When you think of Ft. Lauderdale what do you think of? Spring break? Hordes of rowdy drunken college students? If you have been there anytime in the past 20 years or so, you know that the city once affectionately referred to by college students everywhere as Ft. "Liquordale" has changed. Ft. Lauderdale is now quite the family destination and a beautiful one at that. While Ft. Lauderdale may no longer be a raucous spring break destination, you can still find the occasional throwback to the middle of the last century, the glorious and more sophisticated party days of old.
If you grew up in South Florida (like I did), the one place that optimizes old Ft. Lauderdale fun (tourists, drinks, ambiance, and quality family-friendly entertainment) is the tiki-themed restaurant called the Mai-Kai. It is, in a word, an institution. When I was a kid, everyone went there for a birthday or some sort of celebration at one point or another. In high school, it was a favorite place to go on a date (particularly if your date really wanted to impress you). And, in college, it was the place to meet other friends home from school for good food, killer drinks, and fun. In the last several years I have been to the Mai- Kai for office holiday parties (my parents) and a surprise baby shower (yep, for my second). It is still "the" place to go for Valentine's Day (which is their busiest day of the year, so plan ahead) and is also the place you bring anyone visiting from out of town and really want to show a fun glimpse into the authentic, old Ft. Lauderdale.
This is not your corporate-owned theme park-type restaurant - this is the real deal. And when I say institution, I mean it. There is not much that predates the Mai-Kai in South Florida. The restaurant opened its doors in 1956 in what was (according to the Mai-Kai) a "sleepy, but growing tourist town" that was then located on a dirt road and surrounded by cow pastures. It was an instant success grossing $1 million in its first year (which, I don't have to tell you, was a heck of a lot of money back then). The young owners (brothers and former servicemen who had spent time in the South Pacific) had created not only a restaurant but a thoroughly researched and authentic destination beloved by locals, tourists, and celebrities alike (they say Johnny Carson was a big fan and a regular in the 60s and 70s). 59 years later, the Mai Kai is still owned by the same family, still run by some of the same long-time staff, and is still as busy, as meticulously maintained, and as fun as ever.
When you step through the doors you feel like you went through a time warp, and in a good way. This is an authentic tiki experience with eight dining rooms each representing a different part of Polynesia, a large bar/lounge area, and an outdoor seating area all surrounded by lush tropical gardens, waterfalls, and tiki statues. At 600 seats, the Mai- Kai claims to be one of, if not the largest tiki-style restaurants in the world. It has dozens of drinks on the menu, close to 180 different types of rum, and serves delicious Asian food that you enjoy prior to watching the show. And, according to a 25-year staff member, the staff is one big family and really cares about this restaurant, and it shows - the service is impeccable.
This is not your corporate-owned theme park-type restaurant - this is the real deal. And when I say institution, I mean it. There is not much that predates the Mai-Kai in South Florida. The restaurant opened its doors in 1956 in what was (according to the Mai-Kai) a "sleepy, but growing tourist town" that was then located on a dirt road and surrounded by cow pastures. It was an instant success grossing $1 million in its first year (which, I don't have to tell you, was a heck of a lot of money back then). The young owners (brothers and former servicemen who had spent time in the South Pacific) had created not only a restaurant but a thoroughly researched and authentic destination beloved by locals, tourists, and celebrities alike (they say Johnny Carson was a big fan and a regular in the 60s and 70s). 59 years later, the Mai Kai is still owned by the same family, still run by some of the same long-time staff, and is still as busy, as meticulously maintained, and as fun as ever.
When you step through the doors you feel like you went through a time warp, and in a good way. This is an authentic tiki experience with eight dining rooms each representing a different part of Polynesia, a large bar/lounge area, and an outdoor seating area all surrounded by lush tropical gardens, waterfalls, and tiki statues. At 600 seats, the Mai- Kai claims to be one of, if not the largest tiki-style restaurants in the world. It has dozens of drinks on the menu, close to 180 different types of rum, and serves delicious Asian food that you enjoy prior to watching the show. And, according to a 25-year staff member, the staff is one big family and really cares about this restaurant, and it shows - the service is impeccable. 
And, speaking of the show, the entertainment is so much fun. "The Islander Revue" is choreographed by the native Tahitian owner (wife of the original owner) and "features authentic Polynesian music, dance, costumes, and artifacts. Members of the troupe represent many of the islands that make up the South Pacific including Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, New Zealand, and the Philippines." A new show debuts every January and during the summer months, a kids' show is performed every Sunday night. The costumes are gorgeous, as is the dancing, and the highlight (as my kids will tell you) is the fire dancing towards the end of the show. But watch out, you just might get pulled up on stage to join in the fun! 
If you are looking for a super fun unique family-friendly experience and a taste of Ft. Lauderdale history, hop in the car and head down to the Mai-Kai for a night you will be talking about for years to come. And while you are there, have a rum punch for me. 
The Author and Macaroni KID were guests of the Mai-Kai and Hello Sunny as part of our annual Macaroni KID Meetup. All opinions contained herein are those of the author.
