Press

“As much as Mr. Cate enjoys the fantasia of classic mai tai joints, he is rigorously academic about rum itself.”

“It’s truly a complete vision, and once you’re inside the windowless space you feel completely disconnected (in a good way) from the reality of Hayes Valley right outside the completely opaque door.”

“Smuggler’s Cove has tons of potential to be the kind of cheesy bar you’d find at Disney World. But it’s not. You can tell that Cate put a lot of thought, time, and effort into his brainchild.”

“There is so much history in the place I’m considering asking Martin to train me as a docent to give regular tours.”

“The opening has been much anticipated as Mr. Cate is an acknowledged master of both the rum cocktail and of tiki culture.”

“What sets Smuggler’s Cove apart from the tiki pack is its focus on top-notch bartending talent...quality ingredients, and solid technique. It’s a serious rum-focused bar with retro-tropical decor, but there’s refreshingly little of the tongue-in-cheek cheesiness that you might expect.”

“It’s a little bit of rum-soaked escapism, right in the heart of the city.”

“How does something with all those ingredients not taste sickly sweet? Tiki Magic!! And a world class bartender. Can’t wait for his new place to open.”

“Smuggler’s Cove will be a rum haven run by one of the great advocates of the spirit.”

“Given Cate’s reputation in the industry, his hand with home-made tiki drinks, and his unparalleled knowledge of the history and culture of the drinks, Smuggler’s Cove will probably be, it’s no stretch to say, the greatest tiki bar on earth.”

“Though the Tequila onslaught continues, rum has been quietly making gains as the must-drink spirit of the moment. Now comes news that Bay Area rummies will have a new watering hole of their own, from none other than neo-tiki master Martin Cate.”