"The 'Goof' on the Roof."
A rooftop mascot for a vintage Tiki Bar and Restaurant has a varied and interesting history.
The Bali Hai Restaurant can be located on Shelter Island, San Diego, in the vicinity of the Point Loma neighborhood. As it turns out, it is not an island at all, but more of an immense sand bar. In 1934 the surrounding man-made bay was dredged up, with the removed materials making the popular archipelago one sees today. Just across the water, to the south, is the North Island Naval Air Station. It may be due to the close proximity to this maritime facility that we owe the existence of an entity known locally as ‘The Goof’.
‘The Goof’ sits atop of the Bali Hai Restaurant, acting as a beacon to all those who wish to sample Polynesian cuisine and rum laced tropical drinks. He also serves as an ambassador to those who want to reminisce about an age that was popular during the 1930’s to 50’s, and went by the moniker of Tiki Culture. This was a sub-set of society who desired to recreate the allure and nostalgia for all things exotic and foreign. Particularly for the servicemen who fought in conflicts in the South Pacific and Southeast Asia.
This original reincarnation would eventually succumb to a fire in the mid 1960’s. Fortunately, a restaurateur by the name of Tom Ham would establish several facsimiles of this institution throughout Southern California. This iteration on Shelter Island remains one of the longest running mid-century Tiki themed establishments anywhere in the world. ‘The Goof on the Roof’, with his crooked smile and illuminated red eye remains a sentry, guiding all those who desire a taste of the Polynesian and a sip of rum soaked sentimentality.
Know Before You Go
The Bali Hai Restaurant is opened daily from 11:30 AM, 9:30 on Sundays, and offers picturesque views of downtown San Diego. 'The Goof' can be seen at anytime, though sunset lets one see his sole red eye in bold clarity.
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