The Demise of the Tonga Room?

The Tonga Room, in all it's kitschy glory

I've been reading for a few weeks that the end may soon be near for The Tonga Room in the Fairmont Hotel.

Sfgate.com had an article today saying that end of the Hurricane Bar may be very soon.

Why? It seems as if the owners of The Fairmont want to build a new tower of condos where the current tower that houses the Tonga Room currently is.

That's too bad. The Tonga Room has been there since 1945. It's pretty much a San Francisco institution. Where else can you go to a Tiki Bar that has occasional thunderstorms, complete with rain, and a floating barge for the band?! Now, I admit, I've only been there a hand full of times since I've lived here, but still - it's one of those things - it's just good to know it's there!

Come to think of it, I've actually been twice in the last two years - Dick and I took his sister, Kathy, while she was out visiting in January, and we took some friends from Shanghai there in July, '07.

I suppose it's not one of those places where locals regularly go, but it's certainly a fun place to take out-of-town guests.

Apparently, there's a "Save The Tonga Room" Facebook group, that's planning to meet there between 5-7 this Friday.

We'll see what happens....