False Idol, San Diego. Rated ★★★★☆
I’m a tiki geek, and FI has been on my todo list since it opened, which means I’ve been missing out for ten years! I love Little Italy area but traffic and parking and getting there has been getting in the way, along with the need for reservations. I visited on a Thursday night, found easy (paid) parking nearby, and was able to get in when they opened with no reservation. Most of the other patrons were tiki geeks as well — one was choosing from their rum collection by name, two were comparing the cocktails to other spots I’ve been; the woman next to me was visiting from Wisconsin with False Idol on her list; and the guy next to her was sporting a coat with “Mai tai till I die” patches — if you know, you know! It’s starker than I expected but the ambiance is spot on, even the smell of the sea. Don’t miss the bathroom where they are playing a recording of bad reviews. If you’re a Yelper it’s worth it. To say the cocktail menu is extensive would be an understatement, and each one has a colorful description. Many many selections here that you’ve never heard of before! It was happy hour (every hour I get to spend in a tiki bar is happy hour!) and they had several specials; I tried the Planter’s Punch which was tip top my favorite, and the Chata-Lada which was milky cinnamon goodness. My server was Lamar, and he was great. I got a souvenir glass with him on it! I want to try everything on their list — it’s a bound, illustrated book with side stories, though it was a little too dark to read. The Matchaaaaaaa-looooooo-hai! caught my eye — how could it not? Fruity, earthy, grassy, indeed. As a novelty seeker, I will need to visit more regularly and try some of the others. Three drinks was my fill, unless I move in within stumbling distance. If anything could get my review on the bathroom hallway recording (and I have to admit I wouldn’t object!) it would be the lack of appetizers. The bar outside (Craft & Commerce) does have some plates that looked good, but I walked through Italy to the Shake Shack for a burger. I needed to walk off some calories anyway!