SOME PEOPLE wind down their week by taking it easy on Sunday—maybe kicking back, catching some football and then sedately watching whatever might be on TV. Then there are others who finish strong. You can find those types at Smoke Tiki in downtown San Jose at the club’s Hazy Sundays.
Smoke Tiki is awesome on Sundays. For starters, it is decorated like a Corona Christmas commercial with the light-strung palm tree, black-lit snowflakes hanging from the ceiling and a small laser light show. The party goes from 5pm to midnight, but it doesn’t really get started until about 10pm.
But by then, there is a decent crowd on the dance floor, moving around to whatever the DJ is kicking out (three new DJs each Sunday), while the less energetic partiers hang out at the bar with the really friendly bartender, whose name I didn’t catch. I must’ve looked rather pathetic, because after about 20 minutes a group of sociable girls bought me a rather strong shot of something with Bailey’s and vodka, which definitely warmed me up. It didn’t really go with my Pacifico, but it was a free drink, so I didn’t complain. The whole atmosphere was friendly, and it seemed like everyone was there to have a good time before Monday rolled around again.
So while the South Bay might be getting record cold temperatures outside, Smoke Tiki is keeping it warm but festive inside. But they do have a cute little patio in the back if you desperately want to experience the freezing temps while sipping on an island-inspired libation.
Smoke Tiki Lounge
152 Post St, San Jose; 408.292.4266
