Smuggler's Cove

Pacific Mermaid
visiting on
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
for the first time

Reply

Sign in to reply
Citizenskip
visiting on
Monday, August 6, 2018
for the first time

Reply

Sign in to reply
tiki-kath
visiting on
Thursday, September 6, 2018
for the first time

Reply

Sign in to reply
jimbo
visiting on
Monday, November 12, 2018
for the first time

Reply

Sign in to reply

Regulars & Visitors

View all 567 Smuggler's Cove regulars & visitors

Humuhumu’s description

Smuggler's Cove was opened in December 2009 by Martin Cate, a renowned rum expert and longtime tikiphile who was one of the founders of Forbidden Island

Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge

Alameda, CA

Bar

9.3

in Alameda. Smuggler's Cove specializes in all varieties of rum and rum drinks, with a particular emphasis on historic and exotic cocktails. Cate has attracted some of the top bartender talent in the talent-rich city of San Francisco. Smuggler's Cove regularly appears on the lists of the best bars in the world. It has proven incredibly popular: if you go on a weekend, be prepared to possibly wait in a line for entry.

The decor is a blend of nautical and tiki. The dimly-lit bar spans three floors: the main and lower levels each have their own bars, and an upper half-level is a tiki hut that overlooks the main floor. There is a waterfall between the main floor and the lower floor, with a small pool at the bottom. The construction was led by Ignacio "Notch" Gonzalez, of San Jose's Top Notch Kustoms

Top Notch Kustoms

San Jose, CA

Store

The offerings can be overwhelming in scope: over 500 rums, and more than 75 cocktails. If you're intent on trying as many as possible, consider entering the Rumbustion Society; those who complete the list are rewarded for their efforts.

In September 2016, Martin Cate opened False Idol

in San Diego.

Comments

Anarion

Anarion has visited Smuggler's Cove.

May 29, 2018, 2:16 PM

Finally made it to Smuggler's Cove this past MDW. Absolutely lived up to the hype. All our drinks were amazing, bartender was attentive, crowd was well-mannered. Steve made us a Rongorongo, a drink he invented that made it onto the menu (though not in the book yet). Started my Voyager card and completed the first chapter of the Rumbustion society. Only negative was that we had to leave to catch our flight. Can't wait to go back.

jackalacka

jackalacka has visited Smuggler's Cove.

May 20, 2018, 8:14 AM

We finally got to SF to visit this bar and loved the decor, drinks and staff but were surrounded by douchy bros and their �oh my gawd� girls screeching so loudly in the basement that we gave up our table to just stand on the main floor.

Eastcoastdoug

Eastcoastdoug is a semi-regular at Smuggler's Cove.

March 30, 2018, 4:32 AM

The glass front with a guy sitting on a chair is a sure sign of something but, you�re not sure what????? Take a chance, approach like you know what�s up!!! Show some ID then open a door that leads to a short black curtained tunnel, pass through the dark cloth and you walk into an amazing multi level tiki drenched three level heaven!!! That�s all I can give, a must visit to understand!!

View all 29 comments