The Conga Lounge is one of my favorite spots in the Bay Area.
It's a dream of a place - small and cozy and full of tiki style, and fabulous drinks and food. Â To me, the best bars have excellent food so I can sip a gorgeous cocktail while also eating a fabulous dinner, and Conga Lounge delivers that perfectly.
What's more, service is always excellent, friendly, and fun. Â I was amazed when we visited this week and were chatting with the excellent bartender, Hope, and she recalled that we brought a small group of work friends to Conga for an engagement party 3 years ago and she remembered exactly what our friends had ordered to drink. Â Wow. Â I'd totally forgotten that they'd ordered Rosaritas before getting the fabulous Conga Mai Tais, but Hope remembered. Â She always has a fun joke or story to tell us, and it's great to see her.
Conga Mai Tais are amazing - I think it's the cherry brandy on top that makes them so delicious.
You can order dinner from Cafe Rustica downstairs. Â The pepperoni pizza is so good - best pepperoni I've ever had. Â And food prices are surprisingly reasonable. Â
Caesar salad is delicious, and they've got a great variety of salads to choose from. Â Get a roast chicken and sides, or a delicious pasta dish. Â It's all good.
Happy hour is 5-7pm where Conga Mai Tai's are just $5. Â Bartenders will often stop by before 7 to see if you'd like to get a last drink before the special is over. Â Bar appetizers are also $5 during happy hour. Â Try the hot shrimp and artichoke dip with homemade bread. Â
There's a tiny patio for outdoor seating. Â And it's a great place to bring a small group, but give them a fair heads up so they can staff enough people that night and set up a table for your group. You'll definitely want to bring your friends here. Â
Hope is absolutely the best - there's nothing like walking in after being gone for awhile and seeing Hope smile and get excited just because we are there. Â Yeah, we luckily found that place where "everybody knows your name." Â We'll be back soon!
All was going great and I was thinking what a lovely bartender and establishment until I got pulled aside and scolded for bringing in my large meetup group of 16 people without advance notice. There was only one bartender on duty and she was doing a great job, but she embarrassed me in front of my group by pulling me aside and saying that she had let her cocktail service off for the night because last Tuesday was slow, she assumed this Tuesday would be slow. I don't think I'm really responsible for her staffing schedule. This is a bar establishment, they should be happy that I brought them customers. She complained to me that as a consequence of her being alone, some people in my group where not happy with her service and didn't tip adequately. I can understand that, but I can also understand going about it another way, like adding the 18% gratuity to begin with because when I walked in I said I would have at least 10 in my group.
When I took 63 people to George and Walts on Friday, they were more than happy to see us and were great with just two bartenders. We were having a lovely time at conga lounge and praising the bartender's drinks until this embarrassing episode took place at the end of our time here. She did add the 18% gratuity to the remainder of the check for those of us who were still there at the end, and we gave her above and beyond the 18%, but we definitely learned that his is not somewhere to take your group on a whim!
I told her that I am taking my group randomly to different place in the area and I never know how many will show up, and I understand her frustration for understaffing the bar. I guess if we had popped by last Tuesday we would have been better accommodated, lesson learned!
This place is a great little retreat after work. It's small, but cute and fun. Great decor, and they always have old VHS surfer movies playing at the bar. Also you can order anything off the menu from pizza rustica downstairs.
The server gal is really nice and friendly. She pretty much took care of the whole bar and sitting area while I was there and was friendly and attentive to everyone. Props to her. She even had time to make little conversation with us when she got a minute.
The drinks are good and strong, but a little pricey. Hence the 4/5 star. But aesthetics, service, yummy drinks all 5/5.
Man, first couple times we went here were great, much in thanks to the adorable lady that I assume is the much-revered Hope (cat eye glasses and palm print dress, sweet as pie). Drinks are strong and fruity and complete with tiny umbrellas, and we were pleasantly surprised to see that she charged us happy hour prices for repeat orders past 7. Nice!
However, last few visits have been with another waitress that made for a disappointing experience--admittedly drinking on the job, slow with orders, overcharging us for previously cheap-ish cocktails and then explaining that there's no set price for off-menu drinks (??) put a damper on the fun. Not to mention last call at 9pm on a Thursday was kind of a bummer. Can't really bring myself to knock off more than one star for it, though--gonna have to check back when The Cool Waitress is working.
I need to add to my earlier positive review because I just hosted a "monumental" birthday party there and it was the most wonderful experience ever! Mano is so accommodating; the staff is so smiley and sweet. My guests felt as if they were in "the greatest living room ever" and it was just an incredible atmosphere. I already knew I liked it on the public nights, but it's a great place for a special event with 30 of your closest friends!!! I'll be back again and again!!
Review Source:A cute little gem right above the pizza place below.
You can order pizza before Pizza Rustica closes in addition to your drinks! This place has a cute tiki/luau theme to it and drinks to match. My friends tried multiple drinks, asking the waitress what she recommended first. The mai tai has a strong kick to it but the mini fishbowl (for a single person) is great and fruity. It's a lot smaller than I anticipated so i would recommend coming in pairs or smaller groups to get seating. I'm planning on trying a flaming scorpion bowl if and when I make my next trip!
The Conga Lounge is an old school throwback club in the heart of College Avenue, where former Cal grads in Berkeley Brown Shingle homes eat at side walk Cafes and raise Yuppie Puppies in high-end strollers and watch Berkeley Rep Theater productions.
Upstairs in this tiny little place is a laid back vibe that is an occasional 80's party, where an eclectic mix of straight Berkeley women getting their groove back, a May-December Gay couple, Nerd Couple from the Lawrence Hall of Science, and a young Latino male or two with their Dorm buddy are all trying to get lucky and laid, in a somehow strangely Love, Peace and Party way. Â
Not crowded, not pretentious, no cover, no dress code, vintage laid back Berkeley.
But this is actually across the border in Oakland!
Don't forget your Banana Hat!
We went there on a Saturday night, before our reservation at 8pm at A Cote. Â What a great spot to grab a drink and quick appetizer. Â Fun atmosphere, feeling like youa re in the south pacific and good tropical drinks to match. Â The place is very small, so as we were leaving at 8pm, it was quickly filling up. Â We will definitely be back.
Review Source:I went  here the other night, just at the end of happy hour. Had a Mai Tai that was delicious - nice and sweet and intoxicating. The happy hour price was $5 (that was good from 5 to 7 pm) After that they're $8.
I did not get food this time, but most of the patrons were eating as well. The Conga is above Pizza Rustica, a tasty local pizzeria, and patrons of the tiki bar can order off their menu. I've been to Pizza Rustica before and thought their pizza to be tasty, if one in the mood for a thinner-crusted, cheesy type of pie. They also have rotisserie chicken, salads and other stuff.
The decor of Conga Lounge was tacky and tiki-styled, and I thought it worked. Will plan to go back, particularly for the happy hour specials.
Nice cool hole in the wall kind of spot. Sucks that they dont have a good variety in draft beers... so i ended up just drinking a stella.. bottled.. wouldve been nice if it were draft ! but yeah, they had a dj when i was there . service was okay.. didnt really have anyone coming around asking how we were doing at all while i was there.
a lot of people sitting at the bar area.. so i had to order right behind someones head. which was very awkward.
and , their scorpion bowl.. was.. Horrible...
so overall. it was okay.. just cause of their dj :p
We happened upon this little gem of a bar the other night for my birthday, and I must say, I'm so glad that we did! The place itself was fun and wacky; exactly what my friends and myself were looking for.
The vibe was laid back and just all around great, probably all thanks to Hope who was bartending. She was SO sweet and really took care of my group, checking in on us, suggesting drinks we may like, having conversations with us, etc. She really made the evening such a delight.
Oh, and the drinks were nothing short of delicious! Hope makes a mean Mai-Tai (the house's specialty, with their own amazing take on the traditional recipe). I can't wait to go back, especially for happy hour! :D
Cheesy, fun, tiki....what's not to like? Conga Lounge is a cool place to go if you are in the mood for some island style cocktails. A friend picked the spot for our group happy hour meet up. They had a few drink choices and appetizers on the hh menu. Pretty good prices. I remember trying the Peach Chi Chi, Freaky Tiki and the Cucumber Basil Breeze. All were good in their own ways.
I had no affinity to the appetizers but still ate them bc I needed something to soak up the alcohol. Honestly, they food tasted like it was probably cooked in a microwave. We had the wings, flautas, artichoke dip and guac. The drinks are the true winners at Conga.
I returned another time for happy hour with the same group of friends. The service was spot on both visits. Definitely A-OK.
Its ok....
First & last time I went there, it was too packed for a small space. Â No where to sit or stand. Also, water was leaking from the ceiling. Â I gave it 2 stars & not one, because I don't wanna totally talk bad about the place; because the other two bars that are connected with this one is better & used to be places I used to go to almost every weekend. Â So, basically, its same owner. Â Maybe this bar is better in the day, idk, but def don't go when its the weekend, and/or when a special event is happening.
I went to the Conga Lounge for the first time with a networking group, and fell in love with this little unpretentious gem. CL reminded me so much of Hawaii and Thailand, I actually felt like I was back in the tropics. The decor was kitschy and awesome. Some Blue Hawaii Elvis posters, thatching around the bar, really good Reggae playing on a superb sound system, and some of the nicest staff I have ever met anywhere. If you have been to a true tropical bar in your life, you will feel like you are back on vacation without having to spend hours in a plane next to someone who keeps using your shoulder as pillow.
Remember those laid back islanders who were totally upbeat and made you smile just to be around? Well, the CL has staffed their sweet little bar with folks just like them. Hope, the bar tender when I was there, was one of the sweetest people I have met in a bar in the Bay area. Even when she was slammed with our group plus a birthday party of 30 people, she kept her cool and the delicious drinks coming.
If you haven't been to the Tropics, I guess you'll just have to take my word for it, but the whole time I was there, I kept having flashbacks of trips to Hawaii and Thailand. It was perfect.
If I weren't moving out of the country, I would make this play my regular hangout. I felt like I was one the set of Cheers located on the Big Island. If you like yummy tropical drinks, nice people, and a laid back atmosphere, the Conga Lounge is for you.
Ahhhh Conga Lounge aka Drama Lounge. I have so many memories that I shouldn't ever speak of again (and can't speak of because I've knocked back to many and can't remember), but I will always look back fondly on those wild, sweaty and drunken weekends.
Strong cocktails (the scorpion bowl and zombie has gotten me into a lot of trouble, but it's all about their mai tai's WHICH WERE INVENTED IN OAKLAND AND NOT HAWAII) and DJ's spinning music every Friday and Saturday of the week. Every Friday is World Music Night (reggae, bhangra, ragga, salsa, merengue, etc), 1st and 3rd Saturdays are reggae nights; 2nd Saturdays is Latin music night; 4th Saturdays is 80's music night.
During the "glory days" of the bar scene in Rockridge it was raging, but it's died down so nowadays it's not as crackin'. But definitely stop in. No matter what you'll have a good time and it's just nice to be in a small intimate setting surrounded by walls and walls of tiki memorobilia (I swear it's charming) Â knocking back several well-made tiki cocktail drinks and dancing to some good tunes.
Living in the bay area all my life, I never knew that Mai Tais were invented right here in Oakland! Â Our Conga liaison Hope was super nice and treated us like friends she hasn't seen in a while.
My little group stopped in for happy hour, scooped up the tiny outside area (probably room for 6-7 people) and had a blast drinking delicious mai tais. Being able to order food from the pizza place downstairs while enjoying the Conga Lounge was great, and the spicy guac we ordered from the bar was amazing.
This will definitely be a regular spot for us, so happy we found this place!
Yay Birthday! Bill B, Amy J and I congregated for the lovely Anne K's birthday dinner. The company was fabulous and I still love the atmosphere. But Conga's bar and waitress let me down.
The food (artichoke dip and guacamole) was tasty, if not slightly overpriced for what you get however it was only after I went to order champagne that I received a rude surprise.
The waitress had explained they only did mimosas so I ordered one only to realize there was (at most) an inch of champagne in the glass with the orange juice when it was delivered. Then funny enough after my fourth glass and the bill came I was then even more surprised when I was told they weren't covered under the happy hour price and I'd been paying six dollars a glass for what basically amounted to orange juice. Even though we'd specifically asked about happy 's timing in our ordering.
I can order a full glass of champagne for nine to twelve dollars at any bar. This was unacceptable.
Unless it's another party to celebrate a good friend of mine I won't be returning.
Sorry Conga
A fun night out in the works if you're planning on venturing out to the Conga Lounge.
This is a fabulous place for fruit flavored rum cocktails for yourself - Mai Tai, or a Zombie.
Or a fun place for group cocktails - The Scorpion bowl is a favorite for sharing amongst my group of friends. Â A cocktail that is for friends and mixes in an element of danger with the burning 151 shot in the center? Sign me up.
Come early if you plan on sharing a table or a booth, as this place is pretty small and fills up fast. This is also a great place to start a birthday party or a bachelorette party...I've planned both from the Conga Lounge as the starting point and they the atmosphere here sets the tone for a fun night.
At every tiki joint, they always offer that one drink. Â That enormous bowl of alcohol laced with death that your friends and you eagerly suck down through your naive, brainless straws. Â You know, as you scoff at how "weak" the drink is and sort of roll your eyes at how foolish it was to order a bowl full of alcohol for all to share. Â What are we in college? Â In about 5 minutes, the alcohol is gone and you think, "damn, I wish I ordered a Mai Tai instead." Â Oh, but low and behold...wait for it...give it 30 minutes...BOOM! Â It hits!
All of sudden, you have no idea where you are, who you came with, what the hell is going on. Â And if you're as classy as I am, I literally passed out. Â I was already tired from work that day, but after that drink of death, I was like, "eff it, I'm just going to take a nap on this couch." Â And you better believe it, I full on passed out like a homeless person at a lounge. Â Whatever, bite me.
I was later woken up to, "Hey, Soo, drink some water...it's time to go." Â Â Party foul.
But, I do remember this...before my cat-nap, I did have one of their cucumber-mint drinks and it was divine. Â I think the best I've ever had! Â
Thanks Congo Lounge-- good times!
I'm struggling to understand the attraction. Â Yes, the drinks are done right, but... guys, it's like a cheap, Disneyland-on-crack version of Tahiti in here. Â It looks like someone walked down to central casting, ordered up a beach scene, and threw it all against the wall. Â The only thing they failed to do was order up any heating -- it is bitter, bitter cold in here while you suck away at your frozen alcoholic beverage.
Or maybe I'm just not into the tiki scene...
Now THIS is what I call a Tiki Lounge!
Came here for a double celebration..good friends, good food, tasty drinks. Then the scorpion bowl joined the party and that's pretty much when the lights went out for me.
I should have known better, I was warned but I never listen & that always seems to get me into trouble. I shared 2 scorpion bowls with my friend and had a couple of Mai Tais.
I'm going to go ahead and pronounce this place as The Best tropical drinks in The East Bay!
The 'tropicalness' of the Conga Lounge totally lived up to all my hopes and expectations. Not to slight any other places *cough cough Kona Club* but, other Tiki Lounges I have been to do not focus on creating that tropical vibe and making delicious, signature drinks that taste like candy & punch, but kicks your ass like a Muy Thai Kickboxer w/a vengeance.
I was a little surprised by the restaurant side, I never really heard much about the food here, just the fantastic drinks. However the shrimp and artichoke dip coupled with the softest bread in the universe is something I am craving right now as I type these words.
Great, now I'm salivating and it's 10:45 pm on a Sunday and I just know they aren't open.
The Conga Lounge has been on my "To Do in Oakland" list for a while now and I'm really happy I finally got around to doing this place. If only I could remember the rest of the evening after the scorpions stung the shit out of me.
I want to say times at the Conga Lounge are always memorable, but with the strength of their drinks the night before is always a bit of a blur. I have a soft spot for a good tiki bar or lounge, and Conga Bar knows just where it is. With friendly service and a very comfortable atmosphere there's no question why it's popular.
The only downsides I see are size and pricing. The space itself is a bit small. While normally not an issue, Conga Lounge can feel a bit crowded later in the evening. The mixed drinks are also a little on the high end, though you certainly get your alcohol's worth. Neither are things that will keep me from going back. If I can remember how to get there.
Oh yes, people. It was a normal night out for me. Showed up two hours later than everyone else. (I'm commuting from Dublin; I run later now). I had a guy buy most of my drinks all night. Despite spilling my drink on him, he kept buying. My coat was not stolen. Then, the next morning, Michelle S. did her famous hungover walk of shame to the 19th St. BART station so that she could pick up her car in Rockridge.
Oh Scorpion Bowls, I should hate you. You're kinda like that hot bad boy covered in tattoos who I know is no good for me and I cannot resist you anyway. Both of you bring the bad out of me. I should hate you. I want to say that I let more people have you than I did...but I am sure that I had more than my share. I understand why you are so large and full of high-octane booze though. I mean, four people sharing the same beverage and backwashing into it? That's kinda like making out with your three closest friends at the same time. I mean, I'm not judging if that is what y'all are into. Nonetheless, it kills the germies. (I work in a micro lab...cut me some slack.)
I forgot how fun the Friday music nights were. The DJ is pretty cool and he usually makes sure that requests are met. He usually makes sure that all global music is played and that the only English words coming out of the speakers are "SEXY MOMMY." Sometimes he doesn't. I always get to hear Terror Fabulous' "Action" when I request it. Off nights, he plays Snoop Dogg. However, you and I both know that I love me some Snoop; I won't complain about it.
The bar is on the "cozy" side. The mojitos are some of the best that I have found outside Miami and The Keys. (That's a compliment. For serious.) The specials are usually pretty good. It's fun to eat the Italian food from downstairs up in the tiki bar. And, well, the Scorpion Bowls are high-octane.
Yesterday, Â we went back to the Conga Lounge for our 7th annual Employee Appreciation Party ... YAY Â *the crowd cheers*
It was fantastic! The food was great and the drinks were superb. Our bartender even made fresh raspberry mojitos and everyone loved them.
Cheers ... and I hope your boss appreciates you too.
About 4 or 5 years ago, Mrs. Z was all bummed about something - I forget what exactly - and so I plotted to surprise her with a week or so in French Polynesia. I arranged the babysitter, booked the flights and hotels, and then talked her in to going to LA for the weekend. Once at LAX, instead of going to the car rental, we boarded Air New Zealand for the midnight flight to Tahiti.
*Please take a moment to absorb my awesomeness.*
While it was a great trip and all, what I was really hankering for was an endless series of amazing Mai Tais. Yes, I am a man of simple pleasures. I had one or two good ones but really the Mai Tai situation in Polynesia is kind of abysmal. Lots of sweet and sour, not enough fresh lime, no hint of almond flavor, crappy rum. Only later did I learn that the Mai Tai was actually invented in Emeryville! Â
"WHAT THE HELL?" I (probably) exclaimed when I learned that fact. Â Yep, Trader Vic Bergeron invented it in the 40s in his first Trader Vic's in Emeryville, not 3 miles from my house. I haven't been to Trader Vic's in years, so I can't remember if the Mai Tais there are as awesome as they should be. Â
But I'll be damned if The Conga Lounge doesn't get it just right. Not too sweet, quality rum, plenty of fresh lime. Â Perfect! Â We were in there early Saturday evening with some friends while we waited for a table to open up at A Cote up the street. Since it was still early, it wasn't at all crowded, and the service was very friendly. They'll also serve you food - mostly pizza - from Rustica downstairs. I could have been perfectly happy staying there and eating pizza and downing endless Mai Tais, but this was definitely more of an A Cote crowd, so sadly one delicious Mai Tai was my limit.
I usually find myself at the Conga much later, when it's hot and sweaty and loud and crowded and really just a much different place. But I'm loving the early evening quieter, friendlier Conga. I'm psyched to go back next time I'm craving a good Mai Tai.
Like right now.
I was shocked how small this place was when walking in after planning an event here last night. But I didn't expect 2x as many people to show up as I thought! We did take the place over and I did feel a bit sorry for the locals that stood in the corner to witness the debauchery of yelpers after a few STRONG island drinks. But BOY what a night.
The owner was a gracious host. The drinks might have been slow coming at times but it was not because the bartenders were slacking off or ignoring people. When you have mixed drinks that require many different ingredients and lots of people ordering them, it takes time to prepare them. Hell, one of them is even set on fire!!
When the night progressed they  brought in the music which reminded me of the roller rink when I was young. OK, or a bad wedding reception. You know, all of the classic dance songs that everyone can sing too, "Brick House", "YMCA", etc. It was fun as the whole bar was rocking.
The power went out around 10:30pm for the whole block. Â It did flicker earlier in the evening so everyone thought it would come right back on this time too. The bartenders got up on the bar and started leading the crowd in songs which kept spirits high (well, that and the strong island drinks) When the owner informed us it was out for now, it was not a big deal until he informed us they would not be serving during this time either. UGH!! The girls took all the information down to close out the tabs and called me in the morning to let me know what my bill was and to let me know they could fax or mail me my receipt.
A very eventful night at Conga Lounge!!
In a nut shell --
-- Don't drive here. If you pick the right drink, one can knock you on your ass. It's a good thing Conga is walking distance to Rockridge BART station.
-- Drinks are VERY good. They have something for everyone. Kona and Fat Tire on tap. Good spirits. Amazing mixed drinks and specials like the "ObamaMamma" and their famous "Scorpion Bowl". Â Plus, you do know have to take out a bank loan to drink here.
-- Nice bartenders and owner
-- FOOD can be ordered here. Although I'm not sure what all the Mexican food has to do with the Tiki theme but it was good so I didn't ask too many questions
I will be back. Oh yes, I will be back. Conga and I have unfinished business!!
Once you go tiki, you never go back. Â
At least that's what I've been told by my pina colada loving friends.
I was warned that once I stepped foot into this place that I would wonder why in God's name I had never been to a tiki lounge before.
Yes folks, I'm a tiki-virgin...well, not anymore, but I was up until Saturday night.
First thoughts...
Where have you been all my life, Conga Lounge?
This is why I love ROCKridge. Â I can walk 3 blocks...get my dry cleaning, have a sophisticated meal at Garibaldi's, go to a dirty dive bar and play pool, shop for vintage wears or even pretend to salsa dance with drag queens and a cocktail in my hand called the "Peachy Chi Chi".
Conga Lounge is hardcore tiki and all things chi chi. Â I mean hardcore. Â
Gilligan's Island on TV? Â Bamboo walls? Â Assorted island decor and of course, paper umbrellas in your drinks? Â Yes. Â All of the above. Â
And all drinks come with a mandatory 5 tbs. of sugar. Â
Diabetics beware.
Yes, they're fruity, but the drinks here are stiff as all hell.
At Conga Lounge, It's tiki time...ALL the time!
I've been to the Conga Lounge on Wednesdays only, and only two Wednesdays, and Wednesdays, it seems, are good nights. The vintage exotica announces itself over the speakers but you can still hear every word that every member of your party says above the bongos and bird calls. While I love a blaring jukebox on some nights, on others I enjoy the freedom from having to shout. I also prefer the decor when the dance floor and the high gloss upon it aren't getting in the way.
I arrived ahead of friends last Wednesday, an hour into Happy Hour. I arrived ahead of everyone, actually, which surprised me, especially since this is such a cool place, but perhaps I should take into consideration that it was February 13th -- the day before Valentine's Day.
Once up the tall stairway and into the warmly lit lounge area Paul the bartender availed himself to the utmost. I of course took the bamboo-backed couch and he switched on the nearby space heater and brought over a couple wooden bowls of fresh snacks to the low table which would soon become a suitable resting spot for an assembly of mai tais, draft beer, appetizers (I recommend the chips and guacamole) -- all $2.00 off, and, a little later in the evening, cornmeal-fennel crust pizza from Pizza Rustica which is under the same ownership and located downstairs. I wouldn't choose this pizza outside of drinks at this bar but that's the end of my complaint.
Paul and the rest of the bartenders are welcoming and personable and Paul's mai tais are very strong. From the album covers on the walls to Gilligan's Island on the small, corner television behind the bar, to the remaining details per square foot, the owners are gushing retrophiles, and refreshingly happy to share their unfettered enthusiasm with their patrons.
Spending five hours here was easy.
Evadearest Conga Lounge,
             | Â
Waz   /|  -n-   |/  w/ u?????
      |
Me? Nuttin' much. Just resting after a crazy nite of debauchery (PSAT word!!) w/ u -n- the gang last nite!
I am hexxxa tired tho!
I mean, dang, we were 2gether 4 like 7 hrs. last nite! Craycray 4realzzz. (O-M-G this sentence looks like a math equation! Tee-hee!! )
I can't believe we were kickin' it 4rm 5 till past midnite last nite! BFFs 4 eva 4realzzzz!!!
O-M-G I hope my moms dun hear about it though! I dun wanna get in trouble, ya knoe? I can't miss Renee's Boo Boo Back2Schoo Poo Party before the start of our eva important ~*~10th Grade~*~ second semester!!! I hear Renee gon' have Cosmo(Pom)itans at the party - those are hexxxa good! Strong enough 4 an alcoholic, yet w/ enough antioxidants or whatnot 2 help combat free radicals -n- repair the body's cells!!! Kewlness 4realz! -N- I know all about antioxidants b-cuz I did an extra-credit report on it 4 Bio cuz Mr. Richards was gettin' ready to flunk me, nnkay? Whatevz 2 him!!!!! That's why he got in trouble 4 tryin' 2 be molestin' Joe Litrell!!!!! Shhh!
So what u doin rite now? Me? I'm just updatin' my <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2FDiary-X.com&s=cbab5b8d75817082115db0dec5454aa3ac734e5f28aec8434a50c1fb52607243" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://Diary-X.com</a> thingy - it's soooo deep, I swear! Kinda like those happy hour special Mai Tais that u kept servin' up on me! O-M-G sooo hard yet sooo good though! I was all up on them like Manuel was all up on Lisa in the 3rd flr. hallway last week by my locker!
Eww X 500 4realz!!!
But N-E-WAYZ, it was better, of course! B-Cuz that Mai Tai wasn't a human or whatnot -n- we learned in Current Life 1A that you should not be havin' no kind of sexin' all up in public places b-cuz you do not know what kind of diseases be floatin' around, nnnkay? (Thx 4 the tip, Ms. Duncan!)
Oh yah ~ thx for lettin' me come over this afternoon to get my credit card back 4rm you -n- whatnotz. I hecka left it last nite, just like I heard Angela left her V-Card last nite! Oh what?? Shh, don't tell! Â Â SOS! Â Â Â But is it true tho? Â Â Â Tell me 4realz!
Check One Only:
        __
        |__|     TRUE 4 REALZ!!!!!!!!!
        __
        |__|     FALSE -N- WHATEVZZ
Please answer 2 the truth of ur knowledge nkay??
N-E-WAYZ, thx 4 also hookin' me up with the Peachy Chi-Chi b-cuz I totally 4got 2 try that last nite!! And in additionalz, u let me put TWO juicy slices of peaches in it, like u hooked a sista up so hard! I felt like I was Sadie Hawkins Princess Runner-Up 2 all over again!! Specialness!!! My girl Lindsay got the Passion -n- 'Pagne and that was hexxa good too. It had enuff champagne to give me a buzzzzz but also hexxxa fruity, which is how I like it, u knoe! Shhh!
Anywayz, I gotta keep this short b-cuz my bro is buggin' me 2 play Taboo w/ him! Whatevz! Â Â Â Â Â Nnnnkay, TTYL girl! Â Â Â
W/B/A/S/A/P!! Â Â Â Â Â Â Â L-Y-L-A-S Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â TxCxCxIxC! Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â F.R.A.N.C.E.
                                 Always -n- 4eva!!
                                 7054174 (Pager code!! Tee hee!!!)
P.S. What was up w/ Janice -n- her mean muggin us last week? Whatevzz! I'll cut her but good!
P.P.S. She must have had 1 of them Scorpion Bowls all by herself b-cuz she know she can't be trippin like that!! N-E-WAYZ!
Hawaii-Five-Oh-No-They-Didn't! Â
It's like a luau explosion in here...tiki-kitsch galore, with the thatched roof facade, the rattan chairs, plants, and enormous Hawaiian flag hanging on the back wall.  I half expected little menehune (<a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FMenehune&s=258c28f20ee2f7fefd6426eb200d27005e1556b8ad5f7b576db38ef98db0eea7" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://en.wikipedia.org/…</a>) in loincloths to come around and serve the drinks.  I love tacky tiki!! Â
As soon as I walked up the narrow staircase to the Conga Lounge, I felt right at home...as in, at home in Honolulu. Â They were playing Jahwaiian reggae and Hawaiian music, and the bartenders were decked out in aloha shirts (guys) and muumuus (girls)! Â There is a smoking balcony, and they also serve food (to help you soak up all the alcohol you will be drinking all night long).
We were fortunate enough to come on a night that they had a DJ and played salsa and samba, too....which mean several hours of perspiration-inducing-booty-shaking. Â The place is tiny - it feels like you went to someone's house and they cleared out their living room and decorated the shit out of it. Â But the drinks are interesting and strong, and watch out for those flaming Scorpion bowls...they can knock you on your ass in two seconds flat. (Trust me, I'm speaking from experience.)
*drop baby, drop baby, drop...got to drop all your love on me...drop baby, drop baby, drop...drop 'cause I'm hungry*
Ho Brah! Â I couldn't believe that there was a place where I could go and listen to Jawaiian and Contemporary Hawaiian music being played on the regular, especially in Oakland's Rockridge district. Â They were playing Fiji, Troy Fernandez, B.E.T., Ho'onu'a, and just about every other local artist/group that I love. Â The only thing missing was Samoans walking around with full size pitchers of beer in their hands like they were pint glasses.
The decor was kitschy Island fare but I'll take it if it means I get to listen to some great music. Â Later in the night they had a DJ that played the whole spectrum of Island music, from the Hawaiian Islands to the Carribean. Â There was some crazy booty and hip action going on.
With this place being a short walk from the Rockridge BART station I'm going to be pestering people to come here with me a whole lot.
Kona Beer: 3$
1/2 Scorpion: 11$
Waking up on Saturday w/ beads around your neck and dollar bills in your underwear. (and not knowing how either of them got there): Priceless
This would have been a night to remember, IF I hadn't had enough booze to sedate a horse. But let me back up.... I almost passed by this quaint little bar. Confirming that I had the right place, I walk up the rather steep set of stairs into a tiny room w/ several tables and a small bar. The decor takes me back to the cabanas in Boracay, Philippines....ah yes...I can almost taste the salt water in the air. Comfy wicker furniture  and blow-fish lamps decorate the cozy bar while the rather cute bartenders describe the very sweet signature drinks. First thing first: their happy hour is good (3$ for Kona beer, 5$ for a Mai Tai). Think of an unpretentious Trader Vic's and you have the Conga Lounge.
Good happy hour +1
Cozy environment +1
Good bar food (Taquitos, cheesy bread, Guac & chips) +1
Cute bartenders in pleated moo moos +1
At night, they clear the furniture for a dance floor. This will definitely be my spot in the Rockridge area.
*cue violins*
Sometimes the life of a small business owner has it's tough moments. So many responsibilities, so little time to get it all done while wearing multiple titles/hats at the shop. Family life can be rough too especially when you've become a "grown-up in charge" and the previous persons are now becoming the "old folks". So no rest or time off for me, I've got too much to do. Mix work and family together and you get my life. I am very fortunate to run a family owned restaurant/shop with my big sis and niece but sometimes a chica just NEEDS to have a Good Time!
You know...run away, feel free, have a rum cocktail or two or three, dance while wearing a pink drink umbrella in my hair? Make it EASY, I don't need a passport, deal with airports or jet lag. I can leave the SPF 50 sunblock and bug repellent behind...
*cue '50s Lounge music*
A tiki bar, in Oakland...Rockridge no less!? I arrive for the DYL late, almost 8pm with lots of peeps asking WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? I sigh heavily knowing that I am permeated with Eau de Tamales and shrug my shoulders, I CAME STRAIGHT FROM WORK! The always so lovely Lise L orders me a tasty blood orange screwdriver while I say my HOLAS to the most fabulous EB Yelpers I realize I'm surrounded by. Our posse has taken over a big table and I'm welcomed by hugs, creamy shrimp and artichoke dip and Ralph C's spicy and chocolaty cookies.
I'm introduced to EVEN MORE East Bayers who I previously knew only by name and avatar. Now it's getting GOOD, just right minty Mojitos along with giant and deadly Scorpion Bowls with a flaming shot of 151 in the center. We have an intense game of pineapple Jenga going while the DJ gets set up to really get the party going. Turns out there is also a group of SF Carnival dancers celebrating with birthday boy Theo.
*cue Soca music*
Dood, you lookin' for a partay? Take Yelpers and Carnival dancers, add rum and STIR!
We all jump onto the packed dance floor keeping up the Caribbean rhythms best we can and the DJ even throws in a Mexican Cumbia for me. There are moments when I close my eyes and I'm transported to an island thousands of miles away where I have not a care in the world, no worries just FUN. I then look around and see I'm surrounded by friends and strangers just having a great time on College Ave which usually makes me *think* YUPPIE not Island/World Beat Friday!
Gracias Ruthifer for setting this shindig up so I could have a mini-vacay for the night. Lise, Gracie B, my new homies Joe B, Jessica P and my most favorite Oakland Yelper, Gilberto Y....so many adventures still waiting for us in Oaktown, I'm down if you are!!!
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