SF’s Historic Tiki “Tonga Room” Reopens July 9

San Francisco’s historic tiki bar and restaurant, Tonga Room, reopens on July 9, on Friday and Saturday nights.

Located at the iconic Fairmont San Francisco hotel, Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar has delighted guests with its tropical décor, decadent libations and Polynesian-fusion cuisine and family-style meals since 1945.

Tonga Room features The Island Groove Band, which performs top-40 hits from a thatch-covered barge on the “lagoon;” a dance floor built from the remains of the S.S. Forester, a schooner that once traveled between San Francisco and the South Sea Islands; and periodic tropical rainstorms, complete with thunder and lightning.

From Pool to Tropical Paradise

In 1929, Fairmont San Francisco added a new 75-foot indoor swimming pool on its Terrace Level. Known as the “Fairmont Plunge,” the elaborate tile pool attracted local crowds and celebrities such as actress Helen Hayes, actor Ronald Reagan and members of the Water Follies.

In 1945, Metro Goldwyn Mayer’s leading set director, Mel Melvin, was hired to transform the Fairmont Plunge into Tonga Room. The pool became a “lagoon” and a floating stage for the orchestra was added to entertain guests each evening. Not surprisingly, Tonga Room was an instant success.

Anthony Bourdain has called Tonga Room “…the greatest place in the history of the world” (Travel Channel’s The Layover). The venue has also been recognized as one of the world’s hottest bars by VICE, Food Network, ABC, Travel & Leisure, and more.

Thanks to Eater and SF Gate for sharing the news that The Tonga Room is back, complete with it thunder and lightning. They’re open on a first-come, first-served basis on Friday and Saturdays from 5 to 11 pm with dinner served until 10 pm.