Smuggler's Cove

Smuggler's Cove was opened in December 2009 by Martin Cate, a renowned rum expert and longtime tikiphile who was one of the founders of Forbidden Island

Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge

Alameda, CA

Bar

9.2

in Alameda. Smuggler's Cove specializes in all varieties of rum and rum drinks, with a particular emphasis on historic and exotic cocktails. Cate has attracted some of the top bartender talent in the talent-rich city of San Francisco. Smuggler's Cove regularly appears on the lists of the best bars in the world. It has proven incredibly popular: if you go on a weekend, be prepared to possibly wait in a line for entry.

The decor is a blend of nautical and tiki. The dimly-lit bar spans three floors: the main and lower levels each have their own bars, and an upper half-level is a tiki hut that overlooks the main floor. There is a waterfall between the main floor and the lower floor, with a small pool at the bottom. The construction was led by Ignacio "Notch" Gonzalez, of San Jose's Top Notch Kustoms

Top Notch Kustoms

San Jose, CA

Store

The offerings can be overwhelming in scope: over 500 rums, and more than 75 cocktails. If you're intent on trying as many as possible, consider entering the Rumbustion Society; those who complete the list are rewarded for their efforts.

In September 2016, Martin Cate opened False Idol

in San Diego.

Comments

JustinS-NewTikiLover

JustinS-NewTikiLover has visited Smuggler's Cove.

November 3, 2018, 6:10 PM

My favorite place in San Francisco. Cool decor, great bartenders, and my favorite Zombie to date.

Downes

Downes has visited Smuggler's Cove.

October 26, 2018, 9:21 PM

Just made a repeat visit this week. Unfortunately the heat of October is all directed to Smugglers. Too hot and sticky. Need to pony up for some AC Mr. Cate.

beachleech

beachleech has visited Smuggler's Cove.

October 18, 2018, 11:16 AM

I was a little worried about the atmosphere after reading the other comments, but we went at about 11:45 on a Wednesday and while there plenty of people there we still found a place to sit and room at the main floor bar to order. Between the two of us we had the Expedition, Dead Reckoning, Mastodon, and a rum Manhattan with Real McCoy 5. They were all home runs. The bartenders were great, attentive, and we ended up being the last people in the bar talking about tiki and scoring some sweet SC Trading Cards. The bouncer even stood outside while we waited on our Uber just to make sure we got home safe. All in all, this place is wonderful, especially once the annoying drunk bros left.

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