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Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge, Alameda, CA

Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge

4.7
4.7
358 Reviews
$30 and under
Cocktail Bar
About
Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge is a tropical vacation spot right in the middle of your hometown! Serving award-winning, world famous classic and exotic cocktails along with many original recipes, along with some tasty snacks, Forbidden Island is a retro-oasis in the desert of your busy modern day! Now open indoors (seated capacity only) as well as outdoors in our Tiki Garden/ Patio, 7 days a week.

* Please note that all reservations are limited to 90 minutes for groups of 1-3 and 2 hours for groups of 4-8.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 10 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Cocktail Bar, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, Hawaiian
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Fri 4:00 pm–12:00 am Sat 2:00 pm–12:00 am Sun 2:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (510) 749-0332
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Neighborhood
    Alameda
  • Cross street
    Sherman St
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 358 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • East Bay

    Best Ambiance

  • East Bay

    Hot spot

  • East Bay

    Good for special occasions

  • East Bay

    Lively

358 Reviews
  1. LosChilangos

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Last night was my second time at the Tiki Lounge and they really don’t disappoint. I love the vibe, it’s super casual and a great place to talk. It may be a little overwhelming inside but that’s just a tiki bar ambiance and you shouldn’t go if that’s not what you’re looking for. The drinks are always super great and super strong and although they don’t have “real” food, they have a great selection of apps that were sooo delicious and a perfect fill so you don’t get too drunk too fast!

    Is this helpful?

  2. MaryE

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great experience getting drinks and bar food on Thursday night! They even had complementary Jamaican Rum tasting! We made a reservation for 5pm, glad we did cuz we got sweet booth that was decorated in Tiki Theme! Drinks and Appetizers were exceptional! The Coconut Shrimp and Waffle fries with the topping were great and easily shared!

    Is this helpful?

  3. JeffY

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    Excellent service and atmosphere. If you are into tiki bars, this is one of the top 10 in the USA.

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  4. Tyff

    San Francisco

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience3
    Service and staff were extremely rude. I would not suggest this place.

    Is this helpful?

  5. ElizabethH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 2, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Lovely little spot. Great drinks, minimal bar food.

    Is this helpful?

  6. ElenaC

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best tiki bar in the Bay Area (yes, even better than any in SF).

    Is this helpful?

  7. ZachV

    Phoenix

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great drinks (strong af) and fun atmosphere would highly recommend

    Is this helpful?

  8. John3

    Richmond

    75 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    75 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We did not order any food, so I can't really review that, but we did have some excellent cocktails! I can highly recommend this craft cocktail bar. The tropical Polynesian theming is great. So call it Tiki, I prefer to call it Escapism! Great intimate environment.

    Is this helpful?

  9. BrittanyK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Zanita (hope I spelled that correct) was a queen. She took such amazing care of us. The maithai's were so outstanding. The mozerella sticks were the best I've ever had. We were the loudest but loved every second of your amazing tavern. See you soon.

    Is this helpful?

  10. ChrisS

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Forbidden Island has really nice tiki drinks and a great outside back patio. The servers are friendly and can talk about the drinks.

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  11. CatG

    San Francisco

    41 reviews

    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Our first and best part was the excellent service from Zenita. She knows the drinks!!! She’s super friendly and checked on us a lot. Her drink recommendations were on point. Food okay - I love the coconut shrimp and sweet potato fries. The forbidden waffle fries were too salty Love the ambiance too. Will definitely be back and I highly recommend. Thanks Zenita for the excellent service!!!

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  12. MichaelW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went for a Birthday celebration for a Sunday afternoon. Peaceful and the atmosphere really carried you away. Great tiki place.

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  13. Capt

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 21, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    Was looking for a place to eat with some good ambiance the staff pointed me in the right direction had to go east

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  14. Sandy

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It’s always my go to place when I want to get away after a long day at the grind. I love everything about it. I don’t get that bar room dive feeling of being in a bar. After all it’s a tiki lounge!! … take me away. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! ps I have introduced the Island to so many friends and co-workers… and it’s always a hit! And then they take their friends! I’m sure I’ve contributed to your crowded Thursday nights!!!

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  15. JerryF

    Greater Boston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    The best tiki bar in the Bay Area! Drinks are delicious, great atmosphere, and friendly staff.

    Is this helpful?

  16. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great as always! Delicious cocktails and good service!

    Is this helpful?

  17. kelly4nia

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a lovely experience, fabulous drinks, great vibe.

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  18. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Can't go wrong with anything on the me nu -- the drinks are delicious! Staff is always friendly and kind, we will continue to go back any time we are in Alameda.

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  19. Lynn

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious tiki cocktails! 🍹Always a fun place with great atmosphere.

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  20. ChrisS

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Forbidden Island is a perennial favorite. they have a big outdoor area in the back. they recently redid their menu. it has a bunch of new cocktails and plenty of favorites. they also have a new section for non-alcoholic cocktails

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely service. First time back sine pandemic. Great to be back.

    Is this helpful?

  22. DaleO

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 17, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Good pub food and the best cocktails around. Such a fun place. I’m

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  23. ScottD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I had the Rum Barrel and it was tart and juicy and amazing!!

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  24. DianaO

    San Francisco

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on June 15, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Came in midweek. I don’t visit Forbidden Island often, but I’m always glad when I do. They offer a drink I haven’t seen anywhere else: the Monkey Pod. (Nice mix of tamarind, lime, coconut, and rum.) The menu is a manageable size that doesn’t overwhelm with options. Want more options? They also have a stretch goal for patrons where they can try about 150 rums. I haven’t had much of the food here but I’m glad they offer it. Staff was very nice.

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  25. RoseF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 15, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    Our 1st time and we all look forward to returning again.

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  26. Ryan

    Palm Springs

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Forbidden Island is my favorite bar in Alameda. The drinks are amazing, staff are always super welcoming and helpful and the food is really good too!

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  27. RobZilla

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 11, 2023

    overall5food3service4ambience4
    We had so much fun celebrating the 20 year anniversary. Such a cool vib and all the mellow people. This is one of our favorite hang outs.

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  28. savv

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Forbidden Island is one of our go-to date spots. The ambience is always great, their whole staff is so outgoing and fun to talk to, and the drinks are always amazing. Highly recommend!

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  29. WoffySF

    San Francisco

    61 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    61 reviews

    Dined on June 2, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Fun drinks and great bar snacks including Corn Dogs, veggie egg rolls and mozzarella cheese sticks. We played golf at Corica and headed over for the Mai Tais. Good stuff.

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  30. TheFez

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    The decorations are top notch as is the atmosphere. The tiki drinks were wonderful, and the service was reasonably fast considering the crowds. Food was good, nothing fancy, just fried bar fare.

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    Jacksonville

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall3food5service2ambience5
    We’ve been to Forbidden Island at least a dozen times. This was the worst service we’ve ever had. After 20 minutes, we had to ask the bar tender for someone to take our order. Our food & drinks came out quickly and were excellent. We were checked once during our 2 hour reservation and had to grab a waiter to take our second round order. The most disappointing part was as our 2 hours were coming to an end, a server appeared to let us know that our time was up. It was the only time we didn’t have to ask for service. We’ll go back, it was just disappointing that we were shooed out when the service had been so inattentive all night.

    Forbidden Island Tiki LoungeResponded on May 18, 2023

    Sorry to hear of your less than stellar experience. We did have an event on that day so were at capacity inside and outdoors all day long, literally over 100 guests seated at any given moment. Most guests were actually surprised at how quick they were getting their cocktails, despite the crowds all day long. Apologies again that you guys fell through the cracks. Please mention this to a manager next time you're at the bar and we'll certainly make up for it!

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  32. Jacoba

    San Diego

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    Drinks were great, did not have any food. Seating was nice both outside and inside. Great tiki vibes!

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  33. Jeremy

    Sacramento

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great ambiance, good drinks, and very friendly staff. Would definitely come again!

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  34. Michael

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We always enjoy our visits there. I've been going there since 2009. I miss Autumn.

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  35. Ashley

    Seattle

    15 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Really appreciated the friendly service and heads up to not keep an open tab if using a debit card -- due to their outrageous holds on accounts for mid size to larger parties. Stick with a credit card or just tab out with each order. Was glad to find this gem during my reunion with friends living in the area and whom I hadn't seen in several years. Make a reservation on the weekends and give yourself time to park!

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  36. KristenV

    Portland

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    We enjoyed some fun cocktails out on the patio! Fun vibe, it was a cool evening, but the heaters kept it comfortable.

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  37. FelipeD

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall5food4service2ambience5
    The drinks are incredible, the food is nice (for a bar), and the service is a touch slow, but that's okay because they're constantly busy. It is unquestionably a trendy location and a neighborhood gem.

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  38. ChristinaC

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great drinks and atmosphere, as always! Staff were friendly and helpful and checked in on us regularly. Such a cool spot in Alameda.

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  39. Keefer

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I love Forbidden Island. Always a great experience.

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  40. BlueMoonLolaTiki

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 26, 2023

    overall5food3service4ambience5
    Drove out from Sacramento for an event in Oakland and decided to stop by to try a couple drinks beforehand. One of my besties says its her favorite place! It was my first time here and arrived earlier in the afternoon, before it started to get busy. Had to try the Sunday special, The Planet of the Apes, & was F’n delicious. Vacation in a drink! And of course I had to get a Forbidden Island drink and tiki mug, which I love. Highly recommend Forbidden Island for creative and delicious drinks! Didn’t try the food. It sucks, Im one of those people who can’t eat anything because of food intolerances. I don’t expect places to accommodate if they don’t a menu for it, so I just play it cautious. But I would have if I could have. I will def come here again for the drinks, rum selection, decor & ambiance! Great place, would love to bring my dogs here someday too. ✌🏻💚😊

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (510) 749-0332.

Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge is rated 4.7 stars by 358 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 10 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge

1304 Lincoln Ave, Alameda, CA 94501-2335

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Sherman St
  • Neighborhood
    Alameda
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Fri 4:00 pm–12:00 am Sat 2:00 pm–12:00 am Sun 2:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Cocktail Bar, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, Hawaiian
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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