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Mai-KaiBar, Restaurant, Store, Themed Attraction & Floor Show
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Open daily at 5pm
dinner til 10:30pm Sun-Thu til 11:30pm Fri & Sat
Opened in 1956
Defunct tiki not included,
distances are as the crow flies.
ad, 138
calendar, 139 coaster, 127 illustration, 136-137 picture, 137-139 shirt, 139 tableware, 138 text, 129, 136, 138, 172
newsletter, 145
picture, 63, 83, 87, 109, 143, 145 rendering, 78 text, 145 Jan 26, 2007
Dec 2, 2006
Nov 16, 2006
Exterior of the Mai-Kai in Ft. Lauderdale
January 2005, photo by John Quirk
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Add it to Critiki! Humuhumu’s description:
The Mai-Kai is perhaps the last of the grand Polynesian palaces still operating from when tiki was at its peak in the late 50s and early 60s. That the Mai-Kai not only still exists today, but is vibrant and thriving, is something we should all be very grateful for--but not take for granted.
The Mai-Kai was opened in 1956 by two brothers from Chicago, Bob and Jack Thornton, in an age when roadside attractions were springing up all over Florida; eventually Bob took over the business. Like many of these attractions, the Mai-Kai grew over time to be quite a spectacle--it includes eight dining rooms, a bar that on its own would stand as perhaps the best tiki bar in the world, tropical gardens with walking paths and waterfalls, a stage in the center to showcase the Polynesian floor show, and of course, a gift shop. Today, experiencing the Mai-Kai is much as it was in the 60s. The experience begins as you listen to the wooden slat bridge you drive over to reach the porte cochere and valets. As you enter the restaurant, you are greeted by an elegant maitre'd. Be sure to bring some singles when you visit the restroom, as the bathroom has attendants on hand to assist you. The Mai-Kai's manager is Kern Mattei, who took over the position from his father. Bob and Jack have passed away, and the restaurant is now run by Bob's wife Mirielle. Bob met Mirielle when she joined the Mai-Kai as a Tahitian dancer, and still today she runs the Mai-Kai's Polynesian revue. As new dances are added to the show, Mirielle first visits the island where the dance originates to ensure it will be performed properly and will be blessed by its people. All dining rooms overlook the popular show, and dinner reservations are recommended. The enchanting nature of the female form is something that is celebrated throughout Polynesian pop, but perhaps nowhere quite so extensively as the Mai-Kai. The beautiful waitresses to this day are attired in bikini tops and wraparound sarongs. For many years, a Mai-Kai calendar was offered featuring the many beautiful women of the Mai-Kai. This worship reaches its zenith with the Mystery Drink, delivered by the Mystery Girl, an experience that must be witnessed to be fully appreciated, so I will not describe it here, but rather urge you to visit the Mai-Kai yourself and order one.
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http://browardtrust.org/resources_the_mai_kai.asp
Although the grounds and the inside of the Mai Kai are still very much like they were in the 50s, the area around it has built up from empty fields to urban sprawl. I would have loved to have seen years ago when it sat by itself on that stretch of US 1. Now Furniture stores, a mall, two strip clubs (upscale ones) and several other restaurants surround it. But none of that takes away from the charm and allure of this fantastic Tiki escape.
If i went back I would skip the show and spend all my time at the bar. The bar area is definitely the coolest although the whole experience should not be missed.
I was disappointed when I was there that they were out of pineapples and tiki mugs which did take away from the experience quite a bit especially since the drinks aren't cheap.
On any account the food also was OK but not great. Like I said, at the bar is where I belong.
If I could do it all over again (which I hope I will) I would also break down and actually buy one of the really excellent tiki mugs they have in the extensive gift shop.