Insider Pages Reviews for The Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar

5 Stars: So Good (by GD)

GD — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 02:00:00 GMT

Ambiance

4 Stars: A San Francisco Tradition (by Ritabfromsf)

Ritabfromsf — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:00:00 GMT

Went on dancing dates there 50 years ago and recently returned to find it just as enjoyable. Happy hour food and drinks were very reasonable. A tropical drink with a paper umbrella and fruit is fun. We stayed around for dancing and were not hassled to buy more drinks. Since it was my birthday, I was even given a fancy dessert to celebrate. Although it's fun to dress up you can be comfortable in casual attire. A stroll through the elegant Fairmont lobby
capped off the evening.

5 Stars: Tonga Room (by Kelly G.)

Kelly G. — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 20:24:00 GMT

This place has a fun, festive atmosphere as well as great food. The menu is a bit small in choices, but all dishes tasted were very good. The band that played on the floating boat was really good and it was fun to see it rain inside. You are also able to purchase the festive glasses all of the fun drinks come in.

4 Stars: Fun (by Judy B.)

Judy B. — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:46:00 GMT

Ate here before a concert. They treat you with an inexpensive appetizer buffet but the drinks are pretty pricey. The atmosphere is pretty fun and we would go back again.

5 Stars: Tonga Room (by Jared K.)

Jared K. — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:06:00 GMT

There aren't many original Tiki rooms that have operated continuously since granddad swam home from Bali Hai, but this is one of the ones . Light and water show with rain hits like clockwork as do the blistering Mai Tais. Yeah it's pricey, but you're with me baby.

4 Stars: fab fab fab (by roifield)

roifield — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 01:00:00 GMT

One of the few Tongan restaurants outside of Tonga! Worth a visit to sample the south pafic cusine for this small island.

5 Stars: love this place - and its retro style (by caravaggista)

caravaggista — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 02:00:00 GMT

okay, while living in the bay area, i used to come here for an occasional happy hour. the drinks were good and the free buffet - decent. a few months ago, my mom and i came up to sf for a friend's wedding. my friends live around the sunset and richmond district. however, we decided to stay at the orchard garden (great hotel). exhausted, i had one of my friends meet me at the hotel and decided to walk somewhere closeby. we wanted to go to a place, where you can bring mom, to drink and have fun. wise choice... the filippino band was amazing. playing everything from top 40 to class rock 'n roll. and, we could tell they enjoyed jamming. (appreciated their non-cheesy renditions). since, we never had eaten a meal at this establishment, we ordered appetizers and drinks. after tasting the fried rice and everything else we ordered, we regretted not ordering a meal. the food was good. and, would have cost as much as what we spent on appetizers. (i am definitely going back for food). another thing i enjoyed about this place - you can come dressed however you would like. it is also a place you can come dressed in the attire (which you would never wear again, otherwise) you purchased to attend the opera or that wedding in 2005. its fun to get dressed up - the kind of "dress-up" wear you would watch your mother put on when she would go out on weekends or used to don when you were first in college - going to a nice restaurant with your group of friends- and tried to be "adult." this is definitely the place where you can wear your pearl choker and cocktail dress.

2 Stars: Wow! This place is really tacky. (by hobotourist)

hobotourist — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

It feels like like the perfect venue for a Goldman Sachs office party or something. We could picture a senior VP getting drunk on Mai Tais (which are quite good actually) and hitting on an intern as the faux Polynesian band belts out Journey. Nothing against Goldman Sachs really. We were just being juvenile and imaginative (drunk). I guess the festive mood does have an effect.

Just remember to visit this place with low expectations and take in all the cheese. It's like an episode of Montel. You want to turn it off but your having too much fun enjoying how bad it is. And for that it get two stars instead of one.

1 Stars: Poor Drinks, Bad Service, Incredible Decor, Astonishing Prices (by OaklandCocktailian)

OaklandCocktailian — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 02:00:00 GMT

They just reopened Thursday after renovations, seems unchanged. 6 of us, we ordered ~10 drinks over the course of the evening. The Singapore Sling and Mai Tai were terrible, the French 100 - a champagne cocktail - was totally flat - no sparkle at all, the service was so slow that it was too difficult to send the drink back. The bus-boy cleared away my 'souvenir glass' without asking. The Planter's P*nch was pretty good, the shitake egg rolls were excellent as was the almond garlic tapenade on flatbread. The band was entertaining, some of their songs were quite good - fun to dance to.

The decor is incredible, the monsoon rain is fun - if heavily chlorinated. It was $245 for 6 people - two appetizers, 10 or 11 drinks, and the $7 per person cover charge for the live entertainment.

How can this place have a 5 star rating when it gets so many well deserved bad reviews?

FWIW, we throw cocktail parties and really know good cocktails, we have all of Jerry Berry's recipe books, we know what they are supposed to taste like.

4 Stars: Great for drinks and a laugh! (by Nicole K.)

Nicole K. — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:40:00 GMT

Great cheesy atmosphere complete with the band and scorpion bowl drinks. Definitely bring a large group of friends and prepare to drink a lot and dance!

4 Stars: Still Good (by R f.)

R f. — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 00:48:00 GMT

You got to check this place. If you want some fancy atmosphere instead of ghetto like clubs, try this one out. This place is always packed usually on weekends. Either someone is celebrating something or just plain parties and good time. This place is located at Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco.

4 Stars: Excellent Mai Tais (by J L.)

J L. — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:45:00 GMT

Being in an upscale hotel you only expect the best food, and that's what you'll get here at the tonga room. The dishes are delicious, the dessert is awesome & the drinks to die for. The mai tais are the best! while eating you can enjoy the music & even dance a little. I take my parents here every so often & each time they have a different menu! so much to choose from.

1 Stars: bad valet parking (by heidyliza)

heidyliza — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I took my aunty at Tonga room for her birthday along with my sisters and it was bad the minute we arrived at the place.....I stopped in front of the Fairmont hotel and the valet attendant asked if we were checking in and I so no we are having dinner and he said that I am not allowed to do valet parking not unless I pay $50 for a valet parking, I thought it was rediculous for him to say I am not allowed to park there but I told him I didn't care if I have t pay that amount and he kept asking me at least 4 times and I was very offended just because I am Pacific Islander driving a very expensive car and I am young he assumed right away that I cannot afford to be there, that was very rude. When we got to the restaurants the lady set us on the cocktail side not asking if we were ging to have dinner or what not. Finally I told her we want to have dinner and she gave us attitude, the food was not very good and for the price it is absolutely not worth it, average chinese food nothing special. I do not like that place especially the valet parrking which I found out I didn't even have to pay for parking the attendant simply didn't like us because he felt like he was below us..... And we just wanted to have a good birthday celebration ft my aunty.

1 Stars: Overrated (by recycleplease)

recycleplease — Thu, 10 May 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I was very disappointed in this place after reading all the great reviews. I went here for my birthday and the hostess was very rude. She wanted to remind my party that we all had to order an entree to be seated. I'm assuming because we all looked young and might not have been able to afford our meals? The food was not as delicious as I had hoped and definitely not worth the money paid. I felt that you could get much better food for much cheaper elsewhere. However, the waiter was very nice and brought out a free piece of cheesecake for me. I don't like to be a negative customer and usually always try to look on the bright side of things because but this place really didn't deserve my money.

5 Stars: What a night to remember (by neveready14)

neveready14 — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 01:00:00 GMT

We arrived during happy hour and it was wild. We all decided to stay for dinner and were seated at a great table overlooking the lagoon. The food and service were excellent. We ordered several entrees for the table and shared. What a way to go. The Salmon, Chicken Curry, Mongolian Beef, Pepper Beef and Rib Eye Steak were out of this world. Our waiter has worked there for years and knew the place inside and out. My friends and I just went for happy hour and by the time we left the band was finishing their last set. The music was upbeat and the dance floor was packed. The Tonga Room should be on everyones destination list. It was more than just dinner, drinks and dancing with friends. The Tonga Room was an adventure.

2 Stars: Poor Service, Rude Staff (by foramit)

foramit — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Its a waste of money and time. The service is horrible. The only reason this place survives is perhaps because of tourists. The wait staff and the server were all rude and rarely available. Its more like a communist regime where one cannot complain, eat and drink what's served and if served in time.

5 Stars: Incredible!!!! (by jyeltson)

jyeltson — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 02:00:00 GMT

The Tonga Room was a great experience. The food and service were outstanding. I had visited the Tonga Room for dinner a few years ago and WOW has it improved. The decor is incredible, the food was outstanding, and our server was very attentive to our every need. What a night we had. Dinner, Dancing, and Tropical Storms with great food, exciting drinks, and a great wine list. The Tonga Room is a place everyone should experience either go during Happy Hour, Dinner, or late night drinks and dancing.

1 Stars: Never Again! (by gmcres)

gmcres — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 02:00:00 GMT

What a horrible experience...It was freezing in the restaurant, the wait staff was rude and condescending, the food over-priced, the drinks wimpy...I could go on. Don't waste your money there.

4 Stars: Love Tiki Atmosphere! (by libby_enright)

libby_enright — Wed, 20 Sep 2006 02:00:00 GMT

i suggest the happy our - you can get some food and the drinks aren't as expensive... i went with a group for a friends pre-birthday celebration, very fun and decorative which made for a great time!

5 Stars: Excellent food and fun atmosphere (by mikedes)

mikedes — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Some may call this the Tacky Tiki, but it still is a top notch restaurant. For good food, entertainment and dancing, you just can't beat it. From the potstickers to the lobster, everything was excellent and well-priced. Go and just have fun, with the lightning, rain and entertainment, a great place to not take things so seriously. My wife and I had a great time.

5 Stars: 5 stars for Frankie! (by jkmail9876)

jkmail9876 — Sun, 21 Aug 2005 02:00:00 GMT

This is the greatest bar on earth if you are in the mood for a kitsch, themed tiki sensation. Got there around 5 "just for the one", left 4 or 5 hours later having not laughed so much in a bar for years. The staff are great (esp Frank behind the bar who has worked there for 29 years), the crowd friendly and the band (playing on a floating boat) play the lounge hits you would expect.

Bottom line is that if you are in the mood to drink from a pineapple you should go there. If this does not appeal then why are you thinking of going to a bar called "The Tonga Room" in the first place???

2 Stars: NEEDS TO BE UPDATED! (by lasund)

lasund — Fri, 05 Aug 2005 02:00:00 GMT

The idea of the tonga room is great! It is a fun concept that needed to be updated about 10 years ago. The service is horrible and cold. They have the worst house wine i have ever had in this city (it tastes like water) and it is not cheap. They really need to revamp their service mentality and upgrade their Food and Beverage. I want to go by for happy hour, but i just know i will get treated poorly and pay a lot of bad wine. I want to love it, but it needs help.

3 Stars: Dinseyesque (by flystar4)

flystar4 — Wed, 13 Jul 2005 02:00:00 GMT

Definitely a cutesy place. Dark room with tiki huts and a tiny little pool. We went for happy hour which was not much of a savings. The drinks, while pretty loaded, were average at best. Also the "buffet" that they offer is minimal and not worth the price. The happy hour buffet with the 1 drink minimum cost us $16 plus tip. So if you're interested in a single drink, potstickers and a veggie tray, this place may work great for you.

5 Stars: Best place to be (by mamavalle)

mamavalle — Fri, 08 Jul 2005 02:00:00 GMT

The tonga is the Best! It's atmosphere is great you are surrounded with different walks of life. The dancing is fun and you'll have the time of your life. Also, the food is some of the best food in the city. happy Hour is highley recomended.

2 Stars: Poor Service (by judogirl)

judogirl — Sun, 03 Jul 2005 02:00:00 GMT

I took my husband here last night because he's never been. It was ok but dopey the last time I went several years ago. We were seated within a few minutes but the waitress never came to take our order! We sat there for 15 mins and no acknowledgment or nothing. So we just left. I doubt if we'll come here again.

4 Stars: SILLY BUT FUN (by stereogirl)

stereogirl — Fri, 18 Feb 2005 01:00:00 GMT

After reading all the reviews I still decided to go to the tonga room. I did ask what drink was strong and they told me a few. I think since I was asking for a strong drink they made it strong-so try that if you think the drinks are weak. I got silly off two, one was a two person drink and the other was a mai tai. The band was out of the 80s and didnt even know Gwen Stefani song but she did okay. we had fun drinking and dancing. the decorations were really nice-not like everyone else described them. overall I give it 8. food was okay-too pricey for what we got. next time Im going for happy hour-but will miss the funny 80s music!

2 Stars: Doesn't live up to the hype (by deluxewendy)

deluxewendy — Wed, 28 Jul 2004 02:00:00 GMT

If you're an SF local, don't go here! It's full of tourists and loud people on cell phones. The drinks are expensive and weak. The rain shower was a joke. If Disneyland had a bar inside the park, this would be it.

5 Stars: A Pirate's Life for Me! (by blasfemmereally)

blasfemmereally — Sun, 28 Mar 2004 01:00:00 GMT

The Tonga Room is a must-see! The drinks are creative, taste good & pack a punch. They might seem expensive, but a lot of them are for two or more people, so split up it's not too bad. The lounge band sings all covers & they're a lot of fun. Some people like to dance, & there's a nice floor for it, but I prefer to sit back with my friends and take in the atmosphere. To me, this place is silly - a jungle hut in the bottom of a ritzy hotel - the elevator even has a "T" floor (for Tonga), but that's all the fun. Some people take dates, some people bring kids (but they're never a problem), and then there's the rest of us sipping the 151-laced drinks & enjoying the absurdity.

3 Stars: I was disappointed... (by colinonly)

colinonly — Mon, 16 Feb 2004 01:00:00 GMT

The whole idea of it sounds pretty cool, a rainstorm, south Pacific themed, a boat with a band. However, it was not as cool as it sounds. I had the two to mango drink, which was ok, not the best tropical drink I've ever had. There were people dancing, but they were so geek squad that I felt like I was at a wedding in the 1980s. The only good thing was that there weren't that many people there and there were plenty of seats for large groups. I don't think i'd ever go back.

1 Stars: Tonga Room (by techpro)

techpro — Mon, 22 Dec 2003 01:00:00 GMT

The restaurant is an old indoor pool area converted into a place for a boat with a live band to play/sing on. More of a TikiRoom than Pirates of the Carrabian. I went to try one of there so-called famous Mai Tais. I am sorry to say that it was the worst one I've ever had. And it cost me $10.50 before tip. Way over-priced Mai Tai. The group at the next table had a problem getting service. Customer Service wasn't a big thing that night. My bar tender was hardly around and so everyone else at the bar didn't drink as much either. We all couldn't wait to go elsewhere. The head of the table next to me let the server know that she wasn't good at customer service. I noticed the rest of the tables wasn't being served that well. Live and learn...

3 Stars: Do You Really Want to Hurt Me? (by lauralippay)

lauralippay — Sat, 23 Nov 2002 01:00:00 GMT

Do You Really want to make me cry? (laughing). Sitting under a tiki hut, sipping a fufu drink out of a plastic coconut, listening to a soft rock 80's band on an 'island' amidst the 'pool' centerpeice behind an occasional 'rainstorm' (I've seen better rainstorms in Rainforest Cafe - and it doesnt even really 'rain' there!), this could easily be a favorite hangout for Kenny G, anyone who prefers to be called Maestro, or any ex-sorority sister who's ideal night on the town involves wearing your shiniest sequined blouse, and sipping umbrella drinks whilst rotating your shoulders and snapping your fingers to "We're in This Love Together'. Boogie woogie woogie woogie. It was like pulling teeth trying to get a table out of the gatekeepers. Guess we didnt look 80's chic enough? Dessert was nothing special, unless your just impressed by pineapple or whipped cream and strawberry toppings.

4 Stars: Fun atmosphere (by arianna_king)

arianna_king — Fri, 27 Sep 2002 02:00:00 GMT

Don't go to the Tonga Room for great food or great service. This place has a unique atmosphere that is worth experiencing! What other restaurant has rain showers every 30 minutes? The drinks are good - umbrella and multiple person drinks are their specialty.

3 Stars: Cool.. (by ClubLord)

ClubLord — Sat, 21 Sep 2002 02:00:00 GMT

Ever been to Disneyland's Pirates of the Carribean? The ambiance is like that and you can have a great tasty drink while you absorb the surroundings. Very cool decor! Ok now for the part that sucks. The sevice is horrendous! The wait staff are underpaid and hate life! DO NOT - bring a date to the Tonga Room! Ambiance - thumbs up. Service - Thumbs down. Drinks - thumbs up!

5 Stars: If you are missing thunderstorms... (by siswoo)

siswoo — Mon, 19 Aug 2002 02:00:00 GMT

This is the place to go. All you can eat buffet for happy hour on friday, lots of yummy drinks to choose from. Note that it is in the lower level of the Fairmont Hotel (in case you are meeting people there).

3 Stars: Weak and Overhyped (by SRosenbaum)

SRosenbaum — Wed, 03 Jul 2002 02:00:00 GMT

Weirdly split between conventioneers enjoying the bad lounge band's Celine Dion covers and twentyish hipsters trying to groove on the kitsch. The drinks are expensive and all the same--basically sugary, cheap-rum-and-fruit-punch concoctions. The servers don't appreciate being part of your ironic experience--they'd rather be waiting on the regular people who write off their tabs as business expenses. Not really all that fun, even with the "rainstorms" that drench the "lagoon" every hour.

4 Stars: Happy hour is a kick (by peterbehle_citysearch)

peterbehle_citysearch — Fri, 07 Jun 2002 02:00:00 GMT

Sure, you'll spend a few bucks and the food/buffet isn't great. But there's lots to eat and the drinks are big and strong. Plus, the show and the atmosphere. The "thunder storms" are an absolute hoot. Some folks have been known to try to sneak away with some of the exotic glassware, but I wouldn't recommend such a thing...