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Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar
Master Critic Review
Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar
8.5
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Happy Hour Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Trendy Table Hotspots
Historic tiki lounge inside the Fairmont with daily ‘storms,’ live music, and a popular happy hour where wings and island snacks pair with classic rum cocktails. Come for the spectacle; stay for a surprisingly crisp fry on the wings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Chicken Wings, Ahi Poke Tostadas, Kalua Pork Tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Iconic tiki setting with a lagoon, rainstorms, and happy hour bites.
Who should go: Groups seeking a festive scene
When to visit: Arrive at opening to snag lounge seating
What to order: Spicy wings, poke tostadas, rum classics
Insider tip: Ask for lagoon-side seats; live band sets start later.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available at the Fairmont Hotel (approx. $15–20); limited metered street parking nearby, fills quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; tropical shirts and resort wear blend well, but most guests lean a bit dressy for evening.
Noise level: High during storms and live band sets; quieter in early happy hour but expect lively conversation volume.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating fills especially fast.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable; venue opens late afternoon for happy hour and dinner.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – poke tostadas, veggie spring rolls, and some island small plates can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited – a few sides and salads; most mains skew toward meat or seafood.
Gluten-free options: Some options available, but no dedicated prep area; inquire with staff for modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if your date enjoys a fun, theatrical setting with live music and cocktails; less ideal for quiet, intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly during weekday happy hour if you arrive early; weekends and later evenings strongly recommend booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Early evening can be fine for families; after 8pm the atmosphere becomes more adult-focused with louder music and cocktails.
Best For
Better for: One of the most unique atmospheres in San Francisco – the floating lagoon stage, indoor ‘rainstorms,’ and tiki cocktails make it stand out for celebrations.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, cutting-edge cuisine, or strictly vegan/health-conscious dining.