Polynesian Room, Escondido newspaper ad, 1965. Image, North County Times, colorized.
(1964-1970) The Polynesian Room was an island-themed bar and cafe established on January 1, 1964, by John Edward Mason (1924-1996) in a former storefront on Grand Avenue. Mason, a U.S. Navy submarine veteran, concurrently operated a cardroom called Honest John’s in Escondido with his wife, Dorothy Mae “Dottie” Greeno (1919-1981). The Polynesian Room, their second venture, officially opened with a lūʻau, Polynesian dances, and performances by Samoan entertainer Pete Auclair and his Polynesian Serenaders. Auclair was known throughout Southern California for his Siva Afi fireknife dances, developed from ancient Samoan warrior traditions that date back to 900-1200 BCE.
Trivia: San Diego Old Globe actor Don Sparks was taught steel guitar by his godfather, Pete Auclair, at age ten, and performed regularly the Polynesian Serenaders!
Guests were entertained by the “Polynesian folk music” of Ray Cockett while enjoying tropical drinks, Chinese cuisine, and billiards.
The Polynesian Room remained in operation until the Escondido City Council required the Masons and other business owners along the aging commercial strip to bring their properties into compliance with municipal codes. In 1970, the Masons sold their liquor license to Ten Downing Street Inc, which subsequently opened the first of its English pubs in downtown San Diego.
Since then, the Escondido building has hosted Grand Maple Grill, Swami’s Cafe, and The Grand, among others.
Escondido
152 West Grand Avenue
Escondido, CA 92025
This is a work in progress, and as such, information herein is subject to change. Do you have any further information, family stories, or photos about the Polynesian Room in Escondido? Get in touch and leave a comment below. Mahalo!
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Notes
Citation: Martin S. Lindsay. ‘The Polynesian Room, Escondido.’ Classic San Diego: tasty bites from the history of America’s finest city. Web. < https://classicsandiego.com/2026/03/the-polynesian-room-escondido/ >