So Friday afternoon, my wife and I were making our way home across the dusty plains of Chula Vista, when she said, "I could really use an umbrella drink".
Umbrella drinks aren't really her thing, they are more mine, so I jumped at the chance to find a spot to fit the bill.
After a bit of wandering around, there appeared on the horizon a bar. And not just any bar, but a dive bar, and even better....a TIKI dive bar. How could I tell? the discarded palm fronds at the side of the bar and the bamboo sign that read, EL TIKI.
So we wandered in, and what an amazing find!
The owners of the bar are awesome. They are both friendly and happy to see you. The bartender (one of the owners) is knowledgeable about the entire range of Tiki. Art, cocktails, mugs, music. His collection of is amazing too. Only a portion of it was on display, but even that was breathtaking.
We talked tiki, listened to Hawaiian, island, country, and even a buffet song or two.
The cornhole (bean bag toss)boards and courts out back, were the best I've ever played on.
The bar had that home style, comfortable feel that makes a bar special. Oh yeah, and NEVER order a double. The Mai tais were unique, yet traditional, with noting but top shelf imported ingredients.
And apparently, if you get lucky and the owner just got back from a successful fishing trip, they have the best yellow tail civiche I've ever had.
I can't wait to go back. I just hope it doesn't get all trendy and crowded.