News
Because two Bali Hais are better than one. Brush up on your Rogers and Hammerstein (“Bali Hai may call you / Any night, any day”), then come away to this San Diego tiki icon, the Bali Hai restaurant.
Tiki Temple, World famous Mai Tais, beacon #9, and amazing food. Bali Hai and Tom Ham’s Lighthouse are two of San Diego’s go-to locations for spectacular views of downtown and the bay. Tune in as the Baumanns share all about their family dynamics as third generation owners.
San Diego Happy Half Hour Podcast: Episode 46
Bo-Beau opens a new location in Hillcrest, the lies behind seafood labeling, and Bali Hai’s Tommy Baumann drops by with Mai Tais…
The San Diego Bucket List: 37 Things to Do Before You Die
Congratulations on living in San Diego — plenty of people make that an item on their bucket list and never check it off. But why stop there?…
Behind the Stick with Olivia Daniel of Bali Hai
If you’re looking for a spot with history, great food, stiff cocktails and a great view then Bali Hai Restaurant is your spot…
Casual San Diego Restaurant Wedding: Ali and Eric
10 Great Happy Hours in San Diego
Happy hour is surely a highlight of the working week; it’s a great way to unwind after a long day at the office with food deals, budget-friendly cocktails, and specials on craft beer and wine. So check out these ten fine spots around town offering superb happy hour deals….
7 Most Visually Stunning Tiki Drinks in San Diego
Looks are everything when it comes to tiki cocktails. Why drink from a plain old glass when you can sip in style from sculpted containers depicting tiki icons or have your cocktail bowl filled with colorful garnishes galore? We surveyed the San Diego drink landscape for eye-catching tiki cocktails and ranked seven of the best, based on visual appeal…
I Love Poke, And I Really Love Great Food Fests
The 7th annual I Love Poke festival took place at Bali Hai restaurant this week, and instead of forever smacking my forehead as I’ve done after missing…
Shelter Island Real Wedding: Kylie and Brandon
Kylie and Brandon’s relationship started with a picture. Kylie’s friend had been telling her about Brandon for weeks and finally she said, “just look,” and extended her hand to show her the man who she would come to marry.
San Diego’s top 10 poke restaurants
In honor of his 7th annual I Love Poke Festival on May 24, founder Nino “Neens” Camilo picks 10 of his favorite restaurants for true Hawaiian-style poke in San Diego. In no particular order, here are some of his favorites, in his own words.
Patio Power Rank: The 10 Best Outdoor Drinking Spots in San Diego
Reliably fantastic weather pretty much year-round makes outdoor imbibing a no-brainer in San Diego. Fittingly, many bars and restaurants have equally fantastic outdoor dining spaces… but not all are created equal…
Editors’ Picks: Restaurant Wedding Venues
There are a lot of advantages to having your wedding at a restaurant. You know there’ll be great food, the décor is usually on point, and the staff is accustomed to handling events. Check out some of our favorite restaurant wedding venues.
The Ultimate San Diego Bucket List
Been there, done that? No, you haven’t. Whether you’re a native or a newcomer, we’ve got 50 things (in no particular order) every San Diegan must do. Now, get started!
Bali Hai San Diego Happy Hour
Since the 1950s, the Bali Hai has been known for its Tiki Culture, city views, it’s own dock and the famous mai tai.
SD’s Best Brunch Buffets
Our top picks for some of the most delicious brunch buffets in SD
San Diego Restaurant Week Cook-off
Tiki Bar of the Week
Built in 1953 and originally one of several Christian’s Hut locations, the iconic Bali Hai Restaurant on San Diego’s Shelter Island is one of the oldest classic mid-century Tiki establishments still alive and thriving. . . .
Wounded Warrior Homes
August 20, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
| MEDIA ALERT: | VETERANS RECEIVING $11,500 CHECK FROM LOCAL FAMILY-OWNED RESTAURANT |
|---|---|
| WHO: | Local nonprofit, Wounded Warrior Homes will be proudly accepting an $11,500 check from Bali Hai Restaurant, one of 14 competitors and winner of the 2015 Bar of the Year Challenge.
Accepting on behalf of WWH will be Mia Roseberry, Founder and Executive Director, and Robert Caudill, former combat veteran who has transitioned out of the WWH program and runs his own business now. |
| WHAT: | Patrons are invited to join WWH in the celebration with happy hour throughout the night, San Diego Cocktail Specials and live music by Desi. Both Mia and Robert (and his service dog, Bravo) will be on site to express their gratitude and share how the money will be used to help more veterans in need.
Each year, bars and restaurants in San Diego participate in a community-wide competition titled Bar of the Year Challenge to raise money in just 30 days for a local charity. The campaign, launched in 2012, has raised more than $50,000 thus far. Bali Hai is the reigning 2014 and 2015 champion, having raised $11,500 this year to break their own record of $7,100 from 2014. |
| WHEN: | Thursday, August 27, 2015 4pm to 7pm CHECK PRESENTATION WILL TAKE PLACE AT 5pm.Media welcome for interviews and photo opportunities between the times of 4pm to 7pm |
| WHERE: | Bali Hai Restaurant – 2230 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego CA 92106 |
| WHY: | Wounded Warrior Homes is a local 501c3 nonprofit organization who provides transitional housing and resources to post 9/11 combat veterans returning from battle with PTSD or Traumatic Brain Injury. They exist to help those who protect our freedom. |
Bali Hai Message
To Bali Hai Friends and Fans,
As some of you know there have been recent reports of illness after a banquet last week at the Bali Hai Restaurant. We want to ensure all our recent and future guests that we have taken all necessary precautions to isolate whatever caused these symptoms at that particular banquet, whether or not this incident was food related. The source of the incident has not been identified, but the investigation is ongoing. We are working very closely with the health department through this process, and they have confirmed that there are no concerns about dining at the Bali Hai.
San Diego County Department of Environmental Health commented over the weekend “that there is no ongoing risk to the public.” No other signs or reports have been made of any illness from our guests outside of this particular banquet that was held in our outdoor pavilion.
At the Bali Hai, nothing is more important to us than our guests and we feel terrible that anyone became ill after their time with us. We will continue to update our staff, guests and the community as the investigation unfolds. We appreciate your support and look forward to upholding the highest level of service for our customers.
Sincerely,
The Baumann Family
Bali Hai: Polynesian Cuisine on Shelter Island
Bali Hai is the place to go to when you want to celebrate something. Its environment imbues a celebratory atmosphere. The moment you drive onto Shelter Island and see the beautiful skyline of San Diego unfolding in front of you, you want to clap your hands, order the World Famous Bali Hai Mai Tai, and celebrate.
THE SAN DIEGO BUCKET LIST: 30 THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE
Congratulations on living in San Diego — plenty of people make that an item on their bucket list and never check it off. But why stop there? You want to make the most of your precious time here, and to do that, you need to do these 30 things before you die, or worse, move somewhere else.
Patio Power Rank: The 10 Best Outdoor Drinking Spots in San Diego
Reliably fantastic weather pretty much year-round makes outdoor imbibing a no-brainer in San Diego. Fittingly, many bars and restaurants have equally fantastic outdoor dining spaces… but not all are created equal. To assist your quest for a dose of vitamin D with your IPA, we’ve ranked 10 of San Diego’s best patios.
Lick the Plate Interview
“Lick the Plate tells the unique stories of the talented, eclectic mix of culinary personalities in San Diego. And those folks tend to have some entertaining stories.” ~ David Boylan, Producer & Host
Attention foodies: Taste of Point Loma is back!
San Diego, are you hungry? Come out to the Taste of Point Loma on Wednesday, April 22 to enjoy some of the area’s most loved eateries, bakeries and bars. Over 20 local restaurants will be featured including Polynesian paradise with Bali Hai Restaurant, vino-fueled pairings at The Wine Pub and Sweetaly’s indulgent passion for Italian dolci. . . .
Dock Lines: Discovering the waterfront’s Tiki Modern architecture
If you’re familiar with San Diego, you’ve likely discovered the laid-back Polynesian-inspired delights (and Mai Tais!) of one of my favorite restaurants, the Bali Hai on Shelter Island, a great dock-and-dine spot. The legendary tikis, Mr. Bali Hai, their official greeter, and. . . .
The Story Behind Bali Hai’s World Famous Mai Tai
How many have been sold through the years?
There is perhaps no drink more iconic in San Diego than Bali Hai’s World Famous Mai Tai. And anyone who’s had more than one of the potent drink has basked in its afterglow.
25 Classic Restaurants and Bars That Shaped San Diego
To kick off our Classics Week coverage, here are 25 of San Diego’s most classic restaurants and bars, including some spots that can claim over 50 years in operation.
Bali Hai slates Polynesian blowout in honor of its 60th anniversary
One of Point Loma’s high-profile restaurants and an iconic destination for locals and visitors alike, the Bali Hai Restaurant on Shelter Island will host a 60th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, Oct. 30 from 6 to 10 p.m.
Bali Hai family memories
Bali Hai’s Susie Baumann remembers working at the restaurant in the early days and the tsunami events at Shelter Island.
Tiki said to hell with it. Let’s party.
Wigwam, a 30-kiloton atomic explosion set off in the Pacific 490 miles southwest of San Diego, rumbled deep beneath the ocean and surged upward in a formidable column. With unpredicted force, the blast swept over the 6800 sailors deployed nearby on a 30-ship fleet.
Celebrating 60 years with Bali Hai
Bali Hai – the iconic Shelter Island restaurant as renowned for its spectacular views as it is for its powerful Mai Tais – celebrates 60 years of island magic this month.
Tequila & Caviar Dinner; Baja/San Diego Chef Battle; Bali Hai Anniversary
Pairing caviar with tequila, a cross-border cooking contest, and a landmark turns 60.
Bali Hai Celebrates Six Decades with Anniversary Luau | October 30
For 60 years, the Bali Hai on Shelter Island has help set the culinary bar for San Diego restaurants. To celebrate its six decades years of success, the restaurant is throwing a ticketed party on Thursday, October 30, from 6-10pm, with live entertainment, including performances by Creepxotica, Desi Realtor, Pride of Polynesian, and live painting by Norm Daniels.
View the PDF copy here
Best Redo of an Old Staple
Tom Ham’s Lighthouse
Harbor Island
The $3.5 million remodel of this iconic waterfront restaurant got us rethinking our after-work hangout. We love that the much-bigger bar now overlooks the bay and downtown. We also love the 32 beers on tap, with Beacon No. 9 brewed by Ballast Point exclusively for Tom Ham’s. Happy hour, indeed!
World Famous Bali Hai Mai Tai
Channel 4 Rick Boone at Bali Hai
Whale away the hours in San Diego
You are slowly cruising out to sea. The sun is filtering off the deepening blue of the ocean and a fine mist of salty moisture hits your face. The shore is still visible a few miles away. Suddenly, just ahead, the calm… Click here to download the full article
Bali Hai Restaurant Reveals Fresh Bites on New Winter Menus
SAN DIEGO (January 25, 2013) – Creamy Lobster Risotto and Smoked Salmon Wontons are just two dishes debuting on the new winter lunch and dinner menus at Bali Hai Restaurant, San Diego’s iconic waterfront eatery on Shelter Island… Click here to download full article
All in the Restaurant Family
Susie Baumann was in her 20s when her father, Tom Ham, died suddenly, leaving behind two waterfront restaurants and a wife… Click here to download the full article
Gay San Diego – A trip into Polynesia
When the flying-saucer shaped Bali Hai Restaurant opened on Shelter Island, the “I Love Lucy Show” was in its fourth season, Americans were introduced to TV dinners and President Dwight D. Eisenhower was in office. The year was… Click here to download full article
EJ Eats Review – Best Burgers of 2012
Bali Hai earns the final spot in my top 5 for the year because not only was the burger delicious, but the restaurant on Shelter Island offers a few additional feature… Click here to download full article
Trays of Plenty – Bali Hai Hawaiian Ahi Tuna Poke
Election night food and drinks, a new sushi spot and more
Our weekly food-news round-up
With election night parties happening all over town, what’s one more drink and some chicken wings? If you’re Downtown tonight, The Commons is having a bi-partisan election party for all the ladies who voted today, though it’s safe to assume the gents won’t be far behind. The sports bar will be serving up “left wing” and “right wing” specials starting at 5 p.m. And over at West Coast Tavern in North Park, tonight only you can try out the Presidential Mule (Skyy citrus vodka, ginger beer, lime and bitters), Elephant in the Room (Wild Turkey 81, lime, bitters, ginger beer), the Obama Slammer (Wild Turkey, lemon juice, honey) or, if you must, the Mitt-Tini (Tanqueray and blue-cheese-stuff olives with a splash of irony). For more election-night specials, check out Keli Dailey’s round-up in the U-T San Diego.
Last month, the blog Food Buzz SD reported on Michael Alves’ new Liberty Station restaurant, Roseville Cozinha. Alves, who’s chef and owner, will be cooking up Portuguese influenced seafood dishes and Neapolitan pizza pies. No word yet on when it’ll open this month, but Alves has already employed the help of his chef buddies on the new project, like Craig Jiminez, formerly at Craft & Commerce and currently at Henry’s Pub in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Ogawashi, which means “handmade” in Japanese, is the slick, new Downtown sushi joint designed by Basile Studio (The Guild, RIP). Its grand-opening celebration happens all day (11 a.m. to 11 p.m.) on Saturday, Nov. 10. There will be free samples, and 25-percent off the entire menu of modern Asian dishes, sushi, craft beer and cocktails. If you can’t make it, check out their happy hour, which runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 8 p.m. and on the weekends from noon to 7 p.m.
Bali Hai’s rolling out a new fall lunch menu and there’s one item in particular that got our attention: a lobster bahn mi sandwich. CityBeat’s huge fans of bahn mi, Vietnamese sandwiches that are usually made with grilled pork. Will lobster work? Consider us intrigued.
Bali Hai Restaurant Entices Lunch Patrons with New Fall Menu
SAN DIEGO (November 2, 2012) – Bali Hai Restaurant, the iconic waterfront eatery recently awarded the distinction of “Best Business Lunch with a View,” has introduced a new fall lunch menu.
Capitalizing on its Pacific Rim-inspired influences, new lunchtime entrees include the Bulgogi Steak Sandwich – a grilled beef dish with its roots in Korea, served with sweet chili aioli, bean sprout kim chi and onion on focaccia bread. Lobster Banh Mi is served on a demi baguette with pickled daikon, carrots, cilantro and jalapeño.
Bali Hai is a short drive from downtown with ample free parking alongside the stunning San Diego Bay. The food, sweeping views, modern Polynesian design and authentic tiki artifacts provide an escapist’s lunchtime paradise.
Lunch is served Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Also making its midday debut is the Bacon Cured Salmon Salad with mizuna, red oak lettuce, croutons, parmesan and tomato basil vinaigrette, as well as the Deconstructed Albacore Roll with crunchy tempura, spicy mayo, nori, masago and scallions. These new lunch items join classic Bali Hai favorites such as the Hawaiian Tuna Poke Stack, Coconut Shrimp and The Cheeseburger, topped with a pan-fried egg or bacon and served with a richly exploding truffle pepper mayo.
For more information on the Bali Hai Restaurant, visit www.balihairestaurant.com. Bali Hai is open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Saturday; brunch and dinner on Sunday. Dinner reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 619-222-1181.
Bali Hai Restaurant Entices Lunch Patrons with New Fall Menu
SAN DIEGO (November 2, 2012) – Bali Hai Restaurant, the iconic waterfront eatery recently awarded the distinction of “Best Business Lunch with a View,” has introduced a new fall lunch menu.
Capitalizing on its Pacific Rim-inspired influences, new lunchtime entrees include the Bulgogi Steak Sandwich – a grilled beef dish with its roots in Korea, served with sweet chili aioli, bean sprout kim chi and onion on focaccia bread. Lobster Banh Mi is served on a demi baguette with pickled daikon, carrots, cilantro and jalapeño.
Bali Hai is a short drive from downtown with ample free parking alongside the stunning San Diego Bay. The food, sweeping views, modern Polynesian design and authentic tiki artifacts provide an escapist’s lunchtime paradise.
Lunch is served Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Also making its midday debut is the Bacon Cured Salmon Salad with mizuna, red oak lettuce, croutons, parmesan and tomato basil vinaigrette, as well as the Deconstructed Albacore Roll with crunchy tempura, spicy mayo, nori, masago and scallions. These new lunch items join classic Bali Hai favorites such as the Hawaiian Tuna Poke Stack, Coconut Shrimp and The Cheeseburger, topped with a pan-fried egg or bacon and served with a richly exploding truffle pepper mayo.
For more information on the Bali Hai Restaurant, visit www.balihairestaurant.com. Bali Hai is open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Saturday; brunch and dinner on Sunday. Dinner reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 619-222-1181.
Bali Hai History
Opened in 1955 by San Diego restaurateur Tom Ham on the then newly constructed Shelter Island, Bali Hai was the island’s first “tiki temple,” named after the song popularized by the musical “South Pacific.” Two famous tiki icons were created for the structure: Mr. Bali Hai, a large wood sculpture at the front entrance greeting guests, and “The Goof,” a playful and mysterious remnant that stands guard on the roof of the restaurant.
Bali Hai has been family owned and operated for over five decades. Ham’s vision continues through his daughter Susie Baumann and her husband Larry. Sons Grant, Andy and Tommy Baumann, representing the third generation, have added a fresh, youthful influence, as well.
Top Picks for National Cheeseburger Day
Where to indulge and celebrate in San Diego
by Erin Jackson
There are a lot of silly holidays out there. Did you know that February 11th is National Don’t Cry Over Spilt Milk Day, or that April 20th is Lima Bean Respect Day? Me neither. And while most of these national observances can pass unacknowledged, if there’s one food-related holiday worth celebrating, it’s National Cheeseburger Day (September 18th).
San Diego is a big burger town, with tons of beef and bun options, including beloved icons like Hodad’s, and newcomers like Slater’s 50/50, which won the Best New Restaurant title among readers in the 2012 Best Restaurants issue (among others). If you’re looking to branch out a bit, here are four solid options from places you might not associate with having killer burgers:
Bali Hai (top left): Make National Cheeseburger Day a half-day at work and kick back on the patio at Bali Hai. The burger has all of the classic trimmings, plus a smear of black pepper truffle mayo, which punches up the flavor factor. If you’re unsure just how much truffle you can handle, ask for the mayo on the side and sample a dab before you smear. Burgers are served with ginger brown butter fries or a simple green salad. While you’re there, try one of the many tiki drinks, then stroll Shelter Island until the buzz wears off (which could take awhile, hence the half-day suggestion!)
2230 Shelter Island Drive. Burger: $13 (lunch only)
Davanti Enoteca (top right): The curd is the word at this Italian restaurant with locations in Little Italy and Carmel Valley. Davanti Enoteca tops their burger with a patty of griddled cheese curds, plus a bevvy of toppings, including arugula, bacon jam, roasted tomatoes, and garlic aioli. There’s a lot going on, but all of the elements work together to form one of the most flavorful burger options in the city. A tangle of shoestring fries come on the side. During happy hour, grab one with a side of fries for $6.
1655 India St, Little Italy & 12955 El Camino Real, Carmel Valley. Burger: $12
Sessions Public (bottom left): Sessions Public is known for their taps, but the burgers are stellar. The half-pound angus patty is topped with nippy Winchester gouda, confit tomatoes, sweet pickled onions, peppery arugula, and garlic aioli. Delicious duck fat fries come on the side. With all of those savory ingredients, the perfect compliment (besides a pint), is an order of beignets (and a breath mint).
4204 Voltaire St., Point Loma. Burger: $13
BO-beau (bottom right): The burger at BO-beau has a distinctly French flair. The patty is spiced up with garlic, cayenne, and shallots, and topped with thin slices of pork belly and a generous smear of green peppercorn aioli. A huge mound of fries come on the side with quite possibly the tastiest condiment ever: romesco aioli. If you plan on attempting to clear your plate, make sure you also clear your schedule… for a nap.
4996 West Point Loma Blvd., Ocean Beach. Burger: $14 (dinner only)
