Smuggler's Cove — Ravi Lachhman

Feb 16

Feb 16 Smuggler's Cove

Currently my favorite bar in the entire world is Smuggler’s Cove in San Francisco. One of my friends who relocated from Washington DC to San Francisco turned me onto Smuggler’s Cove a few years ago. Located between Hayes Valley and the Fillmore District, a stop or night at the renowned tiki drink hotspot is always warranted. My love of tiki drinks started in NYC and the infamous sometimes, PKNY.

PKNY

Would be remiss if I did not mention PKNY. My love of tiki drinks started during my stint in New York City at my favorite spot until they closed a few years ago, Pain Killer NY aka PKNY. Located in the Lower East Side where Essex and Grand come together, a great night is always in order. A friend of mine took me to PKNY for the first time in 2011 and I was hooked. We frequented PKNY during the work week because the crowds could get lengthy . PKNY was different in that PKNY was a hybrid speak-easy and tiki bar. The dim light exterior could easily be missed for those who are not familiar with the establishment. The iconic interior and pipe cleaner animals that garnished the potent tropical drinks added to the atmosphere. PKNY finally closed their doors in 2013. This left a void in tiki drink excellence until Smuggler’s Cove.

Enter Smuggler’s Cove

Just like PKNY in NYC, one could easily miss the entrance to Smuggler’s Cove on Gough Street in San Francisco if not keeping an eye out. Smuggler’s Cove has over 200 types of rum available with a main and basement floor for patrons. The small and intimate atmosphere is very reminiscent of PKNY. The bartenders perfect their craft of creating delicious tiki drinks which take time to make. The lines are sort of ad-hoc and island style in Smuggler’s Cove (just like PKNY, sensing a theme here!). The bartenders are welcoming and you can ask questions or fire off orders which will eventually make its way back to you.

Tips and Tricks

Going to Smuggler;’s Cove or PKNY, enter with an expectation to be close to other parties who are at the bar and a little bit of patience. The wait is worth the reward.

Go on a weeknight. Smugglers Cove opens promptly at 5pm.
Strike up a conversation with the bartenders. They are happy to guide you to find your tropical drink paradise.
Don’t be afraid to sit with other groups of people. Smuggler’s Cove like PKNY is small. Everyone is enjoying a tropical drink.
Start with their name sake, the Pain Killer. Can dabble with different concoctions of juices and rum later.
Try not to drink an entire scorpion bowl by yourself. They wouldn’t serve you one by yourself but like a cliche group project if someone is not pulling their weight, you will get stung.
Have fun! Smuggler’s Cove is an institution in San Francisco!