TONGA ROOM & HURRICANE BAR

"Tonga is still one of my favorite happy places even after so many years. The food and drinks and entertainment is still great. Going there is a special treat and a special vibe. I’d be there every night if I could. The servers are the happiest. The Island Groove band is interactive and dialed into the crowd. Even after your table time is done, there’s still plenty of room on the floor or at the bar to hang out."

"We had an exceptional time celebrating a dear friend’s birthday! Our waiter frequently checked on the birthday girl and remembered her name, which added a personal touch. The food was delicious, and we indulged in all the desserts on the menu, which were just as satisfying as our dinner. There was live music featuring many well-known songs, and the performers were very attentive to the audience, making eye contact and ensuring visibility from all angles of the restaurant. Everyone dressed nicely, and we received a hand stamp to enter. Although the restaurant emphasized the need for reservations to get a seat, there were plenty available. A large crowd was there for the drinks and music, and there’s a $15 cover charge after 7 pm, which includes those dining at the restaurant. Three things could be improved: 1) charging diners a reduced cover fee since we’re already paying for food and tips. 2) Noting that the restroom is quite a trek away—over the river and through the woods, so to speak. 3) When you have a large party, some of us end up facing the wall and miss out on viewing the performers. I'm sure there's a clever way to rearrange the tables at a different angle so that all customers can see the performers. Overall, it was a great experience, and I definitely recommend checking it out!"

"An institution in the basement of the Fairmont. This cocktail bar is a unique experience. They converted the hotels swimming pool into a floating stage for a band that performs on a boat floating in the middle of the pool. The decor is tropicallly themed as are the beverages. The dance floor is a pirate ship and periodically there is a thunderstorm in the bar! It's a cool experience, drinks are pricy, food is sub par but you are paying for the unique atmosphere. The band is great! Reservations are difficult to obtain but you can walk in typically after 9.30. They close at 11.00. You will have a good time!"

"Such a fun historic space. Absolutely love the classic drinks they do so well with such a cool selection of rums. They’ve got something for everyone but I love the fruity juicy and dangerous cocktails most. The food is yummy too and the service is super attentive."

"The 3 star is for the amazing singers and the ambiance ONLY. I stayed in Fairmont, so this was a must do. The food option is very very limited and just average. The drinks were amazing, I loved it. The singers and the ambiance is worth the money. I would strongly recommend this to everyone to try. The mock tails were great."