I have to say that I’ve never done a write up on a liquor store before, but there’s a first time for everything …
Trader Mort’s is the first or maybe the only tiki themed liquor store there is. It’s located on Shelter Island in San Diego CA and if you’re heading to the Bali Hai or Half Moon Inn, you’re going to pass right by it, so there’s no reason not to stop in.
Trader Mort’s was opened by Lance Morton in 1964 and if you were staying on Shelter Island and needed a little bit more booze, Trader Mort’s had you covered. I guess this would still be true today!
You can’t miss Trader Mort’s, this awesome tiki carved by Eli Hedley (Bamboo Ben’s grandfather) stands right out front. Say hello to Mr. Tiki …
The rum selection isn’t huge at Trader Mort’s but as the Rolling Stones song suggests, you can’t always get what you want, but sometimes you get what you need …
The interior of Trader Mort’s is lightly decorated in bamboo and random tiki items …
The décor is nothing much to brag about but hey, it’s a liquor store! But what Trader Mort’s does have is their own tiki mugs for sale!
These mugs are designed after Trader Mort’s own mascot, Mr. Tiki, and they are made by Tiki Farm. I had to get one!
This gentleman standing next to me is Mike Stutz. He is the current owner and operator of Trader Mort’s. He’s a really cool guy and is more than willing to talk about the history of Trader Mort’s. I know that Trader Mort’s is just a liquor store and not a tiki bar, but this is a little piece of San Diego tiki history that you have to check out and support. Stop by Trader Mort’s and buy a bottle of rum of two. You’ve got to buy your rum somewhere, so it might as well be at a tiki liquor store!
Here is Trader Mort’s website
And Facebook page
Trader Morts is my go to liquor store when on the island! Been going there since the mid 60’s😀