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Presented by Eric Jost

Step aboard the S.S. Tonga as we dive headfirst into the mesmerizing history of the world-famous Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar! Since 1945, this themed restaurant and bar has been a go-to destination for San Francisco locals and visitors alike. Get ready to unravel the secrets behind the transformation of the Fairmont Hotel’s pool into the ultimate hub for an ocean liner-themed bar, evolving gradually into the beloved tropical paradise we know and adore today. Discover how the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar defied extinction in the early-2000’s, emerging even more popular than ever before.

Eric Jost isn't your average urban anthropologist and walking tour guide – he's the spirited time-traveler of San Francisco's vibrant past! With a penchant for unraveling the city's secrets, he's the brain behind the tours “SOMA Origins: Bars, Bathhouses, & Beyond,” and “Pagan Bay: SF’s Role in the Rise, Fall, & Resurgence of American Tiki Culture.” When he's not leading excursions through the city's historical nooks, you'll catch him sipping cocktails at Trader Sam's or chasing the tropical island vibes for that extra dose of inspiration.