Escape to the Islands with a visit to Mister Tiki Mai Tai Lounge in Downtown San Diego. Complete with authentic tiki sculptures, bamboo clad ceilings and hibiscus coated walls, this Polynesian paradise in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter is not to be missed.

Dinner is served nightly from 5pm, and among the Executive Chef Jason Gethin's featured appetizers are Tempura Sweet Potato Fries with Maui onion ketchup, Ginger Teriyaki Chicken Wings with green onions and chili sauce, and Mr. Tiki's Canoe, a succulent sampler of lemongrass pork satay, Szechuan beef skewers, and crispy Ahi firecracker rolls.

The Island Plates, which range in price from $21.95-29.95, include Tahini Grilled Lamb Chops with tomato curry sauce with cheese broccoli and wasabi mashed potatoes, Pan Seared Jumbo Scallops with Chinese sherry sauce, crispy shiitake, and coconut polenta cake, and the New York Steak and Frites, made with Snake River Farms Kobe beef and served with sweet potato fries. Just the thought of all the great Pacific Island cuisine will inspire you to hand-build a catamaran and jump on Interstate 5.

Be on the look out, too, for the $5 on Fifth Happy Hour 7 days a week from 5-7 pm, as well the All-U-Can-Eat Sushi Mondays. For a little pu pus after dark, late night dining is also available on Fridays and Saturdays from 10pm to midnight.

If you can envision Disneyland's Enchanted Tiki Room invaded by hip Gaslamp partiers, you'll have some insight into the vibe at Mister Tiki Mai Tai Lounge (the "lounge" label means you must be 21+ after 9pm).