operated from 1967 until 1980. Bahooka was lit quite dimly, which contributed to its labyrinthine feel. Aquariums were everywhere�over 100. The decor could perhaps be described as more nautical than truly tiki, with many items salvaged from a Navy scrap yard in Long Beach, but tikis could be found throughout Bahooka. They would make any drink a flaming drink -- even non-alcoholic ones. Near the entrance was an aquarium holding a rather large, decades-old fish, a Pacu named Rufus, who ate carrot sticks. Bahooka was featured briefly in the film Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas.

At the beginning of 2013, it was announced that the owners of the building had sold it to a group intending to gut it of all decor and turn it into a Chinese buffet. The decorations were sold, with much of it winding up at Clifton's Pacific Seas

Clifton's Pacific Seas

Los Angeles, CA

Bar

8.2

. The current whereabouts of Rufus are unknown, despite a massive fundraising to rehome him. The new owners of the building, and thus Rufus, have been unwilling to produce him.

Comments

Phil_tiki_g�ero

Phil_tiki_g�ero was a semi-regular at Bahooka Ribs & Grog.

June 4, 2017, 1:35 AM

That place holds a special place in my heart. As a teenager I use to go with my first girlfriend, and just remembering how magical it was. Besides tiki, aquatics is another thing I love. So being there was a bonus! No other place will ever match the enchantment that The Bahooka held. The captain went down with its ship, RIP to The Bahooka and Rufus