Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar

Nestled in the historic Fairmont Hotel atop Nob Hill, the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar has thrilled guests since 1945, charming locals and tourists alike with lush Polynesian décor, a 75‑foot indoor lagoon (once the hotel’s plunge pool), and theatrical rain‑and‑lightning storms. Originally designed by an MGM set maestro, the space is steeped in island fantasy—complete with carved tiki totems, thatched huts, and a floating bandbarge where the “Island Groove” quartet delivers nightly 60s‑80s tunes with a $15 cover charge. Its cultural legacy runs deep: Anthony Bourdain famously called it “the greatest place in the history of the world,” and it’s recognized as a historic resource by San Francisco’s planning department for its rarity and iconic “high‑style” tiki theming. Whether you're drawn by nostalgia, novelty, or a taste for tiki‑style cocktails, Tonga Room offers a one‑of‑a‑kind experience—complete with rainstorms, floating musicians, and immersive ambiance—making it essential on any SF itinerary.