Restaurant-Dining Critiques

650 Gough Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Tel. 415.869.1900

Smuggler’s Cove offers a whole new approach to rum by featuring a vast array of traditional Caribbean drinks, classic libations of Prohibition-Era Havana, and famous exotic cocktails from legendary tiki bars. In addition, Smuggler’s Cove will offer an unparalleled selection of rare and premium rums from around the world to sip slowly on their own or blended into exotic cocktails. Martin Cate is a San Francisco Bay Area based rum & exotic cocktail expert who for over a decade has been passionate about rum & tropical cocktails. He was the co-creator, designer and chief mixologist for Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge in Alameda, CA. He has met with over a dozen rum distillers in five countries, and lectured at Bourbon and Branch’s Beverage Academy, Tales of the Cocktail, and Tiki Oasis. “I am very excited to help showcase this wonderfully varied spirit both on its own and in delicious cocktails. A great rum drink can be simple and elegant, or complex and dynamic, but it must always be balanced, approachable, and just a pleasure to drink”, says Martin Cate.  Martin has traveled the world to learn the rich history and explore the traditional spices and regional ingredients of the world’s rum producing countries in order to feature them in the cocktails of Smuggler’s Cove. As an award-winning mixologist and member of the United States Bartenders Guild for the last four years, Martin is committed to using only the best quality spirits, fresh-squeezed juices, and housemade ingredients. But while Martin is serious about the drinks, he knows that people are looking for a memorable and fun experience as well. Smuggler’s Cove will be more than just a tiki bar, but it will feature the kind of dramatic, mysterious, and escapist atmosphere that makes a tiki bar so special and makes rum taste better! Smuggler’s Cove will include waterfalls, vintage nautical decor and rum memorabilia, and relics from some of San Francisco’s most famous historic watering holes.  The drinks list has over 80 drinks and more than 200 hundred different rums. They also feature an exclusive, handcrafted rum: Eurydice, a 100% California grown and produced artisan product from the distillers at St. George Spirits, and 100% fresh citrus juice is squeezed in-house daily.

A crew of expert bartenders and mixologists behind the bar who have honed their craft at some of the top spots in San Francisco and Los Angeles, including Gitane, Heaven’s Dog, Malo, Range, Seven Grand, Trader Vic’s, and The Varnish.