Bahooka Ribs & Grog

Contributor

Citysearch

In Short
This is the kind of out-of-the-way place where you'd expect to run into Gilligan and Spongebob sharing a flaming scorpion bowl in one of the nautical nooks at this sprawling Rosemead spot. Because of its location outside L.A. proper, Bahooka is noticeably void of hipsters--and in our too-cool-for-school town, that's quite a selling point. Instead, local families, casual dates and boisterous groups are who you'll find. A kitschy Polynesian fantasy spins out as 100 aquariums create an eerie glow, offset by bamboo, giant tikis, blowfish lamps and historic naval memorabilia. The giant tropical drink menu offers colorful concoctions like Hurricane Lanterns, Head Srinkers or Zombies. Although there may not be any trendy artisan mixologists, who cares when the flaming drinks are just $7 to $8? Island-themed cuisine consists of crab puffs, stuffed shrimp, Teriyaki chicken, and steak and lobster, but the most popular specialty is the heaping piles of Polynesian pork ribs.