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4++ Tiki bar that feels like it's been around for a long time, located in Alameda. As soon as you walk in, the place feels a little diver, and I mean that with utmost praise. It feels comfortable and if you're regular here feels like you're just going to something familiar. There's a backyard area with seating as well. I came here with my brother and my sister-in-law for a drink after having dinner in the area. The people were friendly and helpful. We ordered a few of the tiki drinks. I got the banana hammock, lol. It was tasty and refreshing. Overall, great spot, and I hope to return in the near future. Parking on the street wasn't too hard to find. We parked about a block away in the residential area.
Amazing drinks, perfect vibes, not too loud not quiet, great for a meetup with friends . Really fun decor and great service really can't ask for a better tiki bar and the hurricane is very good. Great snacks too!
This place is adorable and we had a 10/10 experience. We ordered Hurricanes and the shrimp and mozzarella sticks. Everything was delicious, and the staff were really nice and on top of it. The ambiance was incredible and makes you feel like you are in another time and place. It's a great go to if you are in the area!
Decided to come back after years of wanting to go back. The stars had aligned today and we showed up without a reservation. Luckily there was a spot at the bar and my husband and I jumped on the opportunity. We usually like to watch how the bartenders make the drinks. I went with the house drink, forbidden island. I had gotten it before and purchased the green glass. I opted not to get it this time but we did here new cups are coming so I'll be on the lookout for that. My husband got the mai tai but added the upgrade. It was indeed worth it. Ive has mai tai that were super strong but this one didn't have the traditional bite. We hot some coconut shrimp and the empanadas. We tried the Jamaican one. The sauce it came it definitely elevated the flavor of the beef. The coconut shrimp were pretty standard but we enjoyed them. Hopefully it wont be 5 years till we come back again.
This place was recommended to my daughter, and she wanted to bring myself and my wife along to experience at first hand. I remember old tiki bars back in the day in the 50s when I first remembered hearing about him and the 60s when they were still popular. But as time went on and people change, they kind of disappeared, but this one popped up. And I'm so glad it did because it brought back fond memories of what it used to be. When you walk into the place, it's unlike anybody you're gonna walk into there are one dollar bill stuck to every square inch of the ceiling. Smoking is only allowed outside, so the room was pretty clear because as you walk in it is small, but there's plenty of room at the bar and there are a couple little hutches that you can sit in as well as an area around the corner, but the big surprise is outside. When we walked outside, there was like a 10 foot tiki head out there and it was a flash throwback to the old days. It was so much fun to see. The bar serves drinks that are long forgotten and most bars, and they served them with flair. Everybody from the minute I walked in the front door was awesome. They were smiling, attentive, helpful, and making sure that you got exactly what you wanted and the perfect experience. I even had a moment to talk to the owner and tell him how impressed I was by the staff and the fun that the place brought. I would say I will absolutely be glad to return to this place anytime. The quality that drinks is absolutely five star. The flavors were spot on. And the throwback atmosphere was perfect. I strongly recommended for anybody that wants to go out for an evening of fun and frolic. When they close the back where the outdoor seating is a little bit earlier than the regular bar hours it does get a bit crowded on the inside because so many people are there that you didn't see originally. But that didn't change it. We still had maximum fun.
Amazing drinks, friendly servers, and great ambiance. Highly recommended. I loved their piña colada and copa banana!
I love tiki bars and this had a great tiki theme inside and out. Drinks were solid, servers were friendly, but I will say the bar snacks were smaller than expected. Still would go back.
I always have a great time at Forbidden Island. Went on a Wednesday night, got a reservation for a table, and had delicious hot-buttered rum and our fave mozzarella sticks. Service was friendly and helpful, and fast! Love the vibes always and recommend a reservation in case you want a booth of seats that are not the bar.
This place is so cute! If you're looking for a fun spot with cool ambiance in alameda this is your sign to go check it out. I had an excellent time here with my cousins the other night. The person at the door was so sweet. Wishing us happy belated birthdays as they checked our IDs. My cousins birthday was last week, so they actually bought him a complimentary shot. That was so thoughtful. The drinks were fun, and there are plenty to choose from. You'll definitely find something you like here. They also have a small food menu, so if you get the drunk munchies, they have you covered!
My friends and I had a good time. We didn't have a reservation but they gave us a standing table pretty quickly on a Saturday night. But once a table opened up, they gave us one. I got the Leilani volcano and it was very fruity almost like a juice, but I really liked it. The funk blaster tasted like a banana pudding with alcohol in the best way. I also appreciate how the menu rates how strong the drink is. Good vibes and I liked the surfer rock music they were playing.
Great spot for parties , hang out , Sunday afternoon relax , small or large get togethers. Street parking . Looks small from outside but lots of seating inside and out. Love the tiki bar vibes including music and staff attire. Eveyone from the hostesses to the server and bartender were extremely nice, welcoming and funny. Didn't try the food but they do offer bar foods . Next time will do . Tried the drinks and I wish I had all day and a high tolerance. I wanted to try everything all looked so good . 100% recommend.
Food - bar bites (think chicken nuggets, corn dogs, fries). Service - depends greatly on the service professional, my experiences have been good in general, not long waits and plenty check ins without it being overkill. Ambiance - if you like tiki bars, this is your spot! Definitely givinggg as soon as you walk in, outside is nicely decorated en theme also. 4 stars because the drinks I've had all leaned on the too sweet side, less super sweet options would be nice
Forbidden Island is one of those rare neighborhood gems that somehow manages to feel both special and effortlessly welcoming. It's a longtime local favorite of mine and my go-to spot for meeting up with friends--equal parts escape and comfort. The cocktail menu is impressively deep, full of beautifully crafted, fancy tiki drinks that practically beg to be explored, and so far every single one I've tried has been delicious (dangerously so). Inside, the bar nails the classic tiki vibe--warm, immersive, and transportive--while the outdoor patio offers a lovely, relaxed option with plenty of extra seating on warm days. It's the kind of place where you can linger, laugh, and lose track of time. The staff deserve a special shout-out: genuinely friendly, attentive, and accommodating, which only adds to the overall experience. A quick pro tip: if you're planning to stop by during popular after-work hours, definitely make a reservation--it fills up for good reason. The food menu is on the smaller side, but the bites are tasty and thoughtfully done, perfect for sharing alongside a round (or two) of cocktails. All in all, Forbidden Island is a standout spot that keeps me coming back again and again.
A Tiki Bar in Alameda?! Sign me up! I just moved to the area and have been missing the tiki bars back home. Super happy I found this incredible little spot not very far from my new spot! Made a reservation for a Saturday and was able to grab a seat at the bar. This was definitely a necessity. I'll always keep this in mind when planning a visit here. Upon arrival, we were met to cute tiki interior, dollars overhead (my version of heaven), and an incredible staff! It was such a warm and welcoming environment. The staff was mega nice and helped us answer all of our burning questions. The drinks were perfect! I honestly can't remember everything I had, but the menu was expansive and all the drinks were tasty. We got a bit hungry and ordered some empanadas. I loved these! A nice change from other food at tiki bars ive experienced. Awesome visit to Forbidden Island! Im looking forward to visiting again! read more
13 days ago
Visited this place on a Sunday evening with a reservation for a party of six. The place is so cute inside, with inviting tropical-inspired bar seating and cozy booths. They also have a large outdoor seating area. As soon as you step inside, you feel like you've been transported to a tropical island--it definitely gives you that vacation vibe! The drinks weren't exactly cheap, but everything we tried was delicious and pretty strong, so we definitely enjoyed them! The service was also friendly and attentive throughout our visit. Overall, such a fun and vibrant spot to hang out and enjoy some tropical drinks! read more
Cool place, feels like you're hidden in. Fun and dark inside! Very chill vibe here. We had reserved a table and its timed which wasn't bad, they even let us extend our time since the next group reserved time was not there yet. Lots of cool rum drinks, and even tells you what level of alcohol it is. Few food items, very small portions. I really liked their empanadas. Good service and nice staff read more
4++ Tiki bar that feels like it's been around for a long time, located in Alameda. As soon as you walk in, the place feels a little diver, and I mean that with utmost praise. It feels comfortable and if you're regular here feels like you're just going to something familiar. There's a backyard area with seating as well. I came here with my brother and my sister-in-law for a drink after having dinner in the area. The people were friendly and helpful. We ordered a few of the tiki drinks. I got the banana hammock, lol. It was tasty and refreshing. Overall, great spot, and I hope to return in the near future. Parking on the street wasn't too hard to find. We parked about a block away in the residential area. read more
1 month ago
Amazing drinks, perfect vibes, not too loud not quiet, great for a meetup with friends . Really fun decor and great service really can't ask for a better tiki bar and the hurricane is very good. Great snacks too! read more
This place is adorable and we had a 10/10 experience. We ordered Hurricanes and the shrimp and mozzarella sticks. Everything was delicious, and the staff were really nice and on top of it. The ambiance was incredible and makes you feel like you are in another time and place. It's a great go to if you are in the area! read more
Decided to come back after years of wanting to go back. The stars had aligned today and we showed up without a reservation. Luckily there was a spot at the bar and my husband and I jumped on the opportunity. We usually like to watch how the bartenders make the drinks. I went with the house drink, forbidden island. I had gotten it before and purchased the green glass. I opted not to get it this time but we did here new cups are coming so I'll be on the lookout for that. My husband got the mai tai but added the upgrade. It was indeed worth it. Ive has mai tai that were super strong but this one didn't have the traditional bite. We hot some coconut shrimp and the empanadas. We tried the Jamaican one. The sauce it came it definitely elevated the flavor of the beef. The coconut shrimp were pretty standard but we enjoyed them. Hopefully it wont be 5 years till we come back again. read more
5 days ago
This place was recommended to my daughter, and she wanted to bring myself and my wife along to experience at first hand. I remember old tiki bars back in the day in the 50s when I first remembered hearing about him and the 60s when they were still popular. But as time went on and people change, they kind of disappeared, but this one popped up. And I'm so glad it did because it brought back fond memories of what it used to be. When you walk into the place, it's unlike anybody you're gonna walk into there are one dollar bill stuck to every square inch of the ceiling. Smoking is only allowed outside, so the room was pretty clear because as you walk in it is small, but there's plenty of room at the bar and there are a couple little hutches that you can sit in as well as an area around the corner, but the big surprise is outside. When we walked outside, there was like a 10 foot tiki head out there and it was a flash throwback to the old days. It was so much fun to see. The bar serves drinks that are long forgotten and most bars, and they served them with flair. Everybody from the minute I walked in the front door was awesome. They were smiling, attentive, helpful, and making sure that you got exactly what you wanted and the perfect experience. I even had a moment to talk to the owner and tell him how impressed I was by the staff and the fun that the place brought. I would say I will absolutely be glad to return to this place anytime. The quality that drinks is absolutely five star. The flavors were spot on. And the throwback atmosphere was perfect. I strongly recommended for anybody that wants to go out for an evening of fun and frolic. When they close the back where the outdoor seating is a little bit earlier than the regular bar hours it does get a bit crowded on the inside because so many people are there that you didn't see originally. But that didn't change it. We still had maximum fun. read more
3 months ago
Amazing drinks, friendly servers, and great ambiance. Highly recommended. I loved their piña colada and copa banana! read more
5 months ago
I love tiki bars and this had a great tiki theme inside and out. Drinks were solid, servers were friendly, but I will say the bar snacks were smaller than expected. Still would go back. read more
I always have a great time at Forbidden Island. Went on a Wednesday night, got a reservation for a table, and had delicious hot-buttered rum and our fave mozzarella sticks. Service was friendly and helpful, and fast! Love the vibes always and recommend a reservation in case you want a booth of seats that are not the bar. read more
10 months ago
This place is so cute! If you're looking for a fun spot with cool ambiance in alameda this is your sign to go check it out. I had an excellent time here with my cousins the other night. The person at the door was so sweet. Wishing us happy belated birthdays as they checked our IDs. My cousins birthday was last week, so they actually bought him a complimentary shot. That was so thoughtful. The drinks were fun, and there are plenty to choose from. You'll definitely find something you like here. They also have a small food menu, so if you get the drunk munchies, they have you covered! read more
My friends and I had a good time. We didn't have a reservation but they gave us a standing table pretty quickly on a Saturday night. But once a table opened up, they gave us one. I got the Leilani volcano and it was very fruity almost like a juice, but I really liked it. The funk blaster tasted like a banana pudding with alcohol in the best way. I also appreciate how the menu rates how strong the drink is. Good vibes and I liked the surfer rock music they were playing. read more
29 days ago
Great spot for parties , hang out , Sunday afternoon relax , small or large get togethers. Street parking . Looks small from outside but lots of seating inside and out. Love the tiki bar vibes including music and staff attire. Eveyone from the hostesses to the server and bartender were extremely nice, welcoming and funny. Didn't try the food but they do offer bar foods . Next time will do . Tried the drinks and I wish I had all day and a high tolerance. I wanted to try everything all looked so good . 100% recommend. read more
1 year ago
Food - bar bites (think chicken nuggets, corn dogs, fries). Service - depends greatly on the service professional, my experiences have been good in general, not long waits and plenty check ins without it being overkill. Ambiance - if you like tiki bars, this is your spot! Definitely givinggg as soon as you walk in, outside is nicely decorated en theme also. 4 stars because the drinks I've had all leaned on the too sweet side, less super sweet options would be nice read more
9 months ago
Forbidden Island is one of those rare neighborhood gems that somehow manages to feel both special and effortlessly welcoming. It's a longtime local favorite of mine and my go-to spot for meeting up with friends--equal parts escape and comfort. The cocktail menu is impressively deep, full of beautifully crafted, fancy tiki drinks that practically beg to be explored, and so far every single one I've tried has been delicious (dangerously so). Inside, the bar nails the classic tiki vibe--warm, immersive, and transportive--while the outdoor patio offers a lovely, relaxed option with plenty of extra seating on warm days. It's the kind of place where you can linger, laugh, and lose track of time. The staff deserve a special shout-out: genuinely friendly, attentive, and accommodating, which only adds to the overall experience. A quick pro tip: if you're planning to stop by during popular after-work hours, definitely make a reservation--it fills up for good reason. The food menu is on the smaller side, but the bites are tasty and thoughtfully done, perfect for sharing alongside a round (or two) of cocktails. All in all, Forbidden Island is a standout spot that keeps me coming back again and again. read more
1 year ago
Went to their 19th anniversary party yesterday which was so much fun. The staff were busy but service was great. The event was outdoors and the weather was perfect. Rum tasting with Chairman's Reserve. Yum! The drinks at FB are the best. It does take time to receive your drinks, but remember these are very specialized drinks and they take time to make. I really enjoy coming to FB even when it's not a special event. Make a reservation!!! Highly recommend read more
2 months ago
I have some friends that love tiki bars so every time they visit we do a little tiki tour. This is the first year we've been to Forbidden Island and it won't be the last. Loved absolutely everything about it and I will be dragging my partner back to get a monkeypod for sure! Out of 5(!) tiki bars and countless cocktails consumed we all agreed the monkeypod was the highlight cocktail of the week. My friend also loved the Planet of the Apes, which is a good option if you like banana. read more
5 months ago
What with the first time with my wife and we were not disappointed. It was not hard to find, but there is no parking lot, so have to find curb space to park. Right when we walked in, the ambience was nice and easy going. We say at the bar at first, but later they let us into a booth when a reservation cancelled. The drinks were good. My wife got the"monkey business" and that was delicious. I got it off the newer cocktails"siren song" and they secret it to me in a really cool tickki mug, driving was good and I had pleasant buzz. I tried the chambolada after, tasted to me like a raspberry cheesecake. We had the mozzarella sticks and the forbidden fries, we really like the fries. Very solid experience and definitely would go back read more
3 months ago
Fun tiki bar with delicious drinks, including virgin options for a teetotaler like myself. Extensive menu of drinks, mostly rum based. Today I tried the virgin monkeypod, a refreshing mix of tamarind, coconut, and lime, topped with fresh mint. Today was the inaugural edition of Alameda Soul Club at Forbidden Island. Not much of a dance floor but dancers made do and the atmosphere was just perfect. It's a good idea to book a table ahead to secure a prime spot! Easy street parking. Table and bar service for booked seats. read more
6 months ago
Great experience. Justin was the bomb! Great group experience. Drinks are so great! Went here as a group of 7. There is a gratuity if over 6 but worth it. Bar bites are pretty good. read more
Such a cool place! The inside is fun and the outside is huge with all the Tiki decor, it truly transports you to another world. The service was on point and the drinks are fantastic! If you are looking for a fun time, look no further. Cheers! read more
6 months ago
Service was great! Max was amazing, so hospitable! We had to wait a little bit and his communication was excellent! Came out for a girls night at our and we all had a round of Chi Chi's ... a frosty tropical drink and it did not disappoint! The staff were friendly overall. It's a chill vibe, diverse crowd. I'd definitely come back! read more
I came here with a friend to celebrate my birthday after dinner. Forbidden Island was packed with bar patrons. My friend and I sat at the bar. I am not one to imbibe any type of alcohol. An attempt was made to get a Kahlua and cream. No Kahlua, but I was told they had an alternative. Okay, a Black Russian consisting of Mr. Black coffee liqueur, Bailey's Irish Cream and vodka was the cocktail beverage that I ordered. The drink was okay. The bartenders then found out it was my birthday and had offered me a complimentary shot glass or rum. I didn't realize it was rum until I drank it. Never again! I left out of there messed up drunk. Thank goodness I did not heave/barf/throw up. Another thing I have not drank rum since the mid 70's. Back then it was a 151 with a coke back. Yep, I threw up and hadn't touch hard liquor since about 50 years ago. Although the ambiance is a nice one, hard liquor is not my cup of tea. Thus, this tiki bar is a hit or miss for me. I'm 73 years old, and I don't need a drink to be sociable. read more
2 years ago
Party of 2 at the bar. My hubby and I went to Valentine's Day as I have been wanting to go here for a while. We made reservations and glad we did as they were fully booked all night. We were welcomed at the door by a friendly host. Sat promptly. Comfortable bar chairs and very clean establishment. Bartenders were attentive and all very nice. All of our drinks were yummy and so were the bar bites. Looking forward to going back. read more
1 year ago
Came here after my work holiday party at bowlero. There's a large patio in the back where they accommodated all of us, around 50ish people. The tiki drinks are great. I got the one with 5 skulls and had a great time. Also got a variety of the apps. Fun hole in the wall for alameda. read more
5 months ago
11 months ago
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More info about Forbidden Island
1304 Lincoln Ave
Alameda, CA 94501
Directions
(510) 749-0332
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.forbiddenislandalameda.com
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Ask the Community - Forbidden Island
Is there happy hour? If so, when is it?
YES! Mon thru Thurs 4-6pm. Discounted cocktails and $2 off any bar snacks
Is there public transit nearby? Otherwise I'll need a designated driver if I'm drinking tiki drinks.
Yes, the 51A runs from Broadway/ 12th Street BART to Santa Clara & Morton Str (a couple blocks from the bar)
Are we able to Spilt the check with 5 people?
Probably not! They ask for a credit card to put on file before ordering.
Do they have great non-alcoholic options?
Yes! We have 8 delicious tiki mocktails on our menu plus lots of fresh juices!
How is their "service charge" calculated?
"Service Charge" is the same as gratuity and applies to groups of 6 or more. 20 percent before tax.
Can you keep the glasses?
We have a unique signature Tiki mug, served with our Forbidden Island cocktail, that is yours to keep.
Are Pets allowed?
Not as this time. Pre-COVID, pets were allowed on the Patio, as it was an auxilliary drinking area & food was an option. Right now, under Alameda County quarantine rules, they are allowed to operate, patio only, under restaurant guidelines coupled…
Do they take walk ins and is there long time waits?
We now take reservations for most of our seating area, so it's now in your hands to have a table ready for you when you arrive. There is a small section of our outdoor and indoor space that is kept for "walk ins" but it's best to make a reservation,…
Open on memorial day?
Yes, open 5pm to midnight. Also, Happy Hour pricing all night!!
How much is a Scorpion bowl?
$25 for two; $35 for four. Scorpion for four discounted on Sundays...only $25!
When does the kitchen close?
10:30pm Mon thru Thurs; 12:30am Friday and Saturday; 9pm Sunday
Are dogs allowed?
I was there last week, and a man had a beagle with him on the back patio.
Are kids allowed?
Unfortunately not. We hold a bar/ spirits license, so it’s 21+ at all times.
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