Tiki bars were a big thing in the 1940'3 and 1950's. Places like Don the Beachcomber, Trader Vic's and the like were the popular places to go to sip mai tais and zombies. Tiki bars have recently experienced a resurgence, with many new tiki bars opening up around the hip places in LA. Heck, Disneyland just opened one at the Hotel, called Trader Sams. However, if you want to go to an authentic 50's tiki bar that is anything but trendy, head for the Bahooka Restaurant in Rosemead, CA.
The Bahooka actually opened up in 1967, a little late in the tiki craze. However, you'd never know it was a latecomer. The entire place is agog with nautical artifacts, tiki architecture, and fishtanks. TONS of fishtanks. It's rumored that there are over 100 fishtanks in this restaurant, and I'd be the last one to argue this estimate. And these fish aren't your doctor's-waiting-room variety, either. We are talking large tropical fish, small sharks, turtles and the like. As you walk into the lobby, you are greeted by Rufus, a 33-year old pacu that is enormous. If you're in luck, you may catch the restaurant staff feeding Rufus carrots. Not a place you'll want to stick your fingers.
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| Cashier station (click for larger view) |
As you are taken to your table, you'll pass by the small bar. The restaurant is famous for its tiki drinks, but the bar itself is something to behold... it's a large fishtank. As you place your drink on the counter you can look down and see turtles and fish glide past the bottom of your glass. If you drink like a fish, you'll be in good company.
At your table, you are guaranteed a great view of the tropical fish. Each booth is surrounded by at least three tanks, plus various others around the seating area. Did I mention that the Bahooka is known for their drinks? I am not a drinker myself, but here I always indulge in something just for the presentation. The Bahooka Ade is my drink of choice. Yes, it's non alcoholic, but it's brought out in a flaming bowl for two. The other drinks are all wonderful, according to those of you who know. You can't go wrong when your drink is served with a little paper parasol.
The food is... adequate. It's good, but the food is not the main reason you are coming here. Polynesian ribs are the specialty here, which come with a pineapple glaze that I really enjoyed. The chicken had a teriyaki glaze that was delicious as well. Desserts are not worth mentioning, so I won't.
Before you leave the Bahooka, be sure to walk around and take in all the decor. There is one seating area for small groups that is located in a jail. The banquet room is awash in color and yes, more fishtanks. Christmas lights adorn one of my favorite booths. And the fish are really worth seeing. It's like getting a free visit to an aquarium with every meal. My favorite fish are the ones that build mountains. It's something to see: they use their mouths to scoop up mounds of the gravel from the bottom of the tanks, then spit it all out on the highest point in the tank, creating a mountain.
With the re-introduction of Tiki Architecture across LA, this restaurant is well worth a visit. It's conveniently located off the 10 Freeway, on Rosemead Blvd. Aloha, and Numi Kai Tan Yo! (that's Hawaiian for "even though the bowl is meant for two, you really don't have to share.")
Click on the pictures for larger views. Disclaimer: If you have a fear of fish, I do not recommend this place. This is directed at a certain reader: YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!
