Dr. Funk

We come to Dr. Funk regularly for our tiki bar/drink fix. Initially, I had sticker shock looking at the menu, but they're comparable to other tiki bar prices, and the Dr. Funk drinks are flavorful as they are potent.

No matter how busy the bar gets, the staff and bartenders are still attentive. We've come in on a weekend and 4-5 weeknights now, and we're always greeted warmly and served quickly.

Sitting outside is great in the summer, and we love getting a booth inside and admiring the decor. If you're looking for the fire show, order the Phoenix - and know that they only light it up (big) if you order it at the bar.

Location is easy to miss. As you enter San Pedro square look to your left and you will see Dr. Funk tucked in between other bars and restaurants.

It's a small location, I wanted to visit for the Halloween theme cocktails and decor. Well lit, the specialty drinks weren't the best (beetle juice theme) perhaps it was just our taste buds but they were gorgeous.

The staff was friendly and attentive. Everywhere you look in this place it was something different to take in. Very much a tropical tiki oasis in downtown San Jose.

We then went for a standard margarita, no frills. It was decent.

Overall if you are strolling downtown and want a place to grab a quick drink, it's not a bad option.

I came on a Friday night with a friend and it was not too busy. There's a bunch of seating outdoors and indoors. Pretty dark ambiance but cool tiki bar vibes and decor. Service was quick and friendly. Server gave us great drink recs and they came out in about 5-10min.

8/10 Shipwreck $19
8/10 Saturn Sunrise $19

Both were fruity, refreshing, and strong. Good flavors too but overall still pricy.

Our server was so nice and friendly. We asked her to take our picture and she went above and beyond. I really enjoyed all the drinks except for the mai tai. The decorations are Tiki themed and super immersive.

If you're on the lookout for a vibrant spot to unwind with friends, Dr. Funk's Tiki Bar is the spot! This place is the perfect mix of laid-back island vibes and lively fun, making it an ideal hangout for both big groups and intimate gatherings.

Whether you're stopping by after work or kicking off your weekend early, you're sure to enjoy the great deals on drinks and snacks. The décor is another standout feature--authentic tiki bar with hut tables and twinkling lights that transport you straight to a tropical paradise. Be mindful that it is pretty dark inside so have your phone flashlights ready but the ambiance alone is worth the visit.

While the food might not steal the show, it's got that classic bar food charm with a little twist. Their fries are loaded with your choice of curry or nacho sauce--deliciously different. The coconut shrimp are a hit, though the portions are on the smaller side. And if you're a wing fan, the crispy chicken wings are a must.

Now, onto the drinks--brace yourself! Dr. Funk's drink menu is not only extensive but also unique in its strength labeling, with drinks ranging from one to three X's, indicating the intensity. Be warned: the drinks pack a punch, especially those with a three-X rating, which come with a two-drink limit. Even as a self-proclaimed lightweight, I found the drinks both authentic and delicious, if a bit too strong to finish.

Dr. Funk Tiki Bar beautifully captures the essence of a tropical getaway right in the city. With its fun vibe, welcoming atmosphere, and enticing happy hour deals, Dr. Funk is sure to offer a memorable experience!

I love me my tiki bar and tiki drinks and this place does have *kerpowy* drinks. Tropical decor with some bubbling beakers above the bar.

Friendly male server.

The kitchen was closed when I arrived but the dishes looked yummy.

Outdoor seating, too.

Tiki in the South Bay? Sure, why not? Believe it or not, Dr. Funk isn't the name of a locally popular R&B DJ. The name refers to Dr. Bernhard Funk who practiced tropical mixology in the South Pacific for 31 years back at the end of the 19th century. In tribute, this spacious tiki bar was opened in the always congested San Pedro Square where it appears to attract the locals in droves.

Jamie W. and I met our friends Carlos and Jack for a long-awaited reunion and decided to start our evening here. We stayed out in the patio since it was balmy out. They offered about nine classic tiki drinks and eleven more artisan cocktails presumably of their own creation. The four of us ordered two of those cocktails in pairs as they were the most tropical of the bunch.

One was the $19 Phoenix Rising, a mix of mezcal, Oaxacan rum, aperol, pineapple, lime, coconut cream, cinnamon, and serrano tincture (photo: https://yelp.to/RKXtHVgeQl). A creamy delight with just enough kick to sustain us to dinner. The other was the $17 Drink of the Gods, definitely a funkier drink with the wallop of three different rums plus cherry liqueur, coconut cream, heavy cream, pineapple, lemon, turbinado, and bitters (photo: https://yelp.to/PPKNqcBxGS).

If the Phoenix Rising had the kick of a mule, the Drink of the Gods felt more like Secretariat on a bad day. It was indeed tropical but just enough to make you remember you're nowhere near Honolulu. Our server was quite new, so he was enthusiastic to make sure we were happy with our selections. Honestly it wasn't a landmark level of tiki libation but they met our needs.

COCKTAILS - 3 stars...enough kick but not our favorites, also quite pricey
AMBIANCE - 4 stars...a solid job on the tiki decor
SERVICE - 4 stars...he was really making the effort
TOTAL - 3 stars...it comes down to the libations

RELATED - Exploring the South Bay? Here's my collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2uv12JY

Came here just after 10 on a Friday night with a group of 6. We tried to find a spot inside but would have been fine sitting outside, too. We asked one of the staff if it a corner booth was actually reserved, and they said yes. However, while we were heading outside, the waiter came up to us and let us sit at the booth. We were very grateful. We ordered a bowl to share, which didn't last long. Our group also tried the barrel too. Both drinks were delicious as always. Always a great time at Dr. Funky.

Seemed like a nice place to come with a few friends. We order some shots and mai tai. The mai tai was bitter and not to my standards.

However, the place seems like a cool place to hang out with friends and probably order food and regular beverages.

The tiki scene in the Bay is just sooo good. Y'all don't even know how lucky you have it.

Loves:
+ Tiki bar vibes are always just a good time
+ Good drinks, and mine (Phoenix Rising) even came with some pageantry
+ Located in San Pedro Square so you're close to everything
+ Good for pairs to bigger groups too
+ Friendly and attentive staff

Fun fact: this spot is designed by the same human who designed Smuggler's Cove in SF.