This is San Diego’s oldest and most famous Tiki bar. The newly remodeled bar showcases the Mai Tai and a running count on the tote board proves that Bali Hai sells more Mai Tais than any other bar in San Diego. That being said, these are not the fruity, cloyingly sweet models; with no fruit juice and three types of rum, these puppies pack a punch so be warned. There are a wide range of Tiki cocktails which come in custom ceramic mugs that pay homage to the Goof on the Roof and Mr. Bali Hai and are yours to take home to add to your Tiki mug collection.

Every Tuesday, this popular bar becomes Tiki-friendly with a variety of crafty cocktails that push the envelope of highbrow Tiki culture. Guest bartenders from hot spots such as Smuggler’s Cove have been known to make special appearances just to whip up some classic and not-so-classic libations. Although the decor is far from a Polynesian-inspired paradise, the occasional touch of Tiki trinkets on Tuesday act as a subtle hint to the yet-uninitiated.

Sadly, the urban sprawl will soon render the Mandarin House obsolete; the restaurant closes on Halloween to make way for condos. Try to get there one more time for a burrito-sized egg roll, some Moo Shu Pork and a flaming Volcano bowl, Mai Tai or Navy Grog. File this under “I remember when…”

This Bay Park bar recently installed a vintage root ball Tiki sculpture by Tiki Dan, giving them instant “tikicred”. The Dive is currently working on their custom designed Tiki mug from Tiki Farm. Tiki Tuesday means drink specials, but Tiki fans rejoice in the fact that the tropical cocktail menu is available every day of the week. Look out for the Armada Bowl, a giant ceramic "ship" filled with local spirits and served up with plenty of straws for sharing.

Tucked around the corner from the Blind Burro is this “Mad Men”-meets-prohibition era speakeasy. Although you will not need a password or a reservation, Cat Eye has a dress code which may upset the traditional casual Tikiphile, however, once inside the feel is welcoming and hip without being pretentious. The cocktails are a mix of traditional Tiki and new-Tiki, and the custom ceramic Tiki mugs add authenticity.

This could be the most authentic Tiki bar in San Diego that is not a Tiki bar. Oddly enough, it's a pirate bar that doesn’t specialize in Tiki drinks but from the looks of the interior of the Imperial Beach dive, one would expect Martin Denny music and ceramic mugs a-plenty. The Plank made it on the list because of its ambience and proximity to the beach; order a Cuba Libre for some Tiki flavor.