Pagan Idol — Restaurant in San Francisco

This place will likely easily become a 5 star review if we go back on a Monday and actually get service. On a Friday even getting there around 4pm when they open it took about 20 minutes to swoop up a seat for 3 people and people were aggressively hovering if it even looks like you might stand up for any reason. But you have to stand up because they don't have cocktail servers so you have to send someone to the bar to order a round and send the person with the most comfortable shoes because I ended up standing in the queue for literally 45 minutes before the bartender even looked at me to order a drink. It's not like the bartenders were lazy or slow either. It's just jam packed in there especially before 5 when they open the second room in the back. I think if they just hired at least one or two cocktail servers to come around the tables and take orders then at least I could sit in relative comfort (my feet were killing me after 45 minutes trying to appear taller and lean over someone's shoulder to order) and feel confident that at least my order was placed and the server would bring the drinks when the bartender gets to our drink order in the queue. They seem to have plenty of bar backs but none of them take drink orders when coming around to pick up empty beverages. I know I started this review out with a complaint of sorts but I really do look forward to coming back on a weekday when the crowd is hopefully thinner as the decor was so neat and the one drink (scorpion bowl) that we finally got after all that time waiting was quite tasty. The staff also seemed pretty friendly even under the Friday crowd pressure of very impatient tech bros and HR snob hotties. I asked a server which day of the week to come back for a thinner crowd and she told me that the slowest days would be Monday or Tuesday. No real surprise I guess but I am glad to confirm and look forward to that Monday I can go back and hopefully change this review to 5 stars. Or maybe by then they will have read this and hired some cocktail servers for the tables....

I've been here twice for happy hour. Both times I came at 5 pm and it wasn't too crowded here, but still had a decent amount of people. There are two bars, one in the front and one in the back. There are also a few scattered small tables in the back. The front had couches around. I didn't really see an area for a big group. I wouldn't come with more than 4 people. There was also some alarm(?) and a speaker would go off with a smoke machine in the back. It was cool maybe the first time, but it would continue to go off at odd times. I wasnt really sure why, but it was there.

I got the mai tai bowl and scorpion bowl. They both say shares between 2-4, but I would say closer to 2 people. We were slightly buzzed after the drinks, but were fine soon after. The bowls tasted good though; there was a proper amount of alcohol that didn't ruin the taste. I did prefer the scorpion bowl more over the mai tai.

I would definitely come back again! The other cocktails were about $12-$17 and looked amazing. They all sounded tasty and looked really pretty. I wished they had some bigger table space, especially since people leave a lot of their bags and jackets around...

Stepping into @paganidolsf is like being transported to an exotic paradise. The tiki decor creates an ambiance that is both captivating and immersive, with its intricate carvings, lush greenery, and flickering torches. The attention to detail in the setting truly sets the stage for a unique and memorable experience.

The drinks at @paganidolsf are nothing short of extraordinary. Each concoction is a work of art, carefully crafted with premium spirits, fresh fruits, and unexpected flavor combinations. From the smoky allure of a classic tiki cocktail to the inventive twists on traditional favorites, the drink menu never fails to impress.

What sets @paganidolsf apart is not just the exceptional drinks and captivating decor, but the overall experience. The attentive and knowledgeable staff adds to the charm, providing insights into the history and culture of tiki cocktails, making every visit an educational and delightful journey into the world of mixology. Whether you're a seasoned tiki enthusiast or a newcomer to the scene, @paganidolsf is a destination that never...