Home Tiki Bar Spotlight #130 Lei Low Lounge – El Cajon CA

Frank and Kathy are into many different things. Kathy likes to collect gumball machines (she has a lot!) while Frank loves music (he’s a drummer) and Star Trek. They both love Disney and they both love Tiki!  Their home tiki bar is a place for Frank and Kathy to show off all the things they love. The name of their bar is Lei Low Lounge, it’s located in El Cajon and they pretty far out in the country so they don’t have many neighbors. This is a good thing because they built a stage right outside of their tiki bar and they have bands play regularly. There’s a lot going on at Frank and Kathy’s Lei Low Lounge and here is their story… 

What is the tiki scene like where you live?

Frank: Remarkably there are a few Home Tiki bars in our area. You’d think that in an east county area (known for it’s “out in the country” life style) that wouldn’t be so. We have seen some really nice and thought out places as far as bar area. Many of our friends that are in the San Diego Parrot Head Club, have built Tiki bars in their homes. But as far as the concentration of Lounges/bars/and other venues… going out to the coast is where you find more of them.

Kathy: We have a dozen good Tiki bars (or so) in town. But San Diego does have a good representation of Tiki and Tiki bars. That and the fact that San Diego hosts one of the largest Tiki Events in the world (Tiki Oasis) is proof of that social pull. The only downside is that the really upper scale bars and venues require reservations, so spur of moment trips to these areas require more planning than “Oh let’s go to…”.

What brought you into the tiki lifestyle and how long has it been part of your life?

Frank: Actually, I was sort of pulled into the Polynesia life style at a very early age. My parent were Dutch Indonesian, and that culture is very strong with them, and most of my relatives. I remember the Bali Hai and going there not just through my really younger years, but all the time in my more adolescent years as well as high school and College. I’m a native San Diegan and loved going to the “Tiki Show” in the downstairs bar at the Bali Hai, I was fascinated with the beauty of the story telling and pageantry of all the dances, and of course (being a drummer) the music and that native beat. But to say when did the “Tiki” lifestyle actually became apparent in my life, I would have to say just as I met my wife Kathy. Seeing all that tropical bent in attitude and attire got me back into wanting more. I had already had a small collection of Tiki Mugs going, but things kind of roared into a full on want to get back into the culture and the feeling of family that I feel Tiki brings.

Kathy: When Frank and I first started Dating 8 years ago, we went to various breweries, wineries, and yes Tiki Bars. Specifically, the Speakeasy ones if they were available. We really enjoyed those Tiki Bars with all that beautiful flowered decor and the lifestyle vibe, and oh my the different type of drinks that were available in Tiki bars. You’d never get those in a regular bar. In fact, after we decided to get married, we wanted to buy a place that we could build our own Tiki bar. One that would reflect our different likes and taste. Be very eclectic, and reflect what we enjoy doing and that is to share with others what brings us joy.

Can you give a little history of how it all came together?

Both: After we found this particular house (Frank wanted one up on the hill, and Kathy said this was the place) a wise decision was made by both to purchase this home 6 years ago. The home has a very rare feature in Southern California, and that is a 1300 sq. foot basement. Technically it’s a basement with a “walk-out” side entrance door. The previous owners had it staged as a Day Care , with a small stage , locker room, desks and shelving area, and more importantly… a Lunch counter (Bar) already in place. Frank never knew about this feature while Kathy had a recollection of seeing something in the listing showing a bar top area. Frank came down the basement stairs to find Kathy shaking with happiness and said “Look! it’s our Tiki Bar!”

Well soon after the home was purchased, the Pandemic hit and Frank was on furlough for the next 1 1/2 years. Kathy’s job actually got busier. But between both of them, the time became available to start to build the Tiki Bar. 

Any story behind the name of your bar?

Both: We first called the bar “The Enchanted Tiki Bar (not room)” as a nod to our love of that attraction up at Disneyland. But after a short while, realized that this was something a whole lot different, it was a reflection of us. So, we started up with coming up a bunch of different names and did a poll with all of our friends to what we should call our unique bar. Names proposed were everything from “Paradise Down Under” to “The Drunken Lei. We both settled on one that a dear friend help promote (Susan Finch) and decided that Lei Low Lounge was perfect. Lounge was the missing piece. It denotes more than just a bar. It represents what the place truly is. A place to come and relax at the bar, and a place to come and listen to some really GOOD music. Yes, we also hold “house” concerts in our outdoor are area we call “the Oak Grove” Three absolutely beautiful and large California Oak Tree cover a big stage where we hold these concerts. That is also part of the Parrot Head Culture that we are also a part of. Brining great music to everyone, and all of the proceeds go to the musicians that play here. Lei Low Lounge does not take in any monies from these events. 

How far have you driven to buy something tiki that you saw online?

Frank: The furthest “Drive” we have done was to San Francisco. We wanted to go to Smugglers Cove, and when we do go somewhere specific, we look on line to see what swag that they have available. We got the very cool barrel mug from there, as we always try to get a “Destination” item (generally a mug). every new place we go to.

Kathy: Well not driving, but flying (LOL) I would say Seattle. Our very good friends, Alicia and Frank Tamburine showed us around as we told them what our goal was. to hit up the best Tiki locations in town. We attempted on our first night to go to the Inside Passage, but they were too booked up to let us in. Well the next day both Frank and I were walking around Seattle again, and found that the Inside Passage had just opened and asked if we could wait about 15 minutes. Of course we did and got to get that oh so very cool Kraken holding the ship mug from there. 

What is your favorite Tiki drink? What do you think makes the perfect cocktail? What is your favorite Tiki bar?

Both: Painkillers! Frank: whatever the person wants is perfect for them. I can make a suggestion, but if they only like Old Fashions, a Mai Tai may not be a great suggestion. Kathy: the flavor is number one, not the alcohol level. Favorite Tiki Bar… both: the original Undertow in Scottsdale, AZ. The theming, the double entendre with the name and location (an old car garage Quonset hut building were the bar is in the bottom section where the employees worked under the cars above), and the effects blew us away. A close second would be the Golden Tiki in Las Vegas. So, weird and different.

Outside of great drinks, what do you think are essential elements in creating the perfect Tiki environment?

Kathy: The ambience and make it DARK. A well lit Tiki Bar is not promoting a cozy and mysterious environment. Effects and surprise for the clientele help in making an identity for the bar. Make it your own. don’t copy but use ideas towards your spin on the effect

What does the future hold for you and your home tiki bar?

Both: The Tiki Bar will never…ever be done. it continues to grow, despite the way it seems to be a bit crowded in there. the low ceiling (remember basement?) makes for a challenging space to expand in. But as things move around, new ideas come to us to create another NEW space. Ours is very eclectic but divided up in key themed areas.

Frank: Now that we have built a larger outdoor stage with house sound and lighting, we are looking forward to increasing the exposure of our place and hope more and more people get a chance to come over and experience Lei Low lounge for themselves. I think that they all would be surprised, amused, and leave feeling welcomed and having a wonderful time.