The Hula Hut (1946-1965) was a Hawaiian-themed pre-tiki bar in the very same location of Jack Ewing’s Tropic Cafe in the old Gates Hotel building on Third, across the street from the U.S. Grant Hotel.
That old downtown area – sailor’s row — had been deteriorating for awhile, and business was slowing. San Diego did not have the same number of thirsty aircraft workers it once had at the peak of the war. But there was always an influx of Navy men and Marines looking for a good time.
Enter new owners ‘Big Frank’ Matranga (Java Cafe) and his brother Liberante ‘Leo’ Matranga, were alleged members of the Los Angeles mob. They and brothers Joseph Ernesto Matranga (Cuckoo Club, The Buccaneer, My Place Cafe) and Gaspare ‘Jasper’ Matranga (Saratoga Grill, Cuckoo Club, Kelly’s) worked with Anthony ‘Papa Tony’ Mirabile (Midnight Follies), under San Diego boss Frank ‘Bomp’ Bompensiero (The Gold Rail Steakhouse, next door).
They renamed Jack Ewing’s Tropics bar at 1036 Third, and opened up the adjoining nightclub at 1040 Third as The Cuckoo Club.
For years the Matrangas and Mirabiles bought, sold and operated many San Diego and Tijuana bars, restaurants and clubs. They had the whole street under their control. They had a way with liquor licenses…
In 1947 The Hula Hut was raided by police and 23 people were arrested for illegal gaming. The Matrangas had a dice game going in the bar. Law enforcement received a tip — someone overheard the woman running the game brag about taking in over $5000 a night. So the police arrested everybody, including innocent bar patrons, and sorted it out later downtown.
Police (with the press) raid The Hula Hut, Aug 1947.
Local officials wanted to redevelop the area into a new City Center. There was even a proposal by designer/planner Al Goodman and others to tear out the old Horton fountain and modernize the entire Plaza.
Developers Conrad Arnholt Smith and John Alessio (Agua Caliente Racetrack, Mister A’s) slowly bought up the property, paid off leases and closed businesses in the entire block.
In its place, they built the 25-story Westgate Plaza Hotel. Where The Tropic Cafe and The Hula Hut once were, is now the Westgate Gourmet Shop.
Horton Plaza
1036 Third Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101