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Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge, Alameda, CA

Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge

4.8
4.8
331 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 29 times today
Experiences are available.

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • 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

Experiences

  • Forbidden Island 17th Anniversary Celebration

    Jun 11, 2023 only
    Join us as we celebrate 17 years on the "tropical" Isle of Alameda. Live Hawaiian music and hula courtesy of Haopinaka feat. Vanessa and plus a themed DJ soundtrack by DJ Tanoa "Samoa Boy" Stewart PLUS drink specials; complimentary rum tasting and celebratory cake!

What 331 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.9Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • East Bay

    Best Ambiance

  • East Bay

    Lively

Sort by

  1. WoffySF

    San Francisco

    60 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    60 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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, 2023Sorry 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!

  4. 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!
  5. 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.
  6. 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!
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Keefer

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I love Forbidden Island. Always a great experience.
  11. BlueMoonLolaTiki

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 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. ✌🏻💚😊
  12. JohnG

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 25, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    A gem in Alameda. Friendly Tiki vibe makes all welcome.
  13. Shawna

    San Francisco

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall3food3service1ambience5
    It took a very long time to order a drink and it wasn’t very busy there. When we went up to the hostess to ask if we can order, she was surprised that we haven’t been helped yet. She was very kind and took care of us. The waitress there needs more training for better customer service.
  14. OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We came with a few food friends to celebrate our anniversary last night and had the best time ever. Forbidden Island is old-school tiki at its best. If you are into Tiki Forbidden Island is a destination not to be missed.
  15. Kylossus

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome Tiki Bar. Delicious drinks, tasty food, fantastic atmosphere.
  16. Daniel510

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really enjoyed the variety of drinks and atmosphere inside.
  17. KathleenB

    Portland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Didn't eat here, just drinks. Love the ambiance of this place.
  18. MaralynnA

    San Francisco

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Forbidden Island is one of our favorite places ever. The atmosphere is so much fun and the drinks are SO AWESOME. The staff is always wonderful and the owner is a gem of a human being. YOU SHOULD VISIT THEM…you won’t be disappointed!
  19. KathrynM

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Was a great place to grab a snack and drinks on a Sunday afternoon
  20. TikiGirl

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Chef's Kiss! We had a great time and enjoyed the ambiance and cocktails!
  21. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Luis and Dan are the best! Did not want to leave. Such a fun place.
  22. JesseH

    Sacramento

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is BY FAR my favorite bar in Alameda. Great drinks, great atmosphere, great people.
  23. MatthewW

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 4, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience4
    Great to get a seat but you are limited to 90min in a booth and no one came to take a drink order for 20min. We were able to get 2 drink orders in and one food order. We had 20 minutes left in our reserved time and the second drinks still had not arrived when the server asked if we would move outside (they said they had a table out there for us). We thought we would help them out and leave our booth early, unfortunately they set us at a wet dark table away from every other table and heater. They could have at least move the table (which was a foldable card table) as short distance to be below a heater. Very diss appointed with the service and treatment being that we have up the table early to help out the staff. Good drinks though.
  24. MoiraM

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous place to spend an afternoon. Since we were on the patio we brought the dog. Drinks were fabulous, and we made progress on the Kill Devil rum list (ask - it's totally worth it).
  25. NikMo

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a fantastic time at Forbidden Island!! The drinks, staff, and food are always outstanding!!
  26. MeganH

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went to Oakland for a little vacation with my sister. We came across this gem of a place and looooovvveeeddd it!! The service. The drinks. The beautiful place… all of it was awesome. We went twice while we were there. If we are ever in Oakland again we will definitely be going back !
  27. RumJunkie

    Montreal

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food here is in the "snack" range and I like it. It comes out fast and hot. The cocktails are excellent and a large selection of mostly Rum to taste. A good "tiki" bar style layout with lots of the classical style I like to see. The staff enjoys working there are lots of customers are regulars.
  28. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing and customer service was perfect
  29. XanderM

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall5food2service5ambience5
    The drinks are great and the service amazing!!! Treat yourself to a fun time at Forbidden Island.
  30. boatbride

    San Francisco

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on January 2, 2023

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    Happy to start the new year at Forbidden Island! Great drinks, fun atmosphere and excellent staff.
  31. LWag

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server/mixologist Justin absolutely blew me away. Kind guy and MADE ME HIS OWN RECIPES THAT WERE OFF MENU AND AWESOME.
  32. ElizabethC

    Cancun

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place to hangout, servers are always friendly
  33. Sallameda

    Exclusive

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    The best tiki bar ever! We go at least once a month.
  34. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Holiday family time! So fun!
  35. OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 21, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Forbidden Island is great. If you're a "Tiki geek" like we are, then it's a total must do. That being said, F.I. is "old school" tiki at its finest, which means a lot of the drinks are deceptively strong...see Arrow in the Knee...so be prepared and have a designated drive and/or a place to crash within stumbling distance. They're always busy, so reservations are highly recommended. Don't miss out. Visit Forbidden Island soon!
  36. Ashley

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on December 10, 2022

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    Besides waiting for the server a couple of times, the drinks were great! Took awhile to get the server for last round of drinks and the bill and ended up getting tired at the end but that was the only problem we had!
  37. JIA88

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2022

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    Not very clean.
  38. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    World class tiki bar feels like you are transported to mid century America. Tiki cocktails are outstanding. Bar snacks delicious. Exotica music on point, professional & friendly staff make this place my top pick for tiki in the Bay Area.
  39. RoxanneS

    San Francisco

    38 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time there! Service, food and drank- excellent. Friendly staff- good drinks!
  40. LosChilangos

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 31, 2022

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    Honestly one of my favorite finds! Such a cute place with such a great vibe I was so excited to book here since I discovered it. Went last night on a double date and the drinks are strong!!! Very delicious though! Food options are pretty limited which makes sense for a bar but the mozzarella sticks were good and I recommended trying the sweet potato fries! Overall such an amazing experience that I will definitely be trying again 🫶🏼

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 4.8 stars by 331 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 29 times today
Experiences are available.
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

  • 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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