Don the Beachcomber

I'm not loving the failure to use the original logo, and I really hope we're not asked to help save this place in six months.

I am looking forward to their signature mugs and menus though. I'm hopeful, yet cautious.

I went to Don the Beachcomber last night, and met the new bartender that Art brought over from Vegas. His name is Ryan, and he was really nice. He poured us his Mai Tai, Cherry Blossom, Viscous Virgin and a Scorpion (the Cherry and the Virgin aren't on the menu yet), and all were very good. There was a table or two of Tikiphiles there, and all seemed to be loving. it. Ryan said that the new mugs are on order from Tiki Farm and will be there in about 2-3 months. I wondered into the back rooms and saw some pretty impressive decor. This entire place feels very genuine to me, and it seems as if Art Snyder is dedicated to making it one of the better tiki destinations in SoCal. Go check it out.

Glad to hear there's a new bartender, the one we met in early March was less than pleasant. The food was amazing, and we look forward to spending time there again.

Was there with a small group for the Tikiyaki Orchestra event on April 18. Like the looks of the place, but they really need to work on their restauranting skills. Arrived 90 minutes before showtime, lucky to get 1/2 table in the room NEXT to where the band was, but still charged $10 cover. Drinks served in cheap plastic cups. Bartender in main bar was rude. A half-hour after ordering dinner, were told they were out of what we ordered. After another half hour, we were told they were out of soup bowls. We were given forks, but no knives or napkins. When dinner finally arrived, it was dry and tastless and not "plated" well. The band was great when it could be heard over the crowd noise. I will try it again for a sunset special after they get the re-opening kinks out.

This is one of those rare tiki destinations that is kid-friendly, so our family was thrilled to visit during spring break. We enjoyed a tasty "Vicious Virgin", though it was served in a tall glass without any decor (thanks for the Critiki tip, Vigidy!). The food was outstanding, especially the Kona Chop salad. Its like a big version of those tiny salads you get at sushi restaurants. The service was very slow, so we were surprised to learn our waitress had been there for several years. Not willing to wait any longer to place our drink order, I went straight to the bar. The very nice bartender explained they were in transition on the drink menu. He said they hired consultants to work on the drinks and were out of many ingredients. He warned me it would take him a while to make our drinks. Said he's been a bartender for 25 years and has never had to mix and measure so many ingrediants, ha! Well worth it sir! We wandered around the back areas and discovered a virtual tiki culture museum. This place is priceless, they still have the Coconut Bar and original decor. Our only hope is that the new owners figure out how to make the dining area more comfortable, the lighting is not good at all and the seating should be updated/upgraded. We enjoyed the exotica tiki tunes, but had a good laugh when an Eagles song came on, somebody must've mixed up their iPod playlist!

I went on Mother's Day for the show and champagne brunch. I was really impressed. I loved the decor and thought the food was pretty good-(buffet style). What stood out to me the most was the service. Everyone from the hosts to the servers were incredibly friendly. So much fun--was a great first mother's day for sure! Will definitely go back as soon as possible!

The bar is very tiki-fied but the vibe is cut short by the multiple tv's coloring the space in bad lighting...

The drinks were fun, and the service was great...

They would do well if they built a small platform for the performers, just standing on the concrete floor doesn't feel right...

The use of compact florescent light bulbs through out are also a major vibe killer...

Overall we had a great time and hope this spot lasts...

Terrific happy hour specials: Drink and appetizer prices are half price all day Mondays and from 4:00 - 7:00 the rest of the week. Several of the tiki drink offerings appear to be made using the original recipes that are in Beach Bum Barry's Intoxica and the Grog Log. The service was terrific! The bar is kind of like tiki meets sports bar due to the flat screen TVs but, I found them to be a pleasant distraction. I haven't experienced a live music or entertainment event here yet, but I am looking forward to doing so in the near future.

Don's a trek for me, but when I can make it down there, I ALWAYS have a good time. They have thee best Mai Tai's and obviously their food is amazing too. You must go when they do their happy hour prices. SUCH a good deal!!

Had a fun time celebrating my friends birthday with some great Happy Hour drinks. Even picked up a Sam's Seafood Tiki mug from the ever shrinking supply.

I had a great time here. They have great food and great drinks. A tiki restaurant that has both good food and drinks is a rare find. Everytime I am in the area I will definatley make my way back here.

Swung down again today to see about picking up the new don the Beachcomber signature mug. But, alas, they are not available to the public yet. Still the food and the drinks were great. I enjoyed the Mai tai and my friend enjoyed the Lapu Lapu. great stuff.

Was there again last night with a bunch of the TikiCentral folks. I had my first Zombie and it was delicious. I wonder how many times I have to vist before I change my status to regular?