Forbidden Island is the brainchild of owners Michael Thanos, Emmanuel Thanos, and Martin Cate, who are dedicated to bringing back the classic look & feel of an authentic 1960s tiki lounge, complete with bamboo huts, waterfalls, and more.
“We’re proud to be opening Alameda’s first tiki lounge - a place for people from Alameda and around the Bay Area to meet, have fun, and enjoy top-notch cocktails in an exciting environment,” says Michael Thanos. Brothers Michael & Emmanuel Thanos are long time tiki-enthusiasts and part-owners of the hugely successful Conga Lounge in Oakland, now celebrating its third year.
Martin Cate is an organizer of the San Francisco Bay Area Tiki Weekend, an annual four day celebration of all things tiki that each year brings hundreds of people from around the world to the Bay Area. He is also a former Trader Vic’s bartender and member of the United States Bartenders Guild. “We want to remind people of how good tropical drinks can be - with fresh-squeezed juices and premium spirits, showcasing seasonal ingredients and modern mixology,” says Cate.
Frequently Asked Questions!Do you have food?
Yes! We have a small menu of tasty fried appetizers and snacks- things like spring rolls, Crab Rangoon, and our famous sweet potato fries. Perfect for soaking up all that rum and fruit juice!
Can I bring the kids?
No! We are strictly 21 and over only. We are licensed as a bar only, not a restaurant. We don’t have a kitchen, just a fryer. Please note that the parking and patio are also 21 and over only, and this includes private events. And yes, babies count as well, even if they (probably) won’t order a Mai Tai.
Can I at least bring my dog?
Dogs are welcome on our patio, but not inside the bar (except service dogs)- please bring them through the gate on the side. Please note that we currently operate a one-strike dog policy: the first dog to fight with another dog or attack a patron will cause dogs to be permanently banned from Forbidden Island. Please make sure your dog is sociable and “plays well with others”.
Why does the patio close so early?
The patio out back closes at 9:00pm each night as we are surrounded by residential property on all sides. We close it early out of respect for our neighbors and we ask that our patrons please smoke out front after 9:00pm. In addition, when going to you car or leaving for the night, we kindly ask that you leave quietly out of courtesy to the rest of the neighborhood. Also: Please do not block any of our neighbors driveways when parking! Mahalo!
And why can’t I get any service out here?
One more thing about the patio: Because of the terms of our liquor license, we can’t have servers on the patio to take drink orders or deliver drinks or food. We really wish we could, but I’m afraid we can’t. Head back to bar for your orders, and we’ll drop the food and drinks on the end of the bar- remember to check back in before the chow gets chilly!
Why do I have to wait outside?
On weekends, we will usually start a line to get in. This is to comply with fire code regulations, but also to make sure that the bar stays comfortable and not too crowded inside. We want you to enjoy your experience, be able to get to the bar for a drink, and let our servers get through to the tables as well!
Where’s the Grey Goose?
We take pride in featuring locally made wines, beers, and spirits. That’s why we’re proud to offer Alameda’s own Hangar One vodka as our sole premium vodka. Fortunately, it’s outstanding vodka. We also offer Alameda’s own Rosenblum Cellars as our only wine, and feature select microbrews from around the Bay Area. In addition, look for other great Bay Area brands, such as 209, Sarticious, and Junipero gin, Charbay Rum, St. George spirits, Qi Liqueurs, and more.
Do you really squeeze your own juice?
You bet we do. We’re the only tiki bar in America that juices its own lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit juice fresh in-house every day. There’s just no substitute for the flavor of fresh juice. You’ll never find sour mix, Rose’s, juice from a gun, or frozen concentrates at Forbidden Island. We also make our own syrups and grenadine with pure cane sugar- never corn syrup. Our cranberry juice is naturally sweetened pure cranberry juice (not cocktail) from Oakland’s own Voila Juice. And yes, even the maraschino cherries are naturally colored and flavored and contain no sulfites. We take this pretty seriously.
What’s with the dollars on the ceiling?
It started as a local tradition soon after we opened, and has been going strong ever since. In WWII, sailors shipping out to the Pacific would leave a dollar at their local bar to get a drink when they got back. Don’t forget to leave a message on them! Please note that they are not tips, and you should leave your tips on the bar for our hard working staff!!
How do I book a private party?
Forbidden Island is available for private parties outside of regular business hours. This means Tues-Saturday 2-5pm, Sunday 12-3pm, or anytime on Mondays. You may bring a caterer or outside food, but note that we have no kitchen or prep area. We have great ideas for caterers that we’ve worked with in the past who can help make your event perfect. You may bring your own music, and we can accommodate small bands inside only. Fees are based on the size of your party- email us for more information! Forbidden Island is a venue your guests will never forget!
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