Bali Hai Restaurant

Comments about Bali Hai Restaurant

Tikiwolverine

Tikiwolverine has visited Bali Hai Restaurant.

June 3, 2018, 12:41 AM

Found this place looking for tiki. Reserved a table for Sunday Brunch buffet with bottomless mimosas. Would highly recommend! It’s a tiki building with tiki sculptures. It’s the location that sets it apart, amazing views of the water! Great food! Awesome service!

Raider273

Raider273 has visited Bali Hai Restaurant.

November 19, 2017, 7:52 PM

Wife and I had dinner there Wednesday, September 15, 2017. Service and food were solid, drinks were too sweet and lacked distinctive flavors. Nice evening and will return next time we're in San Diego; good but not amazing.

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 décor. 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 décor, 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.

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.

DewiTiki

DewiTiki has visited Bali Hai Restaurant.

July 22, 2017, 2:50 PM

Coming to San Diego from Alabama, and having heard of Bali Hai's fame, my expectations were high. I was disappointed, as the place seemed to give an acknowledging nod to its Tiki roots (some interesting wall displays of Tikiana and several statues), while sending another vibe that it was now more about being just another upscale restaurant with a nice view. There was live entertainment on this Tuesday night--a talented guy singing some Hawaiian tunes self-accompanied by guitar--which was one of the nicer touches. Since this was my first visit, I can't say how Bali Hai was originally decorated, but my guess is that much of its Tiki decor was removed. I hope they replace it.

A.E.Mitchell

A.E.Mitchell has visited Bali Hai Restaurant.

May 11, 2017, 12:47 PM

Started the evening at False Idol and ended the evening at Bali Hai. We had a selection of appetizers and I tried the classic Navy Grog. The food was excellent and the Grog was as well. Since we are outside rather difficult to grade the Tiki-ness. All in all a totally enjoyable evening.

KevinCrossman

KevinCrossman has visited Bali Hai Restaurant.

April 8, 2017, 9:13 PM

Lunch on a Saturday and the place wasn't too crowded, though unfortunately we were next to a table of 12 including four loud kids.

I should have listened to the comments about the Mai Tai, which had even less non-Rum than the menu implied. Really all it needed was a little something else but as it is it is very strong but really not very good. Mai Tai lovers, be sure to avoid this!

Out lunch was outstanding as we sampled pupus. The other drinks we had were good (not great) but really liked this place. Lots of old school touches and the views were amazing. Good service too.

Disarmed

Disarmed has visited Bali Hai Restaurant.

November 25, 2016, 9:24 AM

I wish they would use real orgeat instead of Trader Vic's high fructose concoction. =(

KukePuluke

KukePuluke has visited Bali Hai Restaurant.

September 26, 2016, 7:08 PM

I like this place. The old school atmosphere helps....and the views of the water are wonderful.
On my second visit here I ordered a Mai Tai.
I recommend NEVER ordering a Mai Tai here if you like Mai Tais.
I have that drink probably in every Tiki bar in the world, and have concentrated on making my own version of the drink at home. The Bali Hai version is simply too strong and heavy, lacking the subtleties and complexities of, for instance, the Mai Tai at the nearby False Idol.
And again, despite the Mai Tai, I like this place.
One is not bludgeoned with the Tiki-ness of the place. It's strong old-school presence and the lovely views are winning elements.

Merry Mermaid

Merry Mermaid is a semi-regular at Bali Hai Restaurant.

April 26, 2016, 3:07 PM

I grew up going to this San Diego iconic restaurant with its gorgeous view. In the last five years though, they have perfected the menu and the food is fantastic. The Mai Tais are very true to Polynesian culture, as they aren't sugared up with juices or mixes. It's all about the rums. Mai Tais and other island style drinks can be served in a Mr. Bali Hai collectible mug, which is cool! The reason I make it a point to return to Bali hai at least once a month is the live music. As far as I know, they only have one musician who plays there and he is AMAZING!!! He makes me feel like I'm on a beach in Maui. His voice is wonderful and he plays authentic Hawaiian songs. I bring my friends to hear him play and we don't leave the lounge to eat dinner until his set is over! He makes it well worth the price.

Mai Tai Mike

Mai Tai Mike has visited Bali Hai Restaurant.

January 20, 2016, 9:38 PM

Not your typical Mai Tai, but one I love. No fruit juice here just lots of rum. Limit yourself to two...trust me.

rsully95

rsully95 is a semi-regular at Bali Hai Restaurant.

January 13, 2016, 7:53 PM

Bali Hai is a great place to go for 2 reasons . . . 1. The views and 2. the brunch.

It is the first place I go when I get off the plane in San Diego. I head over there, grab a spot at the bar during happy hour and watch all the Navy planes take off and land at Coronado, right across the water. Bali Hai's bar has an amazing, nearly 180 degree view of all of San Diego bay and it's right on the water. Be warned, their mai tai is all alcohol and will knock you on your rear. The first one I had I couldn't even finish, but the next time I was there it was a bit mellower.

On top of this great, laid-back vibe, Bali Hai runs an absolutely fantastic Sunday brunch that includes all-you-can-drink champagne and a great menu.

Bali Hai is my personal favorite for relaxing whenever I'm in San Diego.

Shop99er

Shop99er is a semi-regular at Bali Hai Restaurant.

November 20, 2015, 9:50 PM

We go to San Diego at least every 2 years, and sometimes more often. Bali Hai is one of the very few must-do's on every trip.

I went a number of times when I was single and living in SD.

The food has always been excellent, and the drinks are killer. WHen I was young, I like the drinks cuz they were strong. Now, I love them cuz they're well-crafted, flavorful, and strong. At least I added to my criteria.

I can not recommend this location highly enough!!

forgotten tikiman

forgotten tikiman has visited Bali Hai Restaurant.

July 4, 2013, 10:17 AM

The Bali Hai is very cool. Food is good and the drinks are ok. Plus you get a great view of the entire bay. There is some great history too very the accomplished Tikiphile. Aloha!!!

The tiki pinstriper

The tiki pinstriper is a semi-regular at Bali Hai Restaurant.

June 20, 2012, 9:47 AM

I went there last August for my anniversary and it was an amazing experience. They had soft hawaiian music on when i was there, the food was AMAZING! yeah its a bit pricey but for a special dinner to me its worth it. Staff was really friendly and what am i forgetting....... DRINKS they were very strong and very reasonably priced. I always make a point to go when im in SD. But if you want a romantic dinner or a good happy hour in San Diego and your a tiki head i highly highly suggest it.

carlosrossi

carlosrossi has visited Bali Hai Restaurant.

November 9, 2010, 1:37 PM

i took my other half here for our 5 year anniversary and I gotta admit, it was pretty nice. The staff was super nice, the food was good, the drinks were very strong, and we left pretty drunk & happy. I think that's a good thing wouldn't you?

Happy overall with it's whole experience, but could use a bit of a pick me up! It was awfully quiet in there!

PackmanWSU01

PackmanWSU01 has visited Bali Hai Restaurant.

July 15, 2010, 12:27 AM

The food was good (I had chicken of the Gods) and I also like the drinks (especially Goof Punch) with the souvenier glass. The place seems too modern for my taste, but overall it was a great expirience and I'd go again.

Slacks Ferret

Slacks Ferret has visited Bali Hai Restaurant.

November 5, 2009, 12:37 PM

Bananabobs posted this on TC a while back, but it's worth checking out if you're a fan of the Bali Hai. Here is a You-Tube video of a Chrysler Turbine car that's driving around Shelter Island back in the early days of the Bali Hai (stayed tuned around 1:40): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Gy_fNjOy98

Builtiki

Builtiki has visited Bali Hai Restaurant.

September 4, 2009, 4:29 PM

the historic importance makes this a must to visit...the photos of the place as it is being constructed are great to see...

John S. james

February 6, 2009, 10:03 PM

Right on the mark Doktor Tiki! They do have a great tiki oriented gift shop on the ground floor just to the right of the main entrance and I recommend it highly - as prices and selection can be surprising both up and down.

DoktorTiki

DoktorTiki has visited Bali Hai Restaurant.

September 28, 2008, 4:27 PM

So sad...killer location and history; nice classic decor but the drinks and food have fallen so far from what they used to be. The most undrinkable Mai Tai! The other drinks were also more about lots of liquor and little about flavor. The food selection was good but of ten guests, none had anything they would rave about. They should send the bartenders and cooks to the Mai Kai in Fort Lauderdale to rediscover what great drinks and food are like. You should come here as a tribute to one of the oldest Tiki's in America but be prepared to enjoy the nostalgia more than the present.

Articles about Bali Hai Restaurant in Critiki News

Regulars and Visitors of Bali Hai Restaurant

Regulars

People who go to Bali Hai Restaurant at least a few times a month.

• kawikasurf
  About once a month for years
• xtsnpatx
• Klockwork
  Saturday Afternoon
• Fuzzy
• Freddie Freelance
  Thursdays
• LetThereBeRums
  First Monday of every month
• ClassicSanDiego
• Tiki Slinger
  First Monday every month
• DottieDeville
• RoberttheWayne
  Saturdays
• dustinukulele
  happy hour
• Chris-Tiki
  Most days after work!

Semi-Regulars

People who go to Bali Hai Restaurant at least a few times a year.

• 
  arriano
• 
  Critikied
• 
  tropicalihoney
• 
  Aquatic Safarinaut
• 
  The tiki pinstriper
• 
  zinctiki
• 
  Hang10tiki
• 
  tikiwagon
• 
  Dino Noir
• 
  MONDOMOAI
• 
  keepitwildtv
• 
  Honaunau
• 
  Animaginaryboy
• 
  Shop99er
• 
  London
• 
  tikiglees
• 
  rsully95
• 
  Tobin
• 
  junkgirl
• 
  Pelvis
• 
  Kona Keoki
• 
  Merry Mermaid
• 
  scollier
• 
  Mishi-au-go-go
• 
  Baja
• 
  HulaHideaway
• 
  NinaColada
• 
  Maekadudi
• 
  The Collector
• 
  littlemissfelina
• 
  SassyStiletto
• 
  sierralinn
• 
  MichaelCharming
• 
  Luau Lili
• 
  pjripper
• 
  Raqi
• 
  meganmania
• 
  Jayhutch
• 
  4D
• 
  TikiBird
• 
  terrylee
• 
  SoCalTikiGal
• 
  WahineKai63
• 
  TikiOfTheWiki
• 
  Ho'i Hou Ke
• 
  Kalinakona
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  Skycam
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  JungleBird
• 
  Vinnyboombahh
• 
  MissDiLovely
• 
  Alidactly
• 
  so_claire
• 
  amy_sumida
• 
  Rdubya73
• 
  AshbytheC
• 
  TikiRyne

Visitors

People who have been to Bali Hai Restaurant at least once.

• 
  Humuhumu
• 
  Tiki-Kate
• 
  Slacks Ferret
• 
  Zombified
• 
  virani
• 
  Quince at Dannys
• 
  The Jab
• 
  TNTiki
• 
  Trader Mike
• 
  Tiare
• 
  wayne-tiki-tiki
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  monkeyskull
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  angellee
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• 
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• 
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  Ario Arope
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  Trader Tom
• 
  petter
• 
  NautiTiki
• 
  LouieLouie
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  JenTiki
• 
  Tiki Tourist
• 
  Dr.TikiMojo
• 
  151
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  tikitabby
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  sputnikmoss
• 
  tiki dude
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• 
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• 
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• 
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  Joe Banks
• 
  Nurse Tiki
• 
  DanNowicki
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• 
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