I’m Freaky For Tiki #5: LONGITUDE in Oakland (Closed)

When I hear about any new tiki spot opening up, I get excited (especially if they are located somewhere I can get to easily). It had a pretty great rating on Critiki (an 8/10…impressive! But then, it has been my experience, that most new places get high ratings in the beginning). It opened in August of 2014. I didn’t get there until late 2016 or early 2017. By March 2017, it was gone.

On my one and only trip, yes, I snapped a few pictures. I always assumed I’d be back. I was with friends so I didn’t get to totally geek out and walk around snapping shots. I also really didn’t pay that much attention because I was engaged in conversation with others.

I do recall thinking that I was NOT impressed with the place. I liked Forbidden Island in Alameda or (my Oakland favorite) The Kona Club much better. The problem with Longitude, for me anyway, was that it was trying to be too modern…and wasn’t embracing the full kitsch/cool/Polynesian feel of a true tiki bar. Instead it seemed to want to be more sleek and restrained. Someone somewhere referred to it as an “adventure bar” instead of a tiki bar. What is an adventure bar? Huh? Maybe a “safari bar” is more adequate of a description? Hmm. If so, I didn’t get it.There was enough tiki to call it a tiki bar…but nothing deserving an 8/10 that I could see. (Although the one grass hut dining area was a nice touch.)

We tried some of the pupus, but I really don’t remember them. Were they good? Maybe. Were they memorable? Uh…not really. But again, I was talking with friends…not savoring flavors. I would have forgotten we ate anything if I hadn’t taken this photo.

Cocktail-wise, I am saddened to say I only got to try The Queen’s Barrel. I chose it because it was the only drink (apparently) to come in a tiki mug (the only mug they offered, it seems). I do remember I was not very fond of the drink. The mug was unusual…not very tiki at all. It was incredibly heavy though—they spent some bucks making these, that is for sure—but I didn’t get the queen reference. Hmm. Also, this picture makes me think it must have been late 2016 when we were there as the holiday drink cocktail menu is on display.

I, of course, still have the mug safely stored away (as well as my giraffe swizzle stick).

(This post originally published 10/22/17 HERE.)