"A two-time James Beard Award–nominated Tiki bar from Anaheim is doing a pop-up at Echo Park’s Thunderbolt on Monday, July 7 (5–9 p.m.), offering a chance to try its signature cocktails without the long drive, meet owners Ying Chang and Robert Adamson, and attend via walk-in." - Mona Holmes
"Drinks at this semi-secretive bar in downtown Anaheim arrive in tiki masks and shrouded in smoke. There's a waterfall that cascades in the corner, and guests book tables in rooms titled “Captain’s Table” and the “Main Hall.” The setting may be theatrical and over-the-top, but it’s the outstanding cocktails you’ll remember. Our current favorite on the rotating menu is the boozy, bourbon-based Cannon Fire, plus excellent snacks like crispy chicken wings and Japanese egg salad crostinis. Make sure to snag a reservation at least a day in advance." - brant cox
"This Anaheim establishment was named a finalist in the 2025 James Beard Awards' restaurant and chef categories when the foundation released its trimmed finalist list on April 2; winners will be announced June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The James Beard Awards — frequently described as "the Oscars of food" — added three new award categories for 2025 (Best New Bar; Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service; Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service) and have recently undertaken reforms after canceling programming in 2020 and 2021 amid misconduct and equity concerns." - Rebecca Roland
"A tiki bar in Anaheim, California, celebrated for its creative cocktails." - Rebecca Roland
"Anaheim will never be known for its nightlife options, but if you want to go out for a cocktail, Strong Water needs to be your destination. This semi-secretive tiki bar in downtown Anaheim is the definition of an immersive experience. Drinks arrive in tiki masks and shrouded in smoke, a waterfall cascades in the corner, and guests book tables in rooms titled “Captain’s Table”, “Captain’s Quarters”, and the “Main Hall.” The setting is theatrical and over-the-top, but it’s still the incredible cocktails you’ll remember the most. The menu changes frequently, but our current favorite is the boozy, Bourbon-based Cannon Fire. Make sure to snag a reservation at least a day in advance." - brant cox