in Newport Beach. The business didn't do well initially, until the manager Tom Ham took it over and renamed it Bali Hai. Atop the building, you can still see "the Goof," a funny-looking guy who was the mascot for Christian's Hut. Bali Hai developed their own mascot, Mr. Bali Hai, whose droopy-lidded face can be seen at the front door, and on the tiki mugs. Today, Bali Hai remains a popular Polynesian restaurant, with many fine examples of Polynesian art both indoors and out.

Bali Hai is located on Shelter Island in San Diego, along with Humphrey's Half Moon Inn

classic

Humphrey's Half Moon Inn

San Diego, CA

Hotel/Motel

8.6

and Trader Mort's Liquor

classic

Trader Mort's Liquor & Deli

San Diego, CA

Store

6.7

Comments

kahunam

kahunam has visited Bali Hai Restaurant.

August 14, 2017, 6:57 PM

A sad experience for certain. It appeared that they had removed most of the original Tiki d�cor. When we visited I went for the "world famous" Mai Tai, which was undoubtedly the WORST I have ever had in any Tiki bar, anywhere. I had to ask for some Sprite to make it palatable, instead the waitress said that she would get me some guava juice, as that is what she usually does to make them drinkable. This was NOT top shelf liquor at all. Food was very expensive and not that good for the price, or the reputation. Once was enough for me. I've been there, done that....

PineappleWhip

PineappleWhip has visited Bali Hai Restaurant.

August 14, 2017, 8:54 AM

As with a comment on another location, my first time here was for Tiki Oasis mix & mingle, so it's a bit biased. This place is Amazing!! The view here is amazing, and with the bands playing and the crowd for Tiki Oasis, this is the ultimate perfect place for this event. The Lanai was a perfect gathering place, the food was excellent, and the drinks were delicious and well crafted, the staff were attentive, helpful, and pleasant. There is some cool d�cor, and the architecture is phenomenal. I will be back, for sure just to enjoy even when it's not Tiki Oasis :D

AzMexFuji

AzMexFuji has visited Bali Hai Restaurant.

July 30, 2017, 9:29 PM

I stumbled upon Bali Hai around 2014 while staying at Half Moon Bay. The entire island is tiki style so it's fun to walk around. A tiki newb's perspective: I ordered the Mai Tai (I was more of a wine, beer, simple cocktails before this moment). I enjoyed it enough to pursue making my own good Mai Tai at home. You know that becomes a journey right away. The rest is going to be history. Never underestimate what a gateway establishment and strong Mai Tai can do to trigger a newly tiki obsessed person.

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