Smuggler's Cove

Mik-Tai
visiting on
Friday, November 24, 2017

In San Fran for 4 days over Thanksgiving, trying to hit up as many places as possible

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Regulars & Visitors

View all 451 Smuggler's Cove regulars & visitors

Humuhumu’s description

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

9.4

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

PrettiestStarr

PrettiestStarr has visited Smuggler's Cove.

October 16, 2017, 3:51 PM

Was so ready to love this place but just didn't work. I did have a great drink (Singapore Sling) but the vibe just wasn't there. Went downstairs first and bartender told us 'hey, it's really crowded, there's probably still a line to get in (there wasn't) and it'll be a really long while"... hmm ... this was the staffing for a Saturday night! Went upstairs ... bartender was good and fast and pleasant but we liked the feel of the basement room better (but who wanted to hang there then?). Decor was pretty darn awesome. Other patrons didn't work for us but usually, that doesn't matter if I love the bar and bartenders ... but we had a hit/miss feel with those folks. Good drink selection for sure.

Jasper Meer

Jasper Meer is a semi-regular at Smuggler's Cove.

July 22, 2017, 9:46 AM

This is bar to measure by.

desolo1410

desolo1410 is a semi-regular at Smuggler's Cove.

July 19, 2017, 12:09 PM

Martin Cate and SC are the real deal(s). I had my first taste of Appleton 50 there a few years ago and have been a fan ever since. Best rum elixirs in the world. Period.

View all 24 comments