Posted in Northern California Dining June 15, 2022 by

A Unique Tiki Lounge In Northern California, Forbidden Island Is The Perfect Spot To Grab A Drink On A Hot Day

Aloha! No, we’re not talking about Hawaii, but close (sort of). We’re actually referring to the truly Polynesian vibe and outstanding tropical-themed cocktails at Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge in Alameda, California. Is anyone else ready for a slice of paradise in NorCal?

Opened in 2006, Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge is Alameda’s first and only tiki bar.
Forbidden Island Tiki Bar/Google Maps
The enterprise is not just a bar, but rather a pioneer in the exotic cocktail realm and boasts over 150 different types of rum from around the world, including several rare, hard-to-find varieties. They also have a special premium rum program, reportedly one of the oldest rum programs in the country.
The way the proprietors bill themselves, as “a retro-oasis in the desert of your busy modern day,” is apropos.
Forbidden Island/Facebook
Everywhere you look the building exudes a tropical Polynesian vibe that sucks you right in. From the straw “thatched roof” over the bar, to netted glowing lights, fun and funky statuary, and oodles of classic photos, Forbidden Island is anything but uninviting.
Their highly trained mixologists can swirl up any kind of tropical concoction you can imagine.
Forbidden Island/Facebook
If you prefer to start or stay with a classic, options include two kinds of Mai Tais, Zombies, Hurricanes, and of course the ubiquitous Painkiller! Your designated driver friends will find several creative and tasty non-alcoholic options as well.
So that you don’t overdo it too quickly, the drink menu offers a guide to the strength level via the number of skulls next to the name.
Forbidden Island/Facebook
The Macaw is made with Virgin Islands Column Still Rum, Demerara 151, Mezcal Joven, citrus, guava, apricot, and bitters. Oh yeah!
The bartending staff thoroughly enjoys creating unique specials to tempt the tastebuds.
Forbidden Island/Facebook
This Ohana Night special (“Ohana” is the Hawaiian word for family) is the perfect summer libation: Aged Demerara, Jamaican overproof, passion fruit, orange, lemon, and grenadine. Aloha!
In addition to the vast number of global rums offered at Forbidden Island, they also create their own special rum (and sometimes other spirits) lines.
Forbidden Island/Facebook
These beautiful imaginative bottle labels are from their Artist Series. Full or empty, they’d make a great decorative piece for your bar at home!
In addition to the exciting inside seating ambiance, Forbidden Island has a great outdoor patio, perfect for those warm Northern California days and evenings.
Google John V
And don’t worry, when the fog rolls in as it does often in the Bay Area, heat lamps will keep the island vibe poppin’.

Grab your grass skirt or tropical shorts, throw a lei over your neck, and head on down to Forbidden Island, the perfect spot to get your hula on!

Have you been to the Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge? If so, we’d love to see your tropical cocktail pics and hear about your experience there.

Still thirsty? Check out these 10 essential wine bars every San Franciscan should try.

Address: Forbidden Island, 1304 Lincoln Ave, Alameda, CA 94501, USA