Last week I went with some friends to Bahooka in Rosemead. It is a tiki restaurant that is sadly closing its doors after being in business for 46 years. I had never been before and wanted to see it before it was gone. This might be their last week in business. We went on a Thursday evening at 5:30 and the wait was about 45 minutes, but we heard the wait on the last few weekends was three hours! Rosemead is a little out of my usual traveling circle (it’s out east on the 10, near El Monte), but my friend Jere is always up for an excursion.
It was crazy inside! Lots of fish tanks and fun decorations. The food was fine, if nothing to write home about. I had fish and chips. But of course half of the reason to go is for the rum drinks! No one got any flaming volcano bowls this time.
That is my Strawberry Colada. I also had a Monsoon (rum, apricot juice and banana).
The restaurant was featured in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and has a signed picture of David Hasselhoff up. It was definitely a fun experience. I’m glad I got to go before it got turned into a Japanese restaurant.
There are lots of fun (and bright) pictures on their website! Did you ever make it out to Bahooka in its heyday?
jill & jill 
Glad you made it out to Bahooka’s. I agree…the food has NEVER been good, but the drinks are always colorful. You cannot go wrong with that tiki-nautical interior. It will be interesting to see what the new owners do to the space.
Another tiki-style restaurant to try is Dal Rae’s in Pico Rivera. I haven’t been there yet, but must go soon! http://www.dalrae.com/