Strong Water Anaheim: A Tiki Shipwreck Dining Experience

strong water captain's bar seats
The Captains Quarters is an exclusive space serving gin inspired drinks. Photo credit: Strong Water Anaheim

An Immersive Tiki Adventure at Strong Water Anaheim

If you are searching for unique things to do near Disneyland, we highly recommend visiting Strong Water Anaheim. We recently experienced the enchantment of this tiki and nautical-themed restaurant and rum bar, we are excited to share our unforgettable adventure with you.

strong water atmosphere
Busy, yet with an intimate atmosphere in the haul of a shipwreck.

Escape to a Shipwrecked Treasure Ship

From the moment you step through the wooden doors of Strong Water Anaheim, you are instantly transported into a different world. The dimly lit space, adorned with dark, rich wood and burgundy décor, creates an ambiance reminiscent of being inside the cabin of a large wooden ship. The tropical music playing in the background and drinks served in ornate glasses with exotic garnishes add to the atmosphere.

strong water waterfall octopus
In the corner is a skull waterfall with a menacing octopus nearby.

Catering to the Desire for Unique Experiences

Strong Water Anaheim, founded by Ying Chang and Robert Adamson, caters to a growing segment of diners seeking an immersive dining experience. The owners previously operated The Blind Rabbit, a 1920s-themed speakeasy bar in the Anaheim Packing District. Strong Water has quickly become a popular destination, with pent-up demand from patrons eager to indulge in its unique offerings.

strong water decor
Tropical paintings add a sophisticated flair.

Chang and Adamson have created an immersive backstory for Strong Water Anaheim, incorporating the restaurant’s 1,884-square-foot space into its theme. We had the opportunity to hang out with Ying and Robert to learn a little more about how they brought their vision to life. According to their tale, the ship sank in 1884, eventually washing ashore on a volcanic island. The front half of the restaurant is open to the ship’s crew, and the exclusive back half is the private Captain’s Quarters.

An Upcycled Environment

The entire restaurant is upcycled, with many materials sourced from the Facebook marketplace. Inside the cabin, booths are made from the backboards of old beds, while nautical-themed paintings adorn the walls. Intricate tiki sculptures and an octopus-themed skull waterfall add to the immersive atmosphere.

strong water booths and tables
Booths are made from the backboards of old beds.

A shipwrecked Treasure Ship Theme near Disneyland

Situated just a few miles from Disneyland, Strong Water Anaheim perfectly complements the ultimate theme experience. The restaurant’s shipwrecked theme is an ideal choice for those seeking a different and exciting dining adventure.

strong water bartender animations
The energetic bartenders never stopped making those amazing tiki drinks throughout the night.

The Captains Quarters

strong water captains quarters bar
A portrait of the Captain’s wife hangs over the bar; watching over the patrons.
strong water captains treasures
The captain’s other “friends” portraits hang just out of sight of the Mrs.

A Fusion of Flavors and Rum Delights

Strong Water Anaheim’s menu offers an Asian fusion experience with delightful Hawaiian and Filipino flavors.

The best tiki drinks in Orange County

The drinks, served with exotic garnish (we didn’t see a single umbrella straw the entire night!), were not only visually stunning but also packed with delicious flavors.

Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in a variety of rum forward drinks available, adding a touch of pacific-island allure to your dining experience.

strong water Miehana Cocktail
Miehana Cocktail – Coconut Rum, aged rum, orange liqueur, Lime, pineapple, orange.

We make it a habit to sit at the bar while visiting any tiki themed establishment for the first time. Watching how the bartenders craft their drinks and getting recommendations beyond the standard offerings always enhances the experience.

Strong Water Buzzin' Jungle Bird
The Buzzin’ Jungle Bird – Jamaican Rum, Coffee Infused Campari, Black Strap Rum, Angostura Bitters, pineapple, Lime, Hemp Orgeat
The Zombie King – Pimento Dram, coconut rum, dark rum, Demerara rum, Lime, pineapple juice, cinnamon, angostura bitters & walnut bitters. This was an amazing complex drink and one of my all time favorite tiki drinks!
strong water mystery The Saturn
The Saturn – Expertly mixed with Gin, Lemon Juice, Pasion Fruit, Orgeat, and Velvet Falernum

Asian fusion menu

The quality of the food was exceptional, and the presentation was artful and impressive. We were captivated by the unique combination of flavors, use of quality ingredients, and textures that delighted our taste buds.

strong water thai wings
Thai Wings: Marinated crispy fried chicken, tossed in tangy asain chili sauce with furisake seasoning & scallions with house-made Polynesian macaroni salad.

Delectable desserts

strong water ube creme brûlée
Purple sweet potato infused cream custard with caramelized coconut, spiced pistachios, toasted coconut, and a black sesame Ube whip cream.
strong water banana bread cake
Banana Bread Cake – Banana rum-infused croissant baked in custard and glazed with Black Strap Carmel sauce, rum flambé bananas, and vanilla bean ice cream.

Reservations Required for an Experience

Due to its popularity, Strong Water Anaheim operates on a reservation basis with a two-hour time limit to accommodate all guests. The indoor restaurant and bar are reserved for adults only, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Families with children and furry friends can enjoy the outdoor patio area, allowing everyone to be part of the experience.

Tips For Visiting Strong Water Anaheim

Since Strong Water Anaheim is such a popular destination, most tips are related to increasing your odds of getting in!

  • Book a Reservation! Seriously, it all starts with getting a spot to enjoy the experience. Here is a direct link to the Strong Water Anaheim Reservations web page.
  • If there are no reservations on the days you want: If you have a small party, you can show up early and wait in the standby line. However, there is no guarantee, but that is how we made our first visit!
  • If you would like something a little more exclusive: book your party in the Captain’s Quarters.
  • Sit at the bar: Watch the bartenders make the drinks, and get insider tips and stories.

Our Honest Review of Strong Water Anaheim

At Strong Water Anaheim, you are not just dining—you’re embarking on an immersive adventure. Discover the magic of a shipwrecked treasure ship, savor delectable flavors, and create lasting memories in this unique dining destination. We were utterly impressed by every aspect of our experience with Strong Water Anaheim. This is a must-visit for those looking for unique things to do near Disneyland. Plan your visit and embark on a remarkable dining adventure that will transport you to a world of sunken treasures and culinary delights.