one. Food: I had intended to get the prime ribeye cap steak but they ran out for the night around 8pm. I shared the steak sampler which came with four different cuts of steak and 4 sauces. I ordered medium and it was cooked medium/medium rare which was fine with me, it also had a good sear, almost burnt though. Out of the four steaks, we only liked two based off flavor and tenderness. The other two were more tough and gamey. None of the sauces really stood out but the bordelaise and horseradish were good. For our sides we got fries, roasted broccoli, and the grilled wedge salad. Fries were average. The roasted broccoli had really good flavor, I expected the broccoli to be al dente but it was cooked to mush and drenched in sauce. The grilled wedge salad was decent, there was a slightly bitter taste to it. I know it says grilled wedge but the experience of biting into the salad and it being both hot and cold was not pleasant. Cocktails: I tried the Honey Ryder and New Wave. These were recommended as the more fruity/sweet cocktails. You can definitely taste the alcohol but it's only 2oz so it's not too strong. Ambience: 10/10 I got seated downstairs by the bar. Only thing about downstairs is that it's too dark to take photos unless you use flash. Overall, I agree with the other reviews saying to go just for drinks and appetizers. I would go again just to sit upstairs and get drinks and take pictures. We left unsatisfied and ended up getting in-n-out after.

Pistachio ice cream sandwich

Bar area after entering

See all

Cocktails are fun!

Born & Raised

Born and Raised in San Diego was such a great experience! The food was fabulous, everything we…read moreordered was flavorful and beautifully prepared. The drinks were excellent too, and the atmosphere has such a fun, elegant vibe. A special thank you to Fiona, our host, who was amazing! We had an 8:00 PM reservation but arrived much earlier, and she was so friendly and accommodating. She was able to find us a spot at the bar, and we ended up having a wonderful time. Great food, great drinks, beautiful ambiance, and excellent hospitality. Definitely a place I would recommend and visit again!

Always such a treat! For the last few years I've enjoyed dining here while visiting for an annual…read moretrip with family and friends. This place has quickly become a "must have" when we visit and each time has been such a wonderful experience. We try different things each time and have not yet been disappointed. I'd like to give a special shout out to our server, Scott, who has always provided exceptional service and elevated our personalized experience each time. I would highly recommend the steak flight, dirty hashbrowns, and the carrot cake! We had a slight issue one time, however it did not detract from our experience and was more than made up for. We've sat downstairs in the restaurant which offers a beautiful interior and a more intimate experience, as well as upstairs in their beautiful al fresco seating area which provides a beautiful city view and sea breeze and is for sure our preferred seating for our dining experience. Thank you for making our trip that much better and for always providing the most exceptional service and experience!

Dirty hash browns with trout roe, chives and crème fraiche

Upstairs bar

See all

Steak sampler

Brigantine - Portside Pier

We had the best server yesterday! Her name is Erica! She was so kind and helpful when describing…read morethe menu items. She even treated my daughter and new son-in-law to a special dessert. If you're going, ask for Erica!

Chips were warm and delicious, not salty…read more Mister and I split the crab cake benedict. It was okay, asked for more hollandaise as you can see they hardly include any. Got a taste the fish and chips and it is very delicious. The fish was so fresh and tasty, the coating was not greasy or thick. Very nice relaxing restaurant. The TV was faced towards our direction so we were able to watch Padres baseball. There were 9 of us and the price was very reasonable. Staff are friendly, lots of parking, about 10 minutes from the airport.

Shrimp and Crab Louie Salad - half order

Indoor dining space.

See all

Parmesan Crusted Sand Dabs

Vincenzo Cucina and Lounge

Locally owned & operated

Our Server was amazing! Valentina and she was quick, knowledgeable and had a great personality…read more Food was delicious

I love to come here and sit at the outside bar. Very casual and fun vibe. The food is always solid…read more Megan the bartender was fast and super friendly. Known for an Aperol spritz but I do bloody Mary's and mimosas more often!

Lobster pasta special of the night

View inside

See all

Classic Bruschetta

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

6 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Jake H.

4 years ago

I'm not a prolific reviewer, in fact, I only leave a review when a place really deserves the props. The Luau is such a place. Small enough to feel like a 'joint' yet not so small that one feels awkward walking in. The Tiki motif can pull even the most jaded guy out of whatever bad mood he may have walked in with. You can't help but smile. But wait, the smile gets broader when the bartender, Cole, slides over a couple of 'Welcome to The Luau' shots on-the-house. Whaaaat? I love this place. Cole is an attentive barkeep and a great conversationalist. I hear he coaches water-polo so you aqua-jocks now have a place to chill. We were also graced with a visit by the Big Kahuna himself, owner Brett. He seems to be a great guy. A transplant from NorCal (who isn't) and a daily surfer, Brett personifies what it is to be livin' the dream and he gives off the unmistakable vibe that he's filled with gratitude for his customers, staff, and family that make it all possible. The crowd? Pretty cool. Friendly and unpretentious. This weekend, call your friends, corral some neighbors, or just head out for a date night at The Luau. read more

Christian E.

Elite 23

307

3 years ago

The luau in La Mesa was a delightful and entertaining experience. The vibrant atmosphere, energetic performances, and delicious food made it a memorable evening. The cultural dances and music transported us to the islands, while the friendly staff ensured everyone had a great time. The luau showcased a range of traditional Hawaiian traditions and the food offerings were delectable, featuring a variety of authentic dishes. Overall, it was a fantastic event that captured the spirit of Hawaii and left us with lasting memories. read more

Jorge H.

3 months ago

I came last Friday to celebrate someone's birthday. The drinks, the host, and the karaoke person were amazing. I would definitely recommend anyone to come here for a drink or just the ambiance. read more

Rachel A.

3 years ago

Awesome drinks and cool vibes I love how close it is to my house and is so nice to have a place where you can go and have a good time

Margo G.

4 years ago

Thanks for bringing Hawaiian vibes to San Diego ! Staff is great, live music is awesome ! Loved it!! Will be coming back again ! read more

Victoria D.

4 years ago

Great drinks and great people! The mango colada was delicious! Will definitely be coming back read more

The Luau - tikibars - Updated August 2026

People who viewed The Luau also viewed

The Hills Pub

4.5

(1.9k reviews)

•$$

My friends and I stopped by The Hills Pub for breakfast, and we definitely left happy!…read more We ordered the all-you-can-eat waffles, and let me just say--they are very much worth it! If you're a waffle lover, this is definitely something you'll want to try. I ordered the Breakfast Burger, and it was delicious! The flavor was on point and definitely worth trying. It also comes with fries, which were a great addition to the meal. And if you're a ranch lover, this is your spot! They do not disappoint when it comes to ranch. Overall, we had a great breakfast, and the food was flavorful and satisfying. Definitely a place I'd come back to!

Very cool hip bar lounge family friendly spot in La Mesa. Great place to have happy hour or hang…read moreout with family. Does not get rowdy here from times I've been. Plenty seating, TVs, and great service.

Chico Club

4.2

(73 reviews)

Main thing this has going for it is 2 pool tables & some solid dad rock…read more The staff . . .changes a lot, and typically cold if not outright rude. The drinks . . .almost all mixer. And can someone do something about the smell?

Shelby, Amy, and Anna are the best bartenders there I look forward to coming wed/thursd…read moreFriday/saturday and Tuesday they are the best and make this place totally worth it

Pal Joey's Cocktail Lounge

3.7

(162 reviews)

Great drinks and service! Located in a superb area. Plus amazing karaoke with the awesome DJ…read moreHarvest!

Pal Joey's is a fun little dive bar with a great atmosphere. They have live bands, a good selection…read moreof drinks, and it's always a fun place to hang out! Service is always 10/10!

Pete's Place

4.0

(195 reviews)

I cool dive bar with pool tables. Our bartenders were pretty cool and also gave us recommendations…read moreof good places to go eat at and also have delicious cocktails. I definitely am going to come back to this bar because it just felt like Home.

The security guard with the beard was extremely rude and acted more like a barback than security…read more We've been coming here for years... and last Friday a group of people took a table we were using, even though two of our friends were already sitting there and told them the table was taken. We were a group of about 7-8 people total. When we came back after grabbing drinks, we saw that the other group had completely taken over the table. They said they didn't care that we were regulars and called the security guard over. We explained the situation, and his response directly to us was: "I don't care, you can shut up, close your tab, and leave." We had already spent plenty of money there and were not asking for special treatment, but the lack of professionalism was awful. I've worked in customer service for almost a decade and have never spoken to a customer that way. This is exactly how a good place can lose loyal customers because of incompetent staff.

Neon Moon Bar

3.9

(50 reviews)

I love coming here. I used to come here back in the day over 10 years ago before the remodel. Now…read moreit's a great place to enjoy with a bit of luxury in my opinion. I enjoy the simple small things. I love the back area with the chimney and games and they have little blankets and baskets for you to enjoy if you get too cold. The bartenders are awesome and I'm so happy to call this place I go to Bar for East County.

Very disappointing experience…read more My husband and I were asked to leave after briefly being in the restroom together -- which are non-gendered restrooms -- while he was assisting me with checking my blood sugar levels. This was a medical necessity to ensure my safety. Monitoring blood sugar is not something that can reasonably or appropriately be done out in public, and there was no private space offered or available at the bar to accommodate this medical need. Throughout the evening, I had used the same restroom multiple times with female friends without any issue. The only time staff intervened was when my husband was present specifically to help with a medical situation. We are older adults and long-standing, active members of this community. We rarely go out -- this was for a friend's birthday, something we do maybe once a year. We were with a group of friends who are also older adults, all of whom had been there for some time, simply sitting together and minding our own business, not interacting with or disturbing other patrons. Being removed in front of our friends, without any conversation, clarification, or discretion, was deeply embarrassing and upsetting. A simple, private question or a moment of understanding could have avoided this entirely. I hope management uses this as an opportunity to better train staff on handling medical situations with compassion, discretion, and consistency.

Norm's Cocktails

3.9

(53 reviews)

GRIFF is the BEST bartender EVER!!!!!! He is so nice, funny, and accommodating!!! Always checking…read moreon us and making drinks in a timely manner. Great convos, just an all over great person to share an evening with friends with! This is a local spot for friends of mine is how I ended up here. Playing pool, picking out songs on the digital jukebox, hanging on the back patio all enjoyable.

If you like dive bars like I do, this is a great one. Good draft selection and friendly staff.read more

The Regal Bar

3.9

(139 reviews)

Dive bar on La Mesa blvd with good cheap strong drinks! I definitely recommend. Staff is super…read morefriendly and there's also a nice spacious outside area.

Me and friends get together and hangout on some Fridays love this place to have some drinks and…read moresing with live karaoke.... This bar is the perfect place to Celebrate friend's birthdays etc. with reserved tables of your choice. The service is amazing very nice bartenders. I recommend this bar A+

The Library

4.0

(97 reviews)

The Library Tavern is the spot for APA League events. We go on Monday nights and a good time is…read morealways had. Gilly is a great bartender and Tony is a great host/owner. The bar is well equipped to handle numerous APA teams throughout the week. They have great hours, opening after lunch and through the night to the wee hour of the morning. I've never had a bad drink here and the vibe is always high.

KK was a very welcoming bartender that provided great service and affordable drinks! There are five…read morepool tables and many tvs for a sports fanatic. Very clean venue!

Wong's Dragon Room

3.6

(49 reviews)