Maurice Ramirez

For my Alameda Restaurant Week coverage, I couldn't skip Forbidden Island, which might be the best place to have a drink in Alameda. It's the most fun spot without a doubt. The bartenders are salty in a good way, adding character to the experience. The tiki statues and garden out back create an immersive atmosphere. Just watch how many drinks you have - you might find yourself underwater if you're not careful with their potent cocktails.

+1

Matee Manakitivipart

Cozy and enchanting tiki lounge 🍹 Looks can be deceiving, their outside looks somewhat plain and dive-ey, but the inside is literally a whole different world. Their tiki ambiance is one of the most charming out there, with creative and tasty drinks to match. I love visiting with friends to just take in the laid back atmosphere and enjoy the evening. Forbidden Island has a particular vibe that no other tiki bar seems to share, definitely worth a visit!

Crystal Sims Old email

Posted a review already. Just incase it didn't show I will do it again:) My husband found this little place while I was on a travel nurse assignment. It is a fun and quirky place. Both indoor and outdoor seating, large variety of fun tiki drinks, small bites menu. They were setting up for a DJ. You can do a walk-in, but reservations are highly recommended.

+10

Sharmili Roy

Woooo what an ambiance. Lovely place. Small but cute. Do reservations before you go otherwise getting a table will be difficult since it's always full. Loved their drink menu and many options. My favorite was Chi Chi. The side food was good to Guatemala with chips that were so fresh and the fries were very crispy. The service was not that great since . We asked for a spoon and they got us almost after an hour. Otherwise this place is a must go place.

+7

Francesca Thomas

Cute little bar in a residential area. If you drive by too quickly, you might miss it. I visited with a few friends on a Saturday evening and had a very nice time on the outside patio. I tried the chambolada and the rum barrel and one friend tried the hurricane. All of the drinks were good and the atmosphere was nice and relaxed. I highly recommend reservations.

+6

Kelly Drake

Very fun and wild place. Their drinks are awesome but their food is fair. Nice outdoor heaters cut the chill. Staff and servers were excellent. We were lucky to find street parking across the street. Highly recommend getting reservations!!!!! Their Monkeypod was the best drink we tried, yummy. Excellent selection of drinks. I can not wait until we can return.

+25

Turnstyle Vintage Group

Really cool tiki bar atmosphere, love the menu that uses 1-4 Skulls on their menu to denote the strength of the cocktails. Service was good, though a bit aloof, I almost felt talked down to? As a veteran of the wine & spirits industry, I appreciate authentic enthusiasm for new methods of creating beautiful cocktails! I don't love clipped or snide descriptions of their methods, assuming that one wouldn't understand anything about their process. That said, I know that the servers and bar were gearing up/ prepping for a big event that evening, so forgiveness and understanding of the challenges is totally necessary. I recommend this place for its liveliness and dedication to creating innovative and delicious cocktails. Just Go there. It's a good place.

Mary Freilich

Cute place. Went at 5:00 and would have needed a reservation to get a table inside. Our host let us sit at a booth since we were there just briefly before a flight. Drinks were delicious and our host did an amazing job explaining the favorites. The food was ok. Coconut shrimp was good. Hummus was good but pita chips were not great (out of a box). Opportunity to upgrade this part of the dish.

Aakash Mhankale

Nice ambience and variety of drinks. Loved the drinks menu a lot to choose from. I tried 5💀level drinks n was not that boozy i felt they can add more alcohol i think. Good for nice first date, Kichen closed when we arrived around 11PM. The bar closes at 12PM on weekend too 🥲.

+35

Max Upp

Amazing drinks and super cool inside atmosphere. The experience though was lacking. We called ahead and were on the list for our party and then were sent to the outside deck on our arrival which was very cold and quiet. After a bit we were invited inside where it felt like the real experience started. Overall a mid experience kind of time with a lot of potential.

+1