Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar

Step into the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar San Francisco and discover where Hollywood glamour meets Polynesian paradise in one of America's most theatrical cocktail experiences. Nestled within the prestigious Fairmont San Francisco since 1945, this legendary tiki sanctuary transforms an indoor lagoon into a stage for nightly musical performances, complete with periodic rainstorms that thunder overhead while lightning illuminates bamboo-wrapped walls.

Crafted by an MGM Studios set designer during the golden age of Hollywood, the Tonga Room emerged from the hotel's former swimming pool to become a San Francisco institution. Recognized as a historic resource by the city, this immersive venue survived decades of change through passionate public support and its unwavering commitment to authentic tiki culture. The bar's floating bandstand—where live musicians perform from a thatch-roofed boat—glides across the 75-foot lagoon while guests dine and drink beneath a canopy of tropical foliage, tiki carvings, and nautical artifacts. The dance floor, constructed from wood salvaged from the S.S. Forester schooner, adds maritime authenticity to this South Seas fantasy.

The cocktail program celebrates classic tiki mixology with theatrical flair, featuring signature drinks that transport guests to distant tropical shores. The legendary Hurricane—the bar's namesake cocktail—delivers a tempest of light and dark rums, passion fruit purée, and citrus that honors the New Orleans original while maintaining the Tonga Room's distinctive character. The 1944 Mai Tai showcases aged rum and house-made orgeat in tribute to the classic recipe, while the communal Lava Bowl ignites palates with its potent blend of rums, tropical fruit juices, and almond essence. Each cocktail arrives with vibrant garnishes and generous pours that embody the playful, over-the-top spirit of premium tiki culture.

The experience unfolds across multiple seating areas surrounding the central lagoon, where attentive staff share stories of the venue's storied past while artificial rainstorms create moments of shared wonder among guests. The atmosphere transforms throughout the evening—welcoming all ages until 10 p.m. before becoming an adults-only playground for San Francisco's most adventurous night owls. Live music, dancing, and the spectacle of the indoor weather effects create a communal energy that appeals equally to curious tourists and devoted locals.

Reservations are essential for this bucket-list San Francisco cocktail bar, where decades of theatrical hospitality continue to enchant new generations of tiki enthusiasts. Whether seeking an escape from urban reality or celebrating special occasions in truly unique surroundings, the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar delivers an unforgettable luxury experience that captures the magic of mid-century Polynesian pop culture.