Mai-Kai

It's been there for sixty-two years.  The Mai-Kai has earned listing in the National Register and continues its tradition of a diverse menu of rum drinks and Asian type fare.  It has been a runaway success since its opening in 1956.  There's a Polynesian theme, including its long running nightly show featuring dancing and daring feats with fire.  The latter might be concerning for guests at tables close to the stage, as the heat and flash seem an inch away.  If you've lived in south Florida for any amount of time, you've at least heard of Mai-Kai.

We went with family some weeks back on a Sunday night.  Full house. The Tiki decor is barely lit and very cozy.  We enjoyed Tahitian Cheese Tangs and bacon wrapped Shanghai Chicken as appetizers after a few drinks ("Mild" and "Strong") in the Molokai Bar.  My entree was the Teriyaki Combo, which included beef, chicken, and shrimp. Tasty.  I had Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream for dessert, though despite its name it resembled your typical soft serve frozen yogurt from elsewhere.  Still good.

The half hour or so dance show was emceed by a lovely lady from New Zealand, who introduced each performance in between numerous costume changes.  Dancers from Polynesian lands gave us hula and other traditional gyrations while adorned with amazing head dresses (women) or barely a loincloth (men, one of whom proudly showed off his eight pack abs while making demonic faces and sticking out his tongue as he banged a large stick on the stage).   An impressive percussion section was behind them.  There was the obligatory "let's recruit volunteers from the audience" moment that strikes fear into the introverts.  But it went off without incident.  One guy was quite enjoying it.

We walked out back to the gardens at the end of our lovely evening. I noticed some tables; maybe you can go for dinner without seeing the show, but that seems pointless.  There is a long path around a waterfall and some ponds.  Orchids and Tiki statues are everywhere.  Great photo ops, of course.

Mai-Kai has a bit of a Disney vibe but feels (and is) far more authentic.  One of the original owner's step-sons and daughters run the place.  It is a fun and very chill destination.

"Ho'onani!"

The Mai-Kai Restaurant
3500 North Federal Highway
Ft. Lauderdale, FL  
(954) 563-3272
maikai.com