Trader Vic's

We had a blast at Trader Vic's! Surprisingly, the food was absolutely delicious.We spontaneously decided to go for Valentine's Day and were actually seated within 5 minutes, which was awesome. The tables are not too close together and the volume is very pleasant, so you can actually hear each other without feeling like everyone else is listening to your conversation. We started with the Cosmo Tidbits combo appetizer - fried shrimp, char siu, ribs, crab rangoon. Each was delicious. The ribs fell off the bone and were melt in your mouth good. We ordered more of the fried shrimp because they were so addicting.The drinks were yummy and the novelty cups are fun. The two person boat is nice if you don't want something too sweet.The one miss was the cucumber salad. There were green onions that totally overpowered the dish and the avocado wasn't a good texture/flavor. For entrees we got the salmon- soo tasty- and the beef chocho. The beef is fun because they give you a flame to cook it to your preference. We got a side of fries which were flavorful too. The salmon had an amazing crispy glaze with flavorful garlic mashed potatoes. The carrots had a great flavor but were too undercooked.For dessert, we got the Valentine's special coconut cake, which was good but not mind blowing.The overall ambiance was great, very fun campy decor but not grimey feeling, and the view of the sunset was lovely. The service was quite slow, though. To be fair, we took some time to decide, but we had to ask the bus boys for our waiter more than once. We spent about 2.5 hours (or more) in total, which was fine by us but if you're on a time crunch, would be tricky. Additionally, Trader Vic's is not cheap. But you just have to order what's worth it - skip the $20 cucumbers, for instance.We will definitely be returning for future occasions!

Food was delicious, although there are only a number of choices, and kind of plain/basic for the price range. We ordered steak,, lamb, beef & reef, rice w/ mushrooms, chicken fried rice, and the combination starter. Place is soooo dark I can't see what I'm eatingCocktail was also ok but the glasses are tiny and filled with so much ice that I finished a $15-drink in one sip Service was okay, not hovering but still attentive. Place is satisfactory; i had seen better decor, I'm thinking the menu price is coz it's hard to acquire materials like bamboo? Amole parking.Don't go if you don't want to splurge for a date. We're glad we tried it; would not go back unless it's free lol2.8 stars

A stunning variety of HIGH QUALITY SMALL PLATES AND ENTREES, including excellent poke, Asian Polynesian fusion fried rice, shrimp and chicken appetizers, meats, seafood, dumplings -- all with delicious and inventive marinades and dipping sauces (various blends of ginger, vinegar, chili, sweetness, soy sauce), and much much more. The cocktails with and without alcohol are resplendent in their flavors, quality, and visual presentation with tropical garnishes and classic vintage glasses. The SERVICE is top notch, with friendly, polite, and attentive care from beginning to end, from the seating to drink and food orders, customization, and checking in on us throughout the meal.The DECOR AND AMBIENCE make the experience for me, wrapping it all together. I look forward to my next visit to Trader Vic's, which is stepping back in time to a classy, elegant, fun, and nostalgic bygone Tiki era. Do not miss visiting the grand bar room, views of the cooking vat through the large, window, and the lovely collection of Polynesian artwork and vintage photos from the ceilings to the display cabinets snd hallways. Peek into the fantastic banquet room. I even purchased a classic Trader Vic's tumbler glass with the geometric etchings to enjoy at home when I make my Mai Tais and margaritas.I highly recommend Trader Vic's, because it is an immersive experience. It is not limited to mere 1940s to 1960s nostalgia, for Trader Vic's continues to evolve and adapt where needed, stays fresh, and it still has that winning touch!

I primarily come to Trader Vic's for drinks because they have such fun cocktails. Even though they are known for creating the mai tai, it's probably my least favorite drink here haha. The flavored ones are pretty good though! My absolutely favorite thing they make here is the banana whipped cream -- I ask for it on every cocktail that I get because it's that good!I've had their food a couple times, but it's been just okay. I think it's pricey for what it is, but the drinks are way more worth it!

Happy to report that Trader Vic's continues to deliver with its amazing location and view, signature cocktails and mocktails served in interesting containers, and superb food. We visited last week with extended family, and I called ahead to make a 2 pm reservation. We arrived a few minutes early after parking in the large, private AND free parking lot, but were seated right away without any fuss at a window table with an enchanting view of the harbor and bay. We took a few moments to peruse the menu, then ordered drinks and appetizers, which didn't take long to arrive. I skipped my usual Mai Tai (which was invented by Trader Vic's!) for the unusual E'ville Awa, a combination of pineapple, rums, gin and brandy. My drink was smooth and perfectly proportioned, and it was served in a fun "cocktail stein" (which was available for sale). They let me keep the stirrer, which was shaped like an oar! The rest of the family also enjoyed their cocktails and mocktails! The appetizers were superb. We had two orders of the crab Rangoon and BBQ spare ribs and one order of the veggie spring rolls. We followed these with our entrées - sticky teriyaki salmon and tuna poke aloha bowls, Kona island tacos, and a Trader Vic's burger. I tried a taco and enjoyed some of the fries (French and sweet potato) which were served with the entrées. They were excellent. For dessert, we shared delicious banana fritters. Crispy with decadent cream - I was in heaven! One area of improvement - their entrees take a long time to arrive compared to the drinks and appetizers. But I'm nitpicking here. Bill was $350 and service was friendly and efficient. Bathrooms were clean. Will be back!

Great little spot by the water! Drinks are delicious and fun. Food here is also pretty good. I highly recommend coming here for drinks! They have a menu with pages of all kinds of drinks and even some non alcoholic options.

Came for drinks only. I've been meaning to check out Trader Vic's ever since I found out this is where mai tais originated way back when.My friend and I stopped by after running some errands nearby on Sunday evening around 5 pm. It wasn't too crowded and we were able to get seated immediately.In the lounge, you can order drinks as well as small bites. We had dinner plans afterwards, so we got drinks only. I didn't realize this, but Trader Vic's is a tiki bar and offers a variety of rum-based drinks. They have some non-alcoholic options as well. The food menu reminds me of Hawaii, with items like tuna poke and island fried rice.Obviously I had to get the og mai tai ($16), but my friend opted for the Jalisco Sour ($15) since he wanted something with a stronger lime flavor. I thought it was a solid mai tai, and my friend enjoyed his drink as well, which was indeed quite on the sour side.Would love to come back and check out their happy hour sometime, which is offered on Wed to Fri 4-6 pm and on Thursday 4 pm to close (!!!).

We arrived a bit earlier than our reservation. The host staff was able to seat us and accommodate our early arrival. Food was great. The appetizer sampler gets you a little bit of everything. The char siu pork was our favorite part of the sampler. I had the beef and reef over rice and my sister had the salmon. Although my order was exactly what I wanted, I got a little jealous of her food because it's so delicious! We ordered drinks and it was the perfect accompaniment to our meals. The restaurant celebrated our birthday with a cute little scoop of ice cream with the most delicious coconut shavings. The service was great. The wait staff took excellent care of us.

This restaurant has a beautiful water view. The service was fantastic and the drinks were strong and tasty! They came in awesome cups that you can purchase at the front! The food was so fresh and delicious. We had the pupu platter (appetizer sampler) pork belly banh mi and pork belly bowl. The Hawaiian theme gave it the spirit of Aloha. Great date night spot or a nice day date over the water! 12/10 would highly recommend!

Put on your Hawaiian shirt and feel the island vibe! Trader Vic's is right on the water overlooking the Emeryville Marina and San Francisco. Not a bad seat in the house. Amazing tiki bar ambiance. Customer service was superb and this is a great place for food, drinks and HH.The original Mai Thai is an excellent choice. You simply can't go wrong and it will make you feel like you're on an island in nice 80 degrees, enjoying the ocean waves. Also really enjoyed their pina colada. Incredibly refreshing and perfect for one of those rare Bay Area warm days. For HH their sliders are a great choice to pair w/ your amazing drink.