The Tropic Cafe (1935-1946), San Diego’s first pre-tiki nightclub, was helmed by ‘Skipper’ John Ewing, and served its large transient military population.
Tiki
A history of classic San Diego and Tijuana Tiki Bars and Restaurants, past and present.
28 Days of Classic San Diego Tiki
28 | Aloha Cafe, Tijuana The Aloha Cafe (1928-2011), Tijuana’s first pre-tiki bar, was located on Avenida Revolución (then known as Main Street by Americanos) for over eighty years. […]
Recipe: Chicken of the Gods from Bali Hai
Chicken of the Gods This is a classic entrée from Bali Hai’s midcentury Cantonese menu, and to this day is remembered fondly by many San Diegans. Bali Hai Restaurant is […]
Aloha Cafe, Tijuana, 1948
The Aloha Cafe (1928-2011) Tijuana’s first pre-tiki bar, was sporadically located on Avenida Revolución (then known as Main Street by americanos) — for eighty years! It changed hands, was burned […]
Recipe: Whaler’s Grog from the Whaling Bar
A little holiday tummy-warmer from times past! Here’s a simple, hot-cocktail recipe from the old Whaling Bar at the La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla, California. Whaler’s Grog, La Valencia […]