Forbidden Island

Forbidden Island is a tiki bar in Alameda, California, offering an immersive tropical experience centered around award-winning classic and contemporary cocktails, with a particular emphasis on an extensive selection of premium rums. Known for its vibrant, retro-inspired decor reminiscent of the Enchanted Tiki Room, the bar serves a wide array of tiki drinks, including original recipes and signature creations like the Monkey Business Sunday and the Chamborlada. Guests can enjoy a curated menu of Caribbean-inspired bar bites, such as empanadas, coconut shrimp, and house-made guacamole, while exploring one of the largest rum collections in the country, over 150 varieties from around the world. The bar welcomes visitors seeking a fun, exotic escape, with a strong reputation for hospitality and atmosphere, reflected in its 4.6-star rating. It serves the Alameda community and travelers from across the Bay Area, with extended hours on weekends and reservations recommended.

Located at 1304 Lincoln Avenue, Forbidden Island is nestled within Alameda’s historic Bay Station Shopping District, a vibrant commercial corridor known for its walkable charm and local character. The bar sits just a short walk from Littlejohn Park, a neighborhood green space, and is within a half-mile of Central Avenue and Encinal Avenue, major thoroughfares that anchor the area’s civic and commercial life. Its proximity to the Hālau Makana Polynesian Cultural Arts Center and the Mastick Senior Center adds to the cultural richness of the surrounding neighborhood, contributing to the bar’s unique identity as a community hub with global flair.

Forbidden Island stands out as a pioneer in the American tiki revival, having opened in 2006 as Alameda’s first and only dedicated tiki lounge. Its long-standing reputation is built on a deep commitment to rum education, with one of the oldest and most well-documented premium rum programs in the nation. The bar’s enduring appeal lies in its authenticity, expert mixology, and the immersive atmosphere that continues to attract loyal patrons and international visitors alike. With a legacy spanning nearly two decades, it remains a benchmark for tiki culture in Northern California.

As a cornerstone of Alameda’s downtown scene, Forbidden Island blends tropical escapism with local roots, offering a rare blend of global inspiration and neighborhood warmth. It is more than a bar, it’s a destination where history, culture, and craft converge.