Bamboo Hut in San Francisco, CA

When Bamboo Hut opened in 1999, it was at the very front of the wave of modern bars inspired by the resurgence in interest in Polynesian Pop. It's more of a nightclub than a bar, with DJed '80s pop music setting the soundtrack, but it's full of spot-on details. There is lots of bamboo and thatch, pufferfish lamps and glass floats, and an outrigger canoe hung from the ceiling. The lighting is appropriately dim and moody. Drinks are served in tiki mugs and bowls, but are on the sickly-sweet side.

Near the entrance is a dramatic waterfall feature, topped by a massive tiki head. The tiki started life as a road sign for the Coral Reef Restaurant

history

Coral Reef

Sacramento, CA

Bar & Restaurant

in Sacramento, and the Bamboo Hut website says it dates from 1947.

Comments

Atomic Tiki Punk

Atomic Tiki Punk has visited Bamboo Hut.

December 28, 2016, 2:25 PM

Visited here with friends around 2000, it was more on the cheesy side, but we had a great time, it was during the Swing scene period in San Francisco, the music was more Rockabilly, Swing, 80s etc.

It has a dive bar mood & nothing wrong with that, don't know what is like now.

Dr Allbright

Dr Allbright is a semi-regular at Bamboo Hut.

January 25, 2016, 3:36 PM

As far as tikiness goes, this place has a great look and vibe, and the drinks, although not nec, are alright, The drinks are pretty good albeit a little on the sweet side. They are also reasonably priced. so this place is great for a party with friends or whatnot. The bartenders are super friendly , as well. So if you don't mind being constantly in the middle of off - duty strip club employees, this place is cool.

Sneaky Tiki

Sneaky Tiki has visited Bamboo Hut.

May 9, 2011, 9:48 AM

This place is the best! Where to start...First of all this is the only somewhat regular bar in a very long street filled with strip clubs and porn shops so the regular clientele seemed to be off duty strippers and suited up club managers but the vibe was VERY friendly and laid back.

As for decor you will NOT be disappointed. There is tiki, dim lighting, even real burning torches on the walls in a little back room.

We have been to many places that might have some tiki design but don't really serve up the drinks but this place has a huge and changing menu of really neat drinks and not just your same old Grog and Mai Tais but some more creative stuff. The best part was...it was CHEAP. We had a flaming frozen concotion that was enough for three and another tiki drink (so we could take the mug) and it was $12. That was a steal and the bartender was really great!

If you want a laid back divey tiki joint with fun drinks and a variety of mugs it's a must see.