Forbidden Island

Tiki bar · Marina Cove

Forbidden Island

Tiki bar · Marina Cove

1

1304 Lincoln Ave, Alameda, CA 94501

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Highlights

Lively tiki lounge with retro tropical drinks, bands, & DJs  

Featured in Eater
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1304 Lincoln Ave, Alameda, CA 94501 Get directions

forbiddenislandalameda.com

$$ · Menu

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1304 Lincoln Ave, Alameda, CA 94501 Get directions

+1 510 749 0332
forbiddenislandalameda.com
forbiddenisland
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@ForbiddenIsland

$$ · Menu

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Aug 9, 2025

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The 13 Best Tiki Bars in the Bay Area | Eater SF

"Martin Cate’s original Tiki bar in Alameda (before he left to open Smuggler’s Cove) opened in 2006. It’s low key, laid back, kitschy, and relaxing with gentle island music rolling in. The drinks, like a Sidewinder’s Fang with fresh-squeezed juice, are perfect. This might be the best Tiki bar out there, period." - Caleb Pershan

https://sf.eater.com/maps/tiki-bars-best-bay-area-sf-oakland
View Postcard for Forbidden Island

Cathrin Finney

Google
This is an excellent tiki bar. Great drinks--huge drinks menu of diverse offerings. Good food--not a huge food menu, but if you are hungry, you will not starve! The service is excellent. Top notch staff. Decor 10/10. Bring a buck to tuck into the ceiling!

Maurice Ramirez

Google
For my Alameda Restaurant Week coverage, I couldn't skip Forbidden Island, which might be the best place to have a drink in Alameda. It's the most fun spot without a doubt. The bartenders are salty in a good way, adding character to the experience. The tiki statues and garden out back create an immersive atmosphere. Just watch how many drinks you have - you might find yourself underwater if you're not careful with their potent cocktails.

Mary Freilich

Google
Cute place. Went at 5:00 and would have needed a reservation to get a table inside. Our host let us sit at a booth since we were there just briefly before a flight. Drinks were delicious and our host did an amazing job explaining the favorites. The food was ok. Coconut shrimp was good. Hummus was good but pita chips were not great (out of a box). Opportunity to upgrade this part of the dish.

Arianna Clyde

Google
What can I say, this place is amazing. The drinks are incredible, and I really appreciate the skull and crossbones indicators that show how strong they are. More than once at a different tiki bar, I’ve made the mistake of not realizing how strong a cocktail was until I was halfway through. We love Justin (aka Miami Dave). He makes innovative cocktails, and I think the recent menu changes, including some of Justin’s originals, were a big improvement. Really all of the bartenders are great. Drinks can run a little higher than a standard cocktail bar, maybe by a dollar or two, but they’re creative, delicious, and absolutely worth it. The bar food is totally reasonable, and the ambiance is fun. We love bringing friends from out of town because it's always a hit, and we’ll definitely keep going back.

Amber Rose

Google
Popped in around 2:30 on Saturday and got a quick seat at the bar. My partner got the Forbidden Island special, I got the Rum Barrel - both were tasty drinks. Bar food did the job but was nothing special. Mozz sticks pretty straight forward, gratefully cooked all the way through. Coconut shrimp was more crumb covering that coconut. We sat inside but would have chosen the patio if given another chance. It got packed almost immediately with larger birthday parties.

J

Google
If you wanna feel like youre in Hawaii or another tropical island with great drinks, coconut shrimp and guac then come here. Every inch of this place is well decorated and feels like youre on vacation. My friends and family come here regularly. They also have mocktails :) also they have a special menu for sundays.

Morgan Baker

Google
Very Tiki. Ceiling was covered in bills, which is didn't really like the look of. The drinks were fine but you definetly need to like rum. Rum was in everything. Happy hour menu was decent. Lighting was a bit dark, seats were comfortable. I do recoend it for a quick place to stop, probably not somewhere I'd spend many hours though.

Aakash Mhankale

Google
Nice ambience and variety of drinks. Loved the drinks menu a lot to choose from. I tried 5💀level drinks n was not that boozy i felt they can add more alcohol i think. Good for nice first date, Kichen closed when we arrived around 11PM. The bar closes at 12PM on weekend too 🥲.

Jessie R.

Yelp
Best spot for a group Tiki outing! This was our first experience here, my partner had hinted for weeks that he'd love to drop by Forbidden Island for a tiki drink or two for this birthday. Fast forward several weeks worth of planning with Michael and we were all set for a surprise 40th birthday party with 20 of our closest friends. Michael and his staff were fantastic, the drinks were amazing (and we tried a lot of them!) and Michael accommodated all of our requests to make this birthday one to remember. The ambience on both the interior and exterior are perfect for large groups or even a small group which we are already planning for. Cannot wait to go back!
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Jay R.

Yelp
I'm always on the lookout for a good Tiki Bar and as I was in the Oakland area I figured I'd better find my way over to Alameda and check out The Forbidden Island. This was my first time here, and I have to say I was not disappointed. Nice atmosphere inside as well as an outdoor patio area, all nicely decorated. I had three drinks. Staring with a Navy Grog, which I thought was a little heavy on the lime juice for the first few sips but as the ice melted a bit it smoothed out and was quite good. Next was a Hemingway Daiquiri which was smooth from start to finish. Nicely garnished with a mango skin. I spoke with Mike, the owner, and asked for a recommendation for my third and final drink of the evening and he recommended the their signature "Forbidden Island " cocktail. I ordered one in one of their take home mugs. It was a bit sweet for my taste but not sickeningly or syrupy sweet. Overall a very nice cocktail. I ordered from their food menu. It was mostly just deep fried stuff. Typical bar food but fairly priced for what you get. If you're in the Oakland area it's definitely worth going!!
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Yuri H.

Yelp
My first experience there was amazing, service, drinks, and food because of this I returned two weeks later February 13, 2024. The crowd was sparse which was fine. However the service was horrendous. I ordered my drink while sitting at the bar. The bartender had no other orders. However, he was totally consumed in a conversation with a couple at the end of the bar. After taking my order he walked down to the end of the bar and listened to the couple explaining the future of AI and a robot prototype they had at their office in Redwood City. The couple invited him to visit. All of this is fine and dandy. But, hello it would have been nice if he could have began to make my drink while chitchatting. I finally got up and left. Even then, there was no acknowledgment or even a motion to make my cocktail. Very rude! It's unfortunate, very nice place. However, I will not be returning. Mike, Duy as a shift manager as you described duties include chitchatting and making sure guests are taken care of. Well, Duy stayed with the one couple the entire time. He watched me get up and leave without a word as I passed by him chitchatting. I maybe confused. However, I thought I was a customer that night and being so, I think Duy's duties would have been to take care of me too? How about on my way out , as I walked by Duy towards the door. Just maybe, Duy could have asked was everything ok, just a thought. Instead of watching me leave with an I don't care attitude. We will just agree to disagree on this one.
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Cody J.

Yelp
Love Forbidden Island! Such a hidden gem. The atmosphere is super fun and whimsical inside, and I can't wait to come back during hotter weather to sit out on their patio. I love this place because their drinks are delicious, without compromising on the alcohol content. The Rum Barrel and Arrow in the Knee drinks are some of my favorites - super strong, but tasty also!
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Chloe C.

Yelp
Great drinks and vibes. Some small bites. Can stay for 2 hours per reservation. Make reservations in advance.
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Carmen R.

Yelp
The food was great. The drinks were super cute and good too! The ambiance was cool too, it did get a bit noisy but overall such a cool spot that takes you away from where you really are. I would recommend this for someone wanting to get a drink and catch up with a friend!
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Annabelle R.

Yelp
Cool tiki bar in Alameda with great themed decor and furnishings, and dim colored lighting to set the ambience. I love that you can reserve indoor seating in advance, they have both bar height tables and booths. There's also a gorgeous tiki garden out back. A few snacks are offered on the menu, including mozzarella sticks, veggie eggrolls, and forbidden fries (glazed with Japanese bbq sauce and sriracha mayo). We tried the coconut shrimp and it was super tasty and satisfying, good flavor, crisp on the outside, just yummy. Island drinks galore on the menu, made strong with the perfect sweetness to please my taste buds. Note, not all drink options are listed on the table menus, so I recommend using the online menus or check for recommendations by regulars. Monkeypod was recommended by one of the staff, described as tasting like a key lime pie. It wasn't quite that, but still pretty good. The Sidewinder's Fang was my fave, a nice sweet and tangy concoction (lime, orange, passion fruit mixed with dark rums) that put me in a good mood. Balcony Sunrise was pretty decent, fruity flavors with a tinge of bitterness. But this one took 20 minutes after we ordered, much longer than our first round of drinks. Wait times weren't exactly the fastest, and the sound system for the music wasn't the greatest, but we still had a good time.
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Kathleen A.

Yelp
Such a cool tiki bar on the island of Alameda! My husband and I love bringing out of towners here because who doesn't love a nice tiki beverage every now and then? Forbidden Island has a great vibe and instantly transports you once you step in the door. I definitely recommend reservations as this place gets packed and I have seen walk ups have to wait a while due to the popularity. All of the drinks are yummy and I love that they have a scale for how strong each of the drinks are. Helps you decide what kind of night it is going to be! I recommend the hurricane :) They have a decent food menu and everything we tried was great. There were a few things last time that they had sold out of but we were there a little later than usual so we just ended up picking something else. Service is top notch and everyone here is friendly and helpful. Check it out and see for yourself!
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Tony U.

Yelp
I lived in Alameda for around 7-8 years on and off and know of this place well but never had the time to check it out. This is a fun place where you wind down and socialize with friends , have a few drinks and snacks as you wind down the day. The set up is indoor and outdoor tiki. Think like you are stranded on Gillian's Island and you are in an make shift bar with plant life and ancient islander statues reminiscent of Moai statues on Easter Isandz. Sprinkle in some light music and you have a temporary panacea away from the noise pollution and bustle of the city just 12 miles away in SF and 2 miles away in downtown Oakland. The drinks here are pretty expensive but a good variety with fun tropic and Island themes. Each drink will cost around $18 but you get a large quantity. The seating arrangement is by reservation which I strongly recommend. Usually a party of four or more are limited to 2 hours use and and party of 3 or less an hour and 30 minutes. The food is fun and good. Nothing spectacular, things like spicy chicken wings, waffle fries, coconut shrimp, corn dogs with mustard and ketchup. You know, fun pub food. The service is super friendly and the outdoor seating area we had was adequate (see photo). I'd definitely come here again. It's a sort of special occasion place that you can wind down for 2 - 3 hours tops.
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Pat C.

Yelp
Table service is efficient and what you need. The choices of cocktails is excellent. Not very strong so don't hesitate. A great tiki bar if that's your vibe with a large back yard.
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Candice Erica B.

Yelp
Fake welcoming no music show on only tv older then Gilligans island lol Bar tender Had an obnoxious laugh and backyard closed before 9 pm on weekdays drinks BOMB VIBe beside actual building were crap workers neeed more life to the party period especially for being in the BAY AREA
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Dawn L.

Yelp
You have to go!!!! This place is phenomenal!!! Full of Hawaiian happiness!!! Just a beautiful place to kick back and relax after a long day, week or even a year!!!! The music is 50-60s... very nostalgic and lovely! The food does give a nod to modern Hawaii. I was tired of all the poor bartending and lack of professionalism....The staff are so knowledgeable on the drinks and bartending!!! You can order anything and it comes in the right glass, with the right amount of ice and wonderful garnishes!!! Heart!!! The little bites can fill you up IF you order quite a few!. I went home and ate after. The food bites I did eat were very tasty! Seating is inside and outside with umbrellas... very Hawaii! The restrooms are clean and singular! Nice and quiet. Parking in the back and on the street.
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Susan C.

Yelp
Great tiki bar. Small menu of bat bites but something for everyone. The cocktails were made with care and very tasty, true to tiki experience. The staff were friendly and made great suggestions.

Mickalla J.

Yelp
A friend and I found this place when strolling around Alameda. First off, the service was really good. Staff makes you feel welcome and they make sure to engage with you. The place is not the most spacious, but it is very prettily decorated with Tiki vibe decor. The drinks were good and we got them in a timely manner. We will be back.
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Ashley A.

Yelp
Love this place so much!! Only great part of attending East Bay is having this place nearby. Amazing bartenders, the theme is great but would really make it stand out and bring more younger people would be having SpongeBob music playing and maybe even SpongeBob antiques around too. Honestly it's a very comforting atmosphere to come to at the end of the day when you don't want to be around too much noise or crowds. Drinks are so cute and aesthetically appealing. This herbivore loves the edible flowers and forbidden fries. Keep up the good work
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Kev H.

Yelp
This place was recommended by my coworkers who live in Alameda, and I must say my coworkers and I had a good time last night. We sat outside and it was nice, but as the temperature dropped I wish they had turned up their heaters. For food, we got lots of different bar snacks - waffle fries (drizzled with spicy Mayo and some teriyaki-like sweet sauce) and corn dogs (which were basic and borderline meh, honestly). They were delicious but that was too much fried food. As for drink, I got Chamborlada, which was delicious and sweet, but it was also hella strong (to me, lol, because I have a low tolerance). I'd get it again though next time, but I'll probably go with its non-alcoholic version of it. Staff was nice and checked on us a few times, but the food took a bit of time to come.
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Hrshys S.

Yelp
It was a good neighborhood spot. Small but really cute Hawaiian themed bar. Friendly staff and yummy cocktail drinks! Would go back to try more of their crafted cocktails.
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Cheri B.

Yelp
Charming tiki bar, with delicious drinks and fun staff. We each had the Jet Pilot, not too sweet of a rum drink with a hint of star anise. Really loved our server (Jeff?), attentive without being obnoxious and a great sense of humor.
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Pooja G.

Yelp
We were here on a Saturday evening. We walked in and were asked $10 cover charge per person. They mentioned that it was for charity and that an event was taking place. I would've thought that it could be used towards the drink but it wasn't. We dint get to experience the tiki ambience as there was only seating outdoor The presentation of the drinks were great which was a plus but the taste was average. I had specifically asked for less ice but dint get it. The service was also average. We waited for a long time to get drinks. Food was served once we were done halfway with our drinks.Overall expensive place. Will not be back. Will rather go to tiki bars in SF.
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Quenisha P.

Yelp
Well! Y'all need to come here and ask for Miami Dave. If you're a person that likes to get a lot for a little ask about the Funk Mix. That will have you right in a short amount of time! Probably the best "shot" I've had. Smoother than a fresh jar of skippy and guaranteed to make you feel right. Easily a 10/10 experience.

Dan B.

Yelp
Came here to experience some tiki after a show on Mother's Day. Great decor, music and general vibe. The drinks were fantastic. Arrow to the Knee was a highlight. Strong, spicy, and balanced. Miami Dave was so fun and attentive. Will be back to experience the outside next time!

Eith P.

Yelp
Delicious drinks, very welcoming staff, when you ask questions regarding drinks or history, they are answered. Classic tiki experience!
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C C.

Yelp
First time going and could say it's my last. The charter service was great honestly they were very accessible to our big party but I didn't like that when I got there and ordered it was just me for 30 minutes while I waited for my party and when I ordered my drink and my egg rolls I was told for big parties they must add a 18% tip, granted I was alone I said I'm going to order and close my tab because I was going to leave soon was not going to stay for the whole time with my friends but anyway that was that. My drink was good the first one and I liked that all the proceeds for the drink were Maui. My veggie egg rolls not so good tasted like frozen ones and the insides were really mushy. My second drink was not good at all so I didn't finish it. But over all I say go try it out just was not for me.
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Wanda R.

Yelp
Thank you Sarah, amazing bartendar, for making this an awesome experience. Tiki bars are not really my thing but the cocktail you made me was so top-notch. Hope to see you again soon.
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Alisa H.

Yelp
Always wanted to go to this bar, so finally got to check it out yesterday after our picnic and day out in Golden Gate Park. Inside was stuffy/muggy but it was so nice out that we chose outside. The theme of course was Hawaiian and they did their best with the outside area. Something you would expect at a theme party in a back yard. The drinks were beautiful and looked great on every table. As we were reviewing the menu we decided to go with the Rum Barrel, it stated it was a "2 drink limit" . laughing we both decided to get one. Well we now know why it was a limit as one was good enough. We enjoyed our drink, and the sweet potato fries and called it a day. This place is easy to miss and parking was scarce. Our server was nice and it didn't take long for our items to come out. All in all it was a nice stop for the end of our outing.
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Kevin D.

Yelp
Forbidden Island perfectly captures the mid-century tiki bar experience. The drinks are varied and tasty. I had to try the classic mai tai and it is superior to anything offered in SF tiki bars. I also sampled the humuhumunukunukuapua'a (which the staff can pronounce with flourish) and can recommend that as well, despite it being a rum-less offering at a tiki bar. The ambience is top notch and the drinks hold their own. Highly recommend a stop! Reservations seem like a good idea for peak bar hours. PS: I skimmed the negative reviews and compared to my experience they truly seem to be either misaligned expectations or folks who were determined to find a problem. If tiki bars are your vibe, then this place will be your vibe.
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Ultima M.

Yelp
This place never disappoints!! Service is always awesome And drinks are always SOLID It's always a good time !!! Good place for date nite or girls nite out
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Ed U.

Yelp
After enjoying ourselves at Kona Island on Piedmont Avenue (review: https://bit.ly/3fkElTV), Jamie W. and I realized we were developing an obsession with old-school tiki bars. It must be the tiny pink parasols, the tropical fruit, the decorative tiki mugs... what's not to love about a place that evokes Hawaii the way you want to remember it? We had not been to this spot before and were happy as Kamehameha to find it deep in the residential area of Alameda. The first thing we noticed was the open patio space with barrels stood up to double as cocktail tables and vintage decor strewn about including a giant tiki head atop a portable bar (I need one of those!) (photo: https://bit.ly/3SNWYgA). We spent a lot of time perusing the robust descriptions of their signature cocktails. Jamie went for the $14 Classic Mai Tai, a quintessential Trader Vic's-inspired creation consisting of Jamaican rum, lime. orgeat, and curaçao. Naturally it featured a tiki swizzle stick and an orchid blossom (photo: https://bit.ly/3fp4pgy). I went more desserty with the $16 Chamborlada, a creamy delight of pineapple, coconut rum, and Chambord. I got the same flower and a couple of superfluous pineapple leaves (photo: https://bit.ly/3gY2HDC). Both our drinks were marked with three skulls and crossbones, and all we could say was that we 'felt' them if you know what I mean. Another sure sign of our satisfaction was that we immediately developed the munchies. They do offer bar bites here, so we decided in our semi-inebriated state that a $8 pair of Corn Dogs would satisfy our craving (photo: https://bit.ly/3sHxabq). It did - even if they did not meet our nutritional requirements...as if we had any. They were frickin' good. So were the $8 Sweet Potato Fries which I don't remember ordering (photo: https://bit.ly/3ffb4de). We must've done it telepathically. You'll be happy to know that we limited ourselves to just two skulls and crossbones by ordering the $30 Fugu for Two. It was billed as "a delicacy for date night". Uh-huh. Vodka, pot still rum, lemon, passionfruit, pineapple, and stone fruit. It was served in a ceramic red blowfish vessel that we assumed was a fugu (photo: https://bit.ly/3gSEVbU). Has the plane landed at Honolulu International yet? Because we may have reached our tropical fruit quota here. But hey, that's OK since the place was filling up with a private party. Time to go and start sweating it off anyway. Oh, who am I kidding? COCKTAILS - 4 stars...potent libations with enough tropical twang to bring you back to Diamond Head AMBIANCE - 4.5 stars...they do the decor right with all the excessive touches SERVICE - 4 stars...we were served here and I didn't snap my fingers once TOTAL - 4 stars...big patio, flowered drinks, bar bites...what else you want? RELATED - Looking for a tiki bar? Here's a collection of bars I've tried and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3SpoS3c
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Linyi Y.

Yelp
Came back multiple times, very nice place. Just make sure you make a reservation because it gets crowded at night. The staff are very nice! Snacks are good with the drinks.
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Kelly S.

Yelp
Proud "in-progress" member of the Kill Devil Club here!! (15) of 100 already down. You wouldn't think it when you pull up to this quaint unassuming pilon-fronted structure -- easy to overlook looking like a sailor's dive bar TBH -- but this is one of the most coveted spots that any self-respecting tiki aficionado has on their list to hit before leaving the earth. Why, you ask??? Well, part of the fuss lies in their insanely extensive rum collection... more than 100 brands and varieties. Several of rare/hard to find. Also, they can and do brag about having the BEST Painkiller on da planet. Secret lies in the coconut paste. Overall, a super solid menu of cocktails spanning the history of tiki tastiness. If they have em, try those seasonal specials. There's a fun Chambord drink, beautiful as it is sweet and tasty. Also, the staff are serious rum heads. A fun collection of east bay locals that know what's up when it comes to mixed drinks and what else to do when you're done. Pro tip: buy a mug. Great value and iconic token of your visit. Food I feel has a left a little to be desired of late but gets the job done. NOTE: MAKE A RESERVATION! Would you guess that the Wednesday before Christmas would be seriously packed? Like an hour + wait, and then only outside seating guaranteed? Oh yeah. I've only been in once when it wasn't packed and it was the end-o-year storm that brought the heavens down and basically ensured that no one was on the roads. We were watching a house down the street so it was an easy trip.
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Jay W.

Yelp
I went here on a first date and was pleasantly surprised. The staff were really accommodating. The drinks were fun and fitting. My lovely date and I shared the Fugu for Two which was served in a very cute tiki bowl and tasted amazing with just the right amount of sweetness and spirits. I really think it was the best choice as I am now officially involved with that cute date and what a great memory we now have! 10/10
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Amanda S.

Yelp
Really fun spot for great, tropical drinks! The patio is super cute and not too loud but if you're planning on going make sure to have a reservation & the patio closes early due to noise restrictions since it's in a residential neighborhood and you don't want the employees giving you a hard time! If you can sit inside that's where the best vibes are! Small but makes you forget you're in alameda! Drinks and small and virgin drinks were good too. Everything we had was tasty! Wait time for food was a little disappointing (almost an hour for chicken bites and mozz sticks) but still worth it and a fun time! Will be back for sure!!
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Naveen K.

Yelp
Title: Tiki Paradise Found - A 5-Star Oasis in the Bay Area! Rating: (5/5) Review: Forbidden Island in Alameda is hands down my favorite Tiki bar in the entire Bay Area, and it never disappoints! This hidden gem has become my go-to destination for a tropical escape right in the heart of the city. The moment you step inside, you're transported to an exotic paradise with its captivating decor, vibrant ambiance, and friendly staff donning tropical attire. It's an experience like no other, and it instantly lifts your spirits. Now, let's talk about the drinks - oh my goodness! The Chamborlada, with its delightful blend of flavors, is the perfect tropical twist on a classic cocktail. The Monkey Pod is another must-try - a harmonious fusion of rum and fruity goodness that satisfies the taste buds like nothing else. And, of course, the namesake drink, the Forbidden Island, is an absolute showstopper, beautifully crafted and packing a punch! The bartenders here are true artisans, expertly mixing each concoction with precision and flair. They take pride in their craft, and it shows in every sip. I can always count on them to recommend something new and exciting that suits my taste preferences. The ambiance is fantastic; whether you're relaxing indoors surrounded by the tiki decor or chilling in the enchanting outdoor patio, you're in for a treat. The attention to detail in the design is remarkable, and the atmosphere transports you to a world of exotic wonder. Lastly, I must commend the friendly and attentive staff who add an extra layer of warmth to the overall experience. They make you feel welcome and ensure you have everything you need for a memorable time. If you're in the Bay Area and seeking an unforgettable Tiki adventure, look no further than Forbidden Island in Alameda. From their flavorful Chamborlada to the refreshing Monkey Pod and their signature Forbidden Island drink, every visit here is an unforgettable escape into paradise. Five stars, no doubt!
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Isaac G.

Yelp
Great place! Hosted a group event and was pleased with the service . You do get a 2 hour time limit but they offered to move our group elsewhere. Drinks are strong and yummy, the bar bites are decent enough, and the staff is friendly . Chill island vibes . Just make a reservation if you have a group ... I'll be back here...
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Andrea Z.

Yelp
Walked in on a Monday at 4:45pm, most tables were full but there were a few high top and bar seats remaining, so our group sat at a high top and the bar until a table became availible. Food: Seasoned Fries - Waffle cut fries with a light seasoning served with ketchup, these were good, came out hot and fresh, portion was fairly generous Mozzarella Sticks - came 8 to an order which worked out well for our group of 4, served with marinara sauce, nothing special but a nice snack to go along with the drinks Drinks: Non-Alcoholic Sidewinder's Fang - really delicious, well balanced sweet and tart flavor profile, great citrus and passionfruit flavor, even as a non alcoholic drink I didn't feel like it was missing anything, would recommend Lei Lani Volcano - favorite drink of the evening, this was fruity, slightly creamy and coconutty, not too boozey, really delicious combination of flavors Monkeypod - bartender described this as a key lime pie flavor profile and I'd agree with a bit of coconut. This was creamy, tart and a little boozey, definitely felt like a dessert cocktail Tropical Cider - a nice hot cider with a splash of rum, this was really well spiced and warming, a great hot beverage option during the cold months Service: fairly attentive, earlier in the service it did take a while to get our drinks but once the bar was less busy it was a quick turn around. Servers were knowledgeable and attentive with great recommendations and suggestions. Overall a great tiki bar in the bay area, décor is amazing, really transports you to a different place. Drinks were amazing, everything we ordered was delicious and well balanced in flavor. Food was good typical bar snacks, but probably not enough for dinner.
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Uday M.

Yelp
Hadn't been here in a few months so decided to stop by given their extensive menu. The hostess seemed unwelcoming and irritated, but this was probably the exception given that our servers were very friendly and helpful. The highlight of the drinks this time was the Chamborlada, if you like sweeter/coconut flavors. We also got one of their shareable drinks in a big fancy fish bowl, which is apparently subject to theft so frequently that they asked for ID as collateral for the bowl. We got the seasoned fries, which come as waffle fries if you're expecting regular thin fries.

Ruth H.

Yelp
I've never left a review anywhere, but this place was too amazing. My friends and I were a group of 6 and had made a reservation for around dinner time outside. Ambience, and decor were all amazing. Our server Z was so welcoming and cool, and had the most amazing jewelry taste. My group got a mix of cocktails - rum barrel, hurricane, chambala, forbidden island and the sunday special planet of the apes drink. All drinks were mixed to perfection and beautifully presented. The forbidden fries were also the perfect crispy, salty, sweet pairing. As we were leaving, we had a lovely conversation with Justin(?) another server.
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Aisha R.

Yelp
This such fun place to go it's feels like your vacation like in Hawaii when you go. They always have good drinks and small bites to eat as well. It's fun place to go on a date or group. Everyone who works there is so nice. I would recommend this place if you like fruity drinks :)
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Kim L.

Yelp
I had the best experience hosting a private party at Forbidden island! Prior to the event the planning process was simple, and Michael was kind and able to answer any questions I had. Day of event we were taken care of like true Ohana by all the staff! (Shout out to Bartender Luis who took care of us the whole time!) As always the cocktails were amazing, but that's no surprise. If you are looking for an amazing place to host your next private party I highly suggest Forbidden island!
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Chelsey Y.

Yelp
I'm so glad that Yelp exists because I've had the best experience working with Forbidden Island. I can't thank Forbidden Island enough (Michael and Justin) for hosting my surprise party for my boyfriend. From the drinks, service, and private outdoor patio, every aspect of the party ran so well and smoothly. I just want to dedicate a huge thank you to Justin - he's one of the best bartenders I've ever met. He did a fabulous job setting up the custom drink service that also came with a flyer. Even though my boyfriend loves really dark drinks that aren't typically enjoyed by the general public, Justin did an incredible job trying to appease to everyone's taste by finding a good middle ground. I was so impressed with the service - when people started to order drinks, they asked for everyone's names to keep everyone on track which is a huge request to keep up with 26 people! Lastly, Justin made almost everyone's night. I got so many compliments on how well run the night went and his eclectic personality carried the night even more for everyone; especially the birthday boy. I didn't have time to look throughly on the menu, but Justin recommended me a drink that has to be one of my top favorite tiki drinks I've ever had (Monkeypod) that was super light without being overbearingly sweet. Needless to say, everyone at the party had a good time - they all loved Justin & the staff with really good drinks that packed a punch!
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Julie H.

Yelp
AMAZING DRINKS, FOOD AND STAFF! The ambiance is also very nice as you can see from my pics! Love this tiki bar and always recommend it to everyone :)
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Amy P.

Yelp
i love this bar. i love the vibe and have experienced good customer service every time ive gone. this is my go to place. I order the chi chi usually but all of the drinks have been so so good
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Jacob C.

Yelp
This is my wife and I's go to tiki drink place! The drinks are good! They have a nice selection of tasty bar foods too! The service is always good! Nice back patio or indoor booths!
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Liz J.

Yelp
We came here with 12 people in our group. Made reservation through the owner but when we got there, we were told that we don't have reservation. Customer service was awful especially the bartender! He was behaving as if he didn't want to be bothered! Why come in and work?! That's your job sir! The server was trying his best even though it was busy.

Erika G.

Yelp
Second time here and still not disappointed. First time here only problem was wait time to be seated. So if you are not a patient person and want to be seated promptly make reservations. Also bar is in a residential area so it can take time to find parking. If you plan for these things you can enjoy your time here. It is totally worth it. Drinks have many ingredients and the bartenders here are artists. You should watch them make one to truly appreciate your drink. I have tasted these drinks and appetizers and loved them all. Chi Chi, Hurricane, Sidewinder's Fang, Colada, sweet potato fries, waffle fries and forbidden island fries. Michael was a great help with my daughters 21st birthday party for 16 people. He followed up with me and responded to my texts in a timely manner. Also loved both of our servers!
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Abigael Osana T.

Yelp
When I tell you me and my friends were SHOOK at how good the drinks were, believe it! It was all of our first times here and 1) every employee was so sweet 2) it's a fun looking spot and 3) the drinks were 12/10!! I had the Chamborlada and I lowkey expected it to have a strong alcoholic taste but I was WRONG. It's *chef's kiss* and even when it melts down it gets better! The coconut taste wasn't overpowering at all, too! It's dangerous how you realy can't taste the alcohol LOL. Nonetheless, my friends and I agreed we're FORSUREEE coming back.
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Abigail M.

Yelp
To celebrate my friends birthday we decided to visit this place! You need reservations and if you are late for 15 mins they will cancel it. They canceled mine since I was late but it's okay the employee was able to find us a chair indoor. We ordered Chamborlada, Leilani Volcano and Forbidden island. We enjoyed it and it was really good this place is known for the special drink and I tell ya. Pretty darn good. Employees are attentive and quick with orders. However the down part was you only have 90 minutes to sit in the bar by the time my friend wanted to order her 3rd drink the waiter could not provide it since they already gave our chair to someone else which was bummer. The food selection was not so great. They only have 8 options and one was sold out which was coconut shrimp. TBH I was excited about the food I would really thought they have more but NO. We decided to order Chicken Bites and Salsa and Chips. I dislike how the salsa is not freshly made. It tasted like those from Tostitos Jar and I was disappointed. For a place like this they should have added more finger food and better salsa. It saddens me. At least the chicken bites was okay it wasn't dry at all so I ended up eating more of that. I understand that this place is a lounge but people do get hungry. Im just saying. Thank you.
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Joseph N.

Yelp
This is one of the best tiki bar experiences I've had. You can tell this is establishment is an East Bay favorite. On a dreary weekend afternoon, it was still busy, with people trying to get inside the bar. Fortunately, it seems they're also used to it and expected it; they're well-organized and have a system in place to get you seated in an orderly fashion. We got a table and were greeted by a very friendly server. Really enjoyed our interactions with her. As we waited for our drinks, I noticed how awesome the decorations and vibe were. This was the coolest tiki bar I've been in. Most of the patrons were also wearing Hawaiian-themed attire. This is serious business! The drinks are delicious and dangerous (because they're so delicious). Had an awesome experience here--so much that I bought one of their mugs. Can't wait to return!
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Xia C.

Yelp
Arrived around 10:30 was very excited to explore their drinks. The vibe is very chill when you enter. Decor has dollars hanging with the umbrella toothpicks bar seating and high table and few booths. It says wait to be seated so we waited and was seated in a booth Another waiter came and said we would have to get up because there was a party of three that was suppose to be there and that the other waiter made a mistake. Could just be me but I feel like that statement could have been delivered better. There was no tables so we would have to stand. So decided to leave which was unfortunate due to my excitement. Will not go back. But I recommend reservations since that seems to be a better alternative.
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John C.

Yelp
Good drinks and good snacks. Very nice atmosphere. However, it is a bit on the expensive side. Final bill was much higher than I expected.