The 7 Days of Tiki – Classic San Diego Tiki 2nd Edition
RESERVE YOUR COPY OF THIS NEW RELEASE – To Pre-Order, Back the Kickstarter Today. Ends at 11am PST, Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
Performers of the Hawaiian Village, San Diego
A gallery of promotional and candid images from the lives of the Shaw family performers at the Hawaiian Village concession, while under contract for the 1916 Panama-California International Exposition, Balboa Park, San Diego, California. Photos, Panama-California...
The Polynesian Room, Escondido
(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...
Hayloft Barbecue, Chula Vista
(1948-1978) Hayloft Barbecue was originally a western-themed dance hall established in 1948 by Chula Vista auto dealer Jerry Stone. He closed out his used car dealership (“They’re Plymouth-Rock-Bottom!”) and leased the new Gonzales Building at 1502 National...
The Hawaiian Village and Hula-Hula in San Diego
With the opening of The Hawaiian Village at the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in San Diego, Pacific Islander culture, cuisine, traditional hula, and hapa haole music were introduced to mainland audiences. This early cultural exchange set the stage for America’s obsession with all things exotic, Polynesian… and Tiki.
The 94th Aero Squadron Celebrates 50 Years in San Diego
The 94th Aero Squadron aeronautical-themed restaurant celebrates 50 years in San Diego on February 15, 2026.
Recipe: Keoki Coffee from Bully’s
The original Keoki Coffee recipe for George Bullington’s after-dinner cocktail, originated in 1967 at Bully’s in San Diego, California
Recipe: Dobson’s Mussel Bisque en Croûte
It’s been on Dobson’s menu since day one — decadent, creamy seafood soup crowned with baked puff pastry, served piping hot in a lion’s head tureen.
In Remembrance: Classic San Diego Restaurant Closures, 2025
With sadness, we remember some of the classic San Diego establishments that have shuttered in 2025.
Happy New Year from Classic San Diego
Happy New Year from Classic San Diego, and from some of San Diego’s classic restaurants throughout history!
Before the Alibi Club, it Was Perry’s
Did you know — before the world-famous Hillcrest dive bar was The Alibi Club, it was Perry’s? The Alibi (1972 – now) originally opened in 1952 as the 10-seat Alibi Club at the Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach by Michael S Milazzo (bartender at Little Tommy’s...
Vacation Village Under Construction
Vacation Village resort under construction in Mission Bay, San Diego, 1962.