Built in 1953, Bali Hai on Shelter Island, San Diego, is one of the oldest mid-century Tiki drinking and dining establishments still standing. Beloved by locals and visitors for its food and waterfront views, it has also sold an astonishing 2.8 million Mai Tais to date – a counter on the bar keeping a running tally.

In 1935, an entire Tahitian village was built on the island of Catalina for the film Mutiny on the Bounty starring Clark Gable. A bar, nicknamed Christian’s Hut, was also constructed for the crew. When shooting finished, the bar was moved to Newport Island and spawned other Christian’s Hut franchises. None of them lasted, except for the one on Shelter Island.

An accountant by profession, Tom Ham took on the struggling bar and restaurant in 1954 and, without any experience of running a restaurant, turned it into a vibrant success. He renamed it Bali Hai – it means ‘your own special island.’ Since then, three generations of the Ham family have presided over Bali Hai, which has been lovingly preserved and undergone multiple improvements. Mr Ham died in 1973.

The restaurant has two historic Tiki icons – Mr Goof which sits on top of the building and dates to its Christian’s hut days and a large wooden headhunter sculpture that greets guests and is called Mr Bali Hai.

This lovely 1974 menu cover shows the ‘tiki temple’ where generations of locals and tourists have enjoyed Polynesian inspired food and cocktails.