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    Pagan Idol

    4.2 (838 reviews)
    Closed 4:30 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 3 months ago

    Services - Pagan Idol

    Venue rental

    Pagan Idol Photos

    PAGAN IDOL ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - Pagan Idol

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    Reviews With Photos

    Lance P.

    Loved it so much we went two days in a row. Monday was pretty empty but Matt was an amazing bartender. Fun, engaging, lots of spirit knowledge. Went back on Tuesday and although it was super busy, Shelley was also great and engaging. There's a back area with alcoves and a 2nd bar that is open most days except Monday. Being near the financial district, there are a lot of tech and finance bros in the bar ordering whiskey in a tiki/rum bar. But would still go back in a heartbeat when I'm in town.

    Outside
    John G.

    I really wish I had taken more pictures of the inside. We ended up here with a group of friends. It was around 12:00 am when we walked in. Entering into what looks like the hull of a ship was cool but walking up the stairs into the back room laid out like a Polynesian island was jaw dropping. This was such a fun place. Maggie welcomed us with a smile and Chantilly the bartender was super sweet and made some tasty beverages. I told everyone I know about this place. If you're going to SF a must see and stop.

    Ronit G.

    Absolutely amazing drinks! Back in 2021 this was the first time I ever went to a tiki bar and it sparked my undying love for tiki bars! This place is a vibe and I recommend it to anyone going to San Francisco.

    Great band with no cover charge , fun atmosphere. Good location near Bart station too. Unique setting worth trying out !
    Joe G.

    Great ambiance, fun setting. We enjoyed the music with a local band . Unique setting and near a Bart station. Recommended b!

    Cocktails
    Adrianna P.

    This place has the most adorable tropical vibe! The atmosphere is great, with a setup of many little seating areas and cozy nooks. It makes for a wonderful, intimate setting that is great for both dates or groups. We especially loved the drinks, the cocktails are cute and creative, and we enjoyed sampling a variety of their excellent menu offerings. Highly recommend checking this spot out for a fun night! We received great service from the staff.

    Riley S.

    This place is great! We got in before it became busy and scored a great seat in the back room. My girlfriend ordered our drinks and she said the bartender was so kind and funny. The drinks themselves were very strong and very delicious. We absolutely loved the entire experience!

    Mixing business and pleasure!
    Karin F.

    Great atmosphere, excellent cocktails and superb service! Things an SF institution for good reason. I had two Tucan Dance beverages and they were truly Delicious. The bar tender was great at his job and dealing with a crowd.

    Banana Be'
    Anh T.

    It was a spontaneous decision to come in with a friend on a weekday after seeing the decorative exterior. On the inside, it was just as fun; we noticed a small aquarium along with colorful dim lights. It was free seating, and we sat along the wall of the bar. We ordered their Pagan Old Fashioned and Banana Be' cocktails. Both drinks had a rum base, and I enjoyed the Banana Be' more due to its less strong alcoholic taste. The drinks were worth the price, and the noise level was just perfect, where I was able to talk to my friend! The bartender who made our drink was friendly and made great conversation even for how busy it was.

    the bird + mango tango
    Melody L.

    Cool tiki bar in FiDi! A friend and I stopped in for drinks after work since our offices are basically right next door. Other patrons seemed to be mostly other office workers with the same idea. Definitely took much longer than expected to be able to order and get our drinks despite not too many people. I had the mango tango, which was much more sour than I would've liked. Tried some of my friend's drink (the bird), which tasted much better. Ambiance in the back feels really immersive, and every so often a sound would play on the speakers that make you feel like you're in a pirate ship.

    Menu
    Tara M.

    Great bar with a good vibe and fun drinks. It's much bigger than it looks on the outside and good for groups or dates! Drinks are a little on the expensive side but they're strong and taste pretty good!

    Chang T.

    My favorite tiki bar in the financial district. Interior 5/5: Cool nautical theme on the entrance room. It's less noisy than the main. Both rooms have their own bar. The main room is more spacious but noisier. They have cool mist , smoke sound system that create the rainforest vibes. If you can try to snag a private bungalow hut- It can seat 5 ppl very comfy and maybe 8 but tight. It helps with the noise and more intimate. Drinks 4/5 Prices from 15-18$ for single cocktails. $38+ for shared group ones. Some have a fire show for it and they queue the music and sound when it's delivered to you. Service 3.5. Not enough staff. Only two bartenders while a large line is forming. The drinks aren't simple so it increases the wait time.

    Bonnie C.

    Came here with friends on a friday night. Wasn't too crowded. My first instinct was "Am I under the sea?" No, I wasn't drunk or anything. It's just the decorations are amazing. We ordered 2 bowls and 1 drink to share among 9 of us. They were on a stronger side which are worth the price.

    L: Serpent's Gift / R: Banana Be'
    Silvie C.

    I've had this place bookmarked for YEARS and I finally had energy to drop in during a work trip. I think I've only ever been to one other tiki bar (golden tiki las vegas) and I am not well-versed in tiki culture but I do enjoy a transporting tropical bev. In true social anxiety fashion, I checked the menu before arriving and saw that two cocktails have a 2 item limit per patron (did I grammar that correctly?). I thought a drink limit was kinda funny until I was halfway thru my first The Bird (which tasted like JUICE) and started feeling buzzy--they're not playing around here! The coconut whip on top was so delicious but I had a hard time determining if I was supposed to mix it in or just take the whip to the dome. The hurricane glass had this weird Mary Poppins never-ending cocktail effect and just when I thought I had finished The Bird, there was more tucked in every bend of the glass. I had to keep the tequila theme going and moved on to a Serpent's Gift. I think I was hoping for more guava on the nose like NYC Superbueno's effervescent and fragrant guava y soda but the Serpent was def giving venom and vigor. I was ready to close out so I could speed walk back to my hotel before the sun went down but my bartender was practicing some cocktails and passed me a Banana Be' to try. The bruleed banana atop the banana chip was the perfect sugary shattering snack to accompany the cocktail. I want to thank my bartender for looking out for me cuz I was a solo female patron. I believe his name is Jose, reflected on my receipt. Def sit at the front bar or front room and tip him (and all staff) well!

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    2 months ago

    Drinks are good. But FREE THE FISH! It's all alone, the space is small, and the water is shallow!

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    No food, just drinks. Go early this place fills up fast. I liked the bar seating. Make sure to eat before, the drinks are strong and

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    28 days ago

    got the painkiller and it was perfect, creamy and strong with a little nutmeg on top.

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    Page 1 of 21

    Pagan Idol Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Pagan Idol

    Do you serve non-alcoholic drink?

    Yes, they make off menu nonalcoholic drinks like a virgin pina colada, just ask the bartender

    Do they sell food?

    They partner with a food truck that prepares and serves a small menu of food in the bar.

    Do they allow outside food?

    Sorry no

    Is there a cover on Saturdays?

    No. There is no cover on saturdays.

    What would you recommend for two people without a reservation for Saturday night?

    Heroin and then go bar hopping

    Do they allow children?

    It is a bar so everyone must be 21 and over.

    Do you serve food?

    No food.

    Do they serve food? Or only drinks

    only drinks. eat before you go b/c the drinks are very strong !

    What does Pagan Idol San Francisco do for their Happy Hour? Times and details please!

    It's a high end bar, I don't think they do a happy hour

    Do they do mocktails as well?

    Yes and they are awesome!

    How much is it to reserve a table?

    I was able to book a table on Yelp at no charge. We spoke to someone at the bar once we arrived and were seated in one of the walled booths in the back.

    Is there air conditioning here?

    Sort of? It is temperature controlled to be humid like a tropical island.

    View All 19 Questions

    Review Highlights - Pagan Idol

    This is what I had to drink: The Daywalker ($15) It's like a Zombie, I think the strongest drink there.

    Mentioned in 19 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    TONGA ROOM & HURRICANE BAR - Tonga Rolls

    TONGA ROOM & HURRICANE BAR

    3.4(3.3k reviews)
    0.4 miNob Hill
    $$$

    Kitschy and expensive, but my wife and I had fun at the Fairmont Hotel's Tonga Room. Strong,…read morefruity tropical drinks, live "yacht rock" music, moody lights, and a light and sound show reminiscent of the Rainforest Cafe, all add up to a great place to start or finish an evening date night. We visited on a Saturday evening in May, not an optimal choice as the place was full of prom dates and wedding parties. Our original table was directly beyond the dance floor so all we could see was various couples swaying to the band. The server was kind enough to move us to a table with a view of the pool and band. The food isn't much to get excited about here, but we were hungry and ordered a couple appetizers. Quite pricey, I mean, it's the Fairmont Hotel, plus there's an additional entertainment fee when the band is playing. But hey, Anthony Bourdain actually liked this place. I agree, it's worth experiencing. PS - This was the second time I've been in the SF Fairmont Hotel. The first was Feb 1988. I was attending a conference with several lady friends, we walked by the hotel and discovered that Lou Rawls was singing in the Venetian Room. My friends finagled the staff into giving us a table at the back for the show. They loved it, but I was young, and bored, and left after a couple songs. I went to a nearby bar, had a couple drinks, and then meandered back to my room, alone. So much for my carefree bachelor days.

    I was able to celebrate my birthday here. The vibe and experience is definitely like Hawaii. We did…read morethe poo poo platter as well as two drinks the Golden cup and then we also did a Kahlúa pork plate and it was very filling. Service was pretty good and the ambience definitely felt like I was back home. Definitely would come back here and celebrate my birthday again. Thank you for letting me spend my birthday with you guys.

    Photos
    TONGA ROOM & HURRICANE BAR - Decorative sculpture.

    Decorative sculpture.

    TONGA ROOM & HURRICANE BAR - Lomi Lomi Salmon Poke

    Lomi Lomi Salmon Poke

    TONGA ROOM & HURRICANE BAR - Lava Flow- alcohol free

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    Lava Flow- alcohol free

    Trad'r Sam - Party Bowl

    Trad'r Sam

    3.7(1.1k reviews)
    4.5 miOuter Richmond
    $

    If you're looking for a cocktail garnished with artisanal moss and existential dread, keep walking…read more But if you want to get functionally over-served in a place that no longer smells like a damp basement from the Truman administration, welcome to the "new" Trad'r Sam. The Glow-Up The "grandfather of tiki" finally went to rehab--and by rehab, I mean it actually got a scrub-down. The legendary grime has been replaced by bright floors, refreshed bamboo, and a bar top so clean you can actually see your pupils dilating after the second round. It's still a dive, but now it's a dive you can bring a date to without needing a tetanus shot. The Heavy Artillery The drinks are still served in bowls large enough to sustain a small village during a drought. Whether it's a Scorpion or a Mai Tai, the ratio of rum-to-juice remains aggressively in favor of the rum. It's tropical, it's blue, and it will have you reconsidering your career at the bank by 10:00 PM. The MVP Bartenders The real reason to crawl out to the Richmond? The bartenders. These absolute legends navigate the chaos with the speed of a high-frequency trader and the patience of a saint. They handle a room full of "one more bowl!" requests without breaking a sweat or losing their wit. The Verdict: It's the oldest tiki bar in SF, and it's finally stopped looking its age. Go for the booze, stay for the bartenders who actually know what they're doing.

    Trad'r Sam's is not a fancy tiki bar, and that is honestly part of the charm. The space is casual…read moreand unpretentious, but the drinks seriously deliver. Everything I tried was really tasty and thoughtfully presented, especially for the price. You get fun tiki vibes and colorful, well-made cocktails without paying downtown cocktail bar prices. If you are looking for a low-key spot with solid drinks that look good and taste even better, this place is a great move. Perfect for a relaxed night out when you want something fun, affordable, and not try-hard.

    Photos
    Trad'r Sam - Electric palm trees

    Electric palm trees

    Trad'r Sam - Bar area

    Bar area

    Trad'r Sam

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    Forbidden Island - Full view of the bar at opening time

    Forbidden Island

    4.2(1.6k reviews)
    7.7 mi
    $$

    Forbidden Island is one of those rare neighborhood gems that somehow manages to feel both special…read moreand 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.

    Forbidden Island is a usual pitstop for us after the Antique Fair in Alameda. The drinks are solid…read moreand the interior decor is fun, but fall short of its neighbors in the surrounding area. It's got a hybrid dive bar with dollar bills on the ceiling, mixed with Tiki. I have tried the Grog, Rum Barrel, and Sunday Special, all of which were solid, but not out of this world.

    Photos
    Forbidden Island - Outside patio area

    Outside patio area

    Forbidden Island - More of the atmosphere of the forbidden island, and I love all the money hanging from the ceiling

    More of the atmosphere of the forbidden island, and I love all the money hanging from the ceiling

    Forbidden Island - The two mugs that they have available. The mug on the left is a special edition mug and $150. The mug on the right is $40.

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    The two mugs that they have available. The mug on the left is a special edition mug and $150. The mug on the right is $40.

    Pacific Cocktail Haven - Silk Street: Song Gin, amaro, jackfruit-coconut cream, sudachi, longan, pandan - Perfectly balanced, not too sweet

    Pacific Cocktail Haven

    4.5(764 reviews)
    0.3 miUnion Square
    $$

    My wife & I visited SF for the 1st time & stayed at Hotel Emblem next door. We noticed so many…read morepeople coming in to this place we decided to look it up & see what the fuss was about. Seeing that it was named one of the top 50 best bars in North American, we had to check it out! We came in a Thursday night in mid-April about 9:45 PM. They have security outside thar checks IDs & also manages the queue in case the bar gets too crowded. We had no issues getting in, but there were zero indoor seats available - both the bar & table seating. Thankfully, they have a really cozy & well-lit patio area. The waitress let us know that even the outdoor patio has table-side service, so we made ourselves comfortable on the outdoor bench & within seconds she had brought us waters & cocktail menus. Weather outside was really nice, so I'm glad we actually sat outside. Each cocktail is $20, which definitely is a little steep, but I think the creativity, quality, & prestige of being named a top 50 bar supports the price. Each part of the menu is organized by liquor ie whiskey, vodka, brandy, gin, etc. We tried 4 drinks total. I only took menu photos of the pages we ordered from but they have a lot more selections. We ordered the Kung Fu Pandan, Silky Street, Rice Rice Baby, & Tropical Gangsta. We had some favorites over others, but all were very well crafted! The drinks came out pretty quickly considering how busy it was. The only hiccup was our final drink took quite a while. Turns out the ticket machine malfunctioned & deleted orders put in & caused a back-up. The waitress was so apologetic & ended up comp-ing 2 drinks, which she definitely didn't have to but it speaks volumes to the high standards they hold themselves to & their customer service. Overall, highly highly recommend checking this place out for a fun night out or post-dinner treat! Glad we made the decision to stop in!

    The cocktails here are always so tasty. I love the vast menu and the Asian influence on their…read moredrinks. Street parking but can walk from the Ferry building or other bart stops with enough resolve lol. Bathrooms - 2 single occupant bathrooms in the back. Always clean and big spaces. Service - friendly and attentive. They kept the drinks and water going consistently! Make sure to bring your physical id! They check at the front~

    Photos
    Pacific Cocktail Haven - Envy in bloom

    Envy in bloom

    Pacific Cocktail Haven - Full moon

    Full moon

    Pacific Cocktail Haven - Still gets me

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    Still gets me

    Pagan Idol - tikibars - Updated May 2026

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