Forget the airfare and all those additional flight expenses (I’m presuming a toilet toll is next), you can island hop around the South Pacific in a few sips and bites at the Fort Lauderdale landmark, the Mai-Kai.
Looking like it was plucked right off a Hawaiian island, the Mai-Kai is located on busy US1 near Oakland Park Boulevard and it’s authentic Polynesian architecture also feature tiki gardens, nightly fire dancing and traditional island shows. Dinner can be expensive with entrees averaging around $25, and an additional charge for the show, so I like to take full advantage of the tiki-tastic happy hour specials. Offered in the Mai-Kai’s Molokai Lounge, this special includes half-price tropical drinks that are so powerful, you don’t need more than two. Keeping in theme with the beauty of the islands, the bikini and sarong-clad servers look like finalists from Polynesia’s Next Top Model*. The drinks are arranged on the menu in categories of strength. Of course, as I like full value for my money, I make sure to get the strongest drink possible! My recommendation is the traditional mai tai that is garnished with an orchid. Other favorites are the famed Barrel o’ Rum or Shrunken Skull, which are actually served in novelty mini barrels and ceramic skulls. On Wednesdays, a complimentary buffet is available only in the Molokai Lounge with a minimum drink purchase of just $10. The buffet changes weekly but typically features sushi, pork, steamed vegetables and my personal favorite - seaweed salad!
*not recommended as a venue for a first date!
The Deal: TWO-FOR-ONE admission to the Dinner Show
The Deal: Complimentary sushi buffet with minimum drink purchase of $10
5-9p.m. Wednesday
Mai- Kai
3599 N. Federal Highway
Fort Lauderdale
954-563-3272
