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  • 0

    I love the atmosphere only thing is it is dark (you could barely read the menu).  The show was great no doubt about it.  The outdoor garden was BEAUTIFUL.  Downside.  Their food.  Mediocre.  It's good too go only for drinks and the show.  Eat at home or eat else where (cheaper).

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  • 0

    First time I came to MK was a great place, it was not as filled with tourist as it is lately! The food, drinks and service are always great!  The show is fun and the ambiance is excellent!

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  • 0

    Mai-Kai needs two reviews, really. First is Mai-Kai as a killer happy hour spot. The bar off to the left was designed to look like the belly of a sunken ship. The Barrel o' Rum tastes like its name, with maybe a slight hint of something other than liquor. And during happy hour, the place fills up with tourists, locals taking out tourists, and occasionally people dressed in pirate and Tiki outfits. During happy hour, it'll be packed, it'll be fun, and you'll leave wanting to hit the next tourist trap (that's the Wreck Bar).

    Then there's the other side of the review: the food. Mai-Kai has filled its sunken pirate ship bar and the Polynesian show with tourists since 1956, so it seems to have forgotten about the need to serve stuff people want to eat. The Pu Pu Platter seems like somebody in the back heated up some frozen stuff in the microwave, and the sweet and sour chicken is so covered in sweet-but-not-sour sauce you'll leave with a tooth ache.

    If you've been in the area for a while, you've heard similar stories about the food. But then, we all still go to Mai-Kai, to down a Barrel o' Rum in a sunken ship, and to toast the fact that one of the iconic Florida tourist traps still sails.

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  • 0

    We came here for our anniversary and we had a great time. Our waitress was really nice and we got there early then watched the show afterwards (while eating our food) so the timing was great.

    We got the bacon wrapped scallops, a shrimp dish, and I got the bacon wrapped filet done in the chinese oven. It was all AMAZING. I highly recommend any of those dishes.

    It wasn't that expensive considering what you get and the service. We spent around $70 for both of us including 2 drinks.

    We'll definitely go back!

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  • 0

    The Hubby surprised me for our 10th yr anniversary and took me here for dinner, it was JUST OKAY in my point of view. The place is EXTREMELY tight for space, the tables are right on top of each other and the lighting in the room is too dark. Its very hard to see the menu, a lot of ppl were using the lighting from their cell phones to be able to see the menu and so was I....The food wasnt all that for the price, I've had better than that for way less money. I ordered the "Tai chicken and shrimp" I really didnt care for it, it came in a thick creamy sauce and had a very funny smell. And also I had fried rice on the side, the rice ended up in the thick creamy sauce {you would think that they would know better than to put it on the same plate}. None of the drinks were up to pare for me, they all were bitter. I dont drink alcohol so I got me a virgin pina colada which was not sweet at all, I also got my 5 yr old a fruit punch which was horrible. It was mixed with orange juice, and pineaaple {very bitter}

    They scenery outside is beautiful, I would have prefer for the show to have been outside although there wasnt much space out there neither. The restaurant has a weird layout. The performance it self was just okay, I really didnt care much for the dancers. I did in fact enjoy the fire performance at the end. Those men were very talented. In conclusion I dont think that I'll be going back, it was just an okay experience.

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  • 0

    I've been coming to this place since the mid '80's. From the rumble of the tires over the wooden bridge and flickering tiki torches as you enter, this place has a mystical feel to it.  I enjoy it every time. It's the decor, garden walk, and show that make this place what it is.  They try hard on the food, but not the best part.  I highly recommend asking for Patrick(gray haired host in blazer and white slacks).  I start by tipping him a $20 bill and I'm seated with a great view of the show, which is the main draw of this place.  He is a very nice man, who has made sure I've been taken care of, something lacking in many restaurants these days.  This is a one-of-a-kind place that I will plan to visit every time I'm in the area.  As I thanked Patrick when I left, he introduced me and my daughter to one of the performers(Kathleen).  Very nice polite person.

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  • 0

    The last time I came to MK was probably around 1997. Yes, it's been a while since then.

    Not much has changed. It was exactly as I remembered. Mai-Kai screams TOURIST TRAP. It oozes it everywhere you look. It was because of this that I was apprehensive to go back. What I did not remember, however, was how good the food actually was. I have to say I WAS VERY SURPRISED. You know what else? the service rocked!

    These are the items we had:

    Pupu platter
    Mussels
    Lobster Mac N Cheese
    Linguini seafood special
    Ribeye and mashed potatoes

    I enjoyed the crab rangoon the most out of all the other things the pupu platter brings. The other things were just too fried for my taste. The lobster and linguini were just amazing. We all kept stealing off each others plates. The ribeye which is cooked in a Chinese oven was just a shocker for me mostly because a well cooked steak is not what I expect from this restaurant. The oven cooks the ribeye by inserting a hook inside of it and the sides never touch the flames. All I know is it was delicious.

    We sat in the upper tier on one of the sides in the front row. The view was perfect from there. The show was nice and enjoyable. We brought wine with us which they opened, and served properly. I also tried their Piña Passion and I absolutely loved it as well. We took a stroll through the gardens and waterfalls in the back after dinner. When you do, you walk by the Chinese ovens which they have through a viewing glass.

    Because Mai Kai is so over top with the decor and show, I would not consider returning too often. It really is a great place for out of towners. That said, I will definitely not let 15 years go by before I return. I will keep this in mind for special occasions or just several times a year as a special and different treat.

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  • 0

    OMG.  Why aren't there more places like this!  I'll tell you why - 'cause you're food ends up getting cold since you spend most of your time staring at the women!

    It is definitely an experience.  Took me a while to adjust to the hostess accent (New Zealander) but the rest did not require any listening.

    We went as a large group (15) so they were definitely more attentive to us.  We had two servers as well.

    If you don't drink alcohol, you should probably find another place to eat.  They have an EXTENSIVE drink list.  Our group ordered 15 different ones and they were all good.

    The Pupu platter is a must.  The polynesian chicken wings were yummy.

    I had the Red snapper, crispy with red sauce.  Probably not the best choice as it tasted more like Thai food than Polynesian.  That was probably my fault.

    But overall, a great experience.

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  • 0

    Waitress was nice. Space is nice, campy. Food, well not very good. I had duck. Sauces tasted odd. Didn't appear fresh. Duck was really overcooked and tough (was thinking I might get sick, but I did not). Sides were tasteless overcooked  I was not into the show. If you go just get appetizers. Why is it so hard to find a decent dinner in Fort Lauderdale?

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  • 0

    We had a great time having dinner and enjoying the show.  It has a lot of old world ambiance from the bar area to the outdoor gardens.

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  • 0

    Anyone who doesn't give this place five stars is probably not someone with whom I would want to have dinner and a night out. I'm not saying that their review is inaccurate or their opinion is wrong, but their taste has to be so different from mine that we would not connect over drinks and dinner. Mai Kai is awesome. I thought all the drinks we tried were excellent, although Keri found most of them a little too sweet. The free bar appetizers [lucky we were there on a Wednesday, which turns out to be free sushi and polynesian appetizer night in the Molokai bar] were better than most places' pricy bar food. Service was pretty good in the Molokai and outstanding in the dining room. Our prime rib and rib eye were not cheap, befitting the tourist orientation, but they were excellently done; I can't attest to the quality of their Asian or Polynesian entrees which some yelpers seem to have found lacking. The show was massively fun. The decor is, of course, the ultimate draw. A cross of tiki and nautical, it is packed with as much high quality tiki ambiance as any such bar in America, and over a lot more square yards than most. The gardens are a total treat, although the indoor decor is more my style. One employee mentioned that in his first three months there he found new stuff every single day. Do not miss the Mai kai.

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  • 0

    Why do I keep coming back here? Ugh. Oh right, for the show.

    I keep bringing friends and family here when they visit, just because of the show. The atmosphere is great, and the show is great. Everyone loves watching people play with fire (although I can't for the life of me understand almost anything the New Zealander hostess says... she trails off at the end of her sentences WAY too much).

    The food is just okay. There is nothing great, it's all just mediocre. The best thing I've had there is the Panang Curry Chicken. Even last time it was a little bit oversaturated, but it was still acceptable.

    What isn't acceptable here is the service/treatment. I'm doing you a favor by showing up to your restaurant (and bringing other people with me)... the least you can do is treat us like respect-worthy customers. Also, maybe listening every once in a while helps.

    I've had many visits, and most of them end the same way: with me wondering why the heck I came back. It's almost like waking up hungover and telling yourself you'll never drink again. Then you do. And then you're hungover again. Mai-Kai is my repetitive hangover.

    On one visit, they brought my wife's and my food out, but not the kids. When we asked the waitress about our kids' food, she told us they already brought it out. Um, no. I think I would have noticed. When we insisted that their food never came out, the waitress basically told us we were liars. She said that she saw them bring out the dishes, and the kids ate them. There's usually somebody else standing nearby, so I watched our waitress (even after calling us liars) walk up to him and ask if anybody had brought out the kids food. He said no, and I watched him straight up tell her no. Someone else brought out our kids' dishes after this whole charade (late of course), and she came over to ask if we wanted desert. Completely straight face, as if nothing happened. No apology, no remorse, no memory of the recent occurrence. Amazing.

    On another visit, we made a reservation far in advance (a friend was coming into town), and asked for a very specific table. We were told on the phone it wouldn't be a problem. My wife learned the different names of the sections (I don't), and asked for the table in the "balcony" section (she used the actual name), center stage, NOT in front of one of the posts (because it was blocking a few of us last time). When we walked in, they gave us the table directly next to the table we asked for, with the posts blocking us. We told them that we specifically asked for the table that wasn't being blocked right in the center (there's only one), and we were told it wasn't a problem on the phone. They told us that the center table has been reserved, and we can't have it. They offered us another table even farther away from the stage, to the side. You know, I can understand if you can't reserve specific tables (many restaurants won't allow this). But don't tell me "it's not a problem", and then make it a problem when I show up. That's infinitely worse.

    On yet another occasion, we were given food that wasn't cooked properly. Another time, the wrong order. It just doesn't end.

    I say I won't come back here, but I probably will, because I'm an idiot. If you stick to the bar, you might be alright. But if you're coming for dinner, you will pay high prices for just-above-acceptable food, poor service, and a good show. It doesn't even out, I promise. Come here once, say you've done it and that's it, and don't come back again. It's not worth it.

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  • 0

    This restaurant tonight was a great experience!  You pay one price for the dinner and the show.  Dinner consist of choice of 3 different appetizers and about 7 different dinners and 3-4 different deserts.

    The show is Polynesian/Tahitian dancers and they were awesome!  They were throwing fire batons around, drums beating, the whole nine yards.  They also had kids dancing which was really cute and my granddaughter got up on the stage and danced with them when they invited peeps from the audience!

    I highly recommend this place if you have a birthday party or anniversary!

    Without a doubt "HumDog Approved!"

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  • 0

    I have no idea why this place even still exists?  I remember going here over ten years ago, and it was pretty mediocre then.  The food is just average Polynesian/Asian, only they charge 35% more than what it really should go for.  The selling point is that there is the Polynesian show, which lasts the entire dinner.  If that is all that you need, fine go ahead ... just be prepared to spend some money for average food and a mediocre show.

    The other selling point, the gardens out back...skip this completely.  Its a nice attempt but not really worth the package deal.

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  • 0

    The Mai-Kai is definitely a must visit, just for the history, if a you're a tiki nerd.

    The best portion of the Mai-Kai is just the ambiance.  There are all sorts of hand carved tikis, waterfalls, and tropical plants.  Definitely take a walk through the tiki garden out back.  If only I could grow such plants in northern Georgia, I'd totally model my backyard after this garden.  Just fantastic.

    As for the tiki drinks, unfortunately I have had better and I have had worse.  The tiki drinks at the Mai-Kai are just OK.  And definitely due the mystery bowl drink if you have a DD and enough people to drink it.  The drink itself is OK, but the fact that it's brought out by a mystery girl who does a dance, is totally worth it.  

    Since this was my first time to the Mai-Kai, the husband and I opted for the dinner show.  The show was fun and the food was decent for Asian-fusion cuisine.  But I think that if I were to go to the Mai-Kai again, I'd opt for seating that was a bit more private and intimate, perhaps viewing the awesome tiki garden, now that I've seen the dinner show.

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  • 0

    Found this restaurant thru yelp. The reviews were very mixed so my bf and i decided to check it out for ourselves. Basically the food is overpriced Chinese food. The drinks were expensive but the way the drinks came were cool. My bf got a drink in a pineapple.  The show is nice but if your not sitting in front of the stage it's hard to see the show. According to the reviews, there's a beautiful garden outside, however we were not able to go outside because it was raining (you should not go to this restaurant on rainy days because you will not be able to see their garden). If I Go back to ft.lauderdale  I would not go back to this restaurant.

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  • 0

    I love this place. Yes it is expensive, but every time my husband and I come here it feels like a Grand vacation. The food is great and the show is always fabulous and the drinks are sure to get you feeling good in  no time. We have been here 3 times and every time we leave feeling pleased and raving about what an amazing evening we had!

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  • 0

    As a longtime Florida resident, the Mak Kai is always the one place I make sure to take visiting guests.  It is full of old-Florida charm...pre-Disney charm, that is....and takes you back to an era when Exotics lounge music, stiff rum drinks and a "South Seas Paradise" theme was considered the cutting edge for culturally exotic entertainment.

    Tropical drinks like the Jet Fighter, Planters Punch and Mai Tai's are tasty enough on their own to make a delicious meal in the Molakai Bar, adjacent to the main dining area.  But be forewarned....these are stiff drinks, and hearken back to the era when the restaurant was founded, the early 50's.   That means the drinks contain enough alcohol to put put a quarterback into a warm and fuzzy nap after more than a coupe.

    As others have noted, though, the main attraction is the floor show.  Hula dancers, fire dancers, and plenty of music round out the evening as you eat your dinner.  And while the menu is nothing overly exotic or unique, it is based around Asian and Pacific style favors, which fit in to the general vibe perfectly.  

    If you'd like to take a trip back in time to one of the few remaining Hawaiian dinner theaters in the continental US, you simply cannot do any better than this.

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  • 0

    Very good show and good wait staff. We had the blacken shrimp and pork tenderloin. The pork was excellent.  Portions were on the smaller side. Check out the website before you go to find out about their specials.  You can pay one price for food and show or order from the menu and add $10.95 for the show. They also have early bird specials but you have to be seated at a specific time. If you check out the website before you go it is very helpful to decide which deal is best for you.  Before or after dinner take a walk through the tropical gardens complete with waterfalls and island statues. Nice atmosphere however it could use some repairs and upgrades.  I wouldn't choose this place  for a regular eatery but good pick for a once a while tropical fun spot.  Next time I want to check out the 1/2 drinks and appetizers in the lounge from 5 -7.

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  • 0

    This Polynesian restaurant is a nice one time dinner/show. My wife and I went on our anniversary. Fortunately, we took our boys (13 & 8). They really enjoyed the show (8 year old like the fire and 13 year old liked the one hula girl). It was pretty packed which made it very hard to see. The food was average - not worth the price, but I figured the show was free so you have to factor that in.  The drinks were way over priced!

    Overall the service was above average, the show was good (if you could see), and the food was average. If it weren't for the ambiance and show this would not be worth the cost.

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  • 0

    I have lived in Fort Lauderdale for several years but had always passed the Mai Kai, without a second glance, assuming it was just a tourist trap.  My mom and I heard a story about it on NPR, citing it as one of the last bastions of 1950s-60s hula culture.  My mom is an avid connoisseur of pop culture of that era, being a baby boomer, so she requested to visit the Mai Kai for her birthday.  The Mai Kai did not disappoint - this is a truly fun, kitschy experience that has to be enjoyed at least once.  There is a lot of history there, believe it or not (check out the original photo of the restaurant in the gift shop, showing it in the middle of nowhere when it was built in the mid-1950s).  It is really a Fort Lauderdale historic landmark, as unlikely as that seems.  

    To enjoy the true experience you need to see the show, preferably seated near the stage.  You are seated for dinner an hour prior to the show.  The tropical drinks are expensive but are delicious, and pack a punch.  Our server, Chris, was excellent - he recommended the barrel of rum and KO Cooler, which were tasty and potent.  

    My mom had the snapper special, and enjoyed it.  Our group also had the chicken curry and the prime rib.  Mom raved about the snapper, the other entrees were fine, nothing to write home about.  The buffalo wings, however, were awesome - some of the best ever!  I could go back and just have the wings, and be fine with that.

    The show features a live performance of tiki drumming and guitar music, along with the dancing (including the poi fire dancing).  The table of kids next to us watched in rapt amazement, and everyone at our table was impressed with the performance.  

    The restaurant is a real treat for a special occasion, such as a birthday.  Our server brought out our birthday dessert adorned with a sparker, and the emcee of the show made announcements of all the birthdays and anniversaries.  

    The Mai Kai experience is worth the price - expect fine dining prices.  Two drinks and an entree, plus the show ($10.95) = at least $65-70 per person.   But the memorable fun makes it worthwhile.

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  • 0

    Lots of fun, especially if you're in the mood for fruity drinks in silly glasses.  Happy hour Wednesday half price drinks and apps with free sushi.  The rolls are tiny little sad things, but hey, they're free.

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  • 0

    Fire! Fire! FIRE!!

    The Mai-Kai has flames all over the place: from the tiki torches illuminating the tropical gardens outside to the flaming cocktails and desserts served tableside.  And, of course, the nightly Polynesian music and dance show is capped off with an awesome fire dancing performance for the grand finale!

    I've never seen a tiki bar like this before, and from what I've heard that's because very few of them still exist.  This place has been around for decades and it's still doing an outstanding job of treating visitors to a unique dining experience.  I loved the old wooden sailing vessel themed bar and all of the Polynesian artifacts throughout the restaurant  The show featured some great music and dancers, too.

    A visit to the Mai-Kai is much more than just 'stopping by to get dinner'; you need to call ahead for reservations and plan on a long evening of food, drinks, and entertainment.  Problem is, though, that NOTHING here is cheap-- each tropical drink is $8 to $15 and entrees are $17 to $60.  A couple of drinks with dinner and a show (another $11 for that) plus tax and tip can easily run $100 per person or more.  Still, I think it's worth checking it out at least once for the one-of-a-kind experience.

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  • 0

    It's a shame that so many of the old time tiki palace restaurants are closed.  It AWESOME that the Mai-Kai is still around!  It's one of the best tiki restaurants in the US.  

    The show is great - but the food and drinks are so wonderful that I's come here to drink and eat even if they didn't have the great entertainment.  

    After dinner you must take a walk through the extensive gardens.  Hard to imagine you're on Federal Highway in the middle of Ft. Lauderdale.  Don't forget to check out the Chinese ovens.

    On Johnny Carsen's first night as host of the Tonight Show, Ed McMahon flew in one of the Mystery Girls to serve Johnny the mystery drink.  The TV censors had a heart-attack at the Mystery Girl's outfit (bikini top and sarong skirt), as it was still illegal to wear a bikini on Ft. Lauderdale beach at the time.  The censor covered the Mystery Girl up with a large shawl and left.  Ed McMahon promptly tore it off right before she went on stage.  From that moment on, the Mai Kai was THE place to go when you visited Ft. Lauderdale.

    A true bit of Polynesian Pop history that deserves to be maintained and enjoyed for years to come.

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  • 0

    I've always been curious about Mai Kai and I'm glad I went just to say that I've gone. The restaurant had a unique feel and I liked the Polynesian dance show. However, the food wasn't very good for the money and two members of our party had upset stomachs later. This is definitely a "one time only" sort of place. I'd give this place 2 stars, but the show was pretty cool and reminded me of Disney World which I liked.

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  • 0

    This review is based solely on the food and location - not the show.

    The gardens/grounds of this restaurant are extremely pretty. Great for a first date, as long as the show is good (have yet to see it, although based on the food I may never).

    I tend to eat vegetarian a few times a week, and wanted to find something vegetarian while eating here with my best friend for one of her birthday celebrations. They do have a special vegetarian menu, which you can ask your waitress for, however the options are extremely limited.

    The restaurant itself is very loud and very dark, dark enough the waitresses will use flashlights to show you the way to your table and the menu. When ordering, I asked for the vegetable lo mein. The waitress seemed to understand what I wanted without a problem, however when my dish arrived it was pad thai. Fine, I tasted it and it was so spicy I couldn't eat it. I let the waitress know I had actually ordered lo mein, to which she began to argue with me. I told her fine, since I didn't want to ruin my best friend's birthday.

    Apparently the manager was listening close by and came immediately to change my plate. Unfortunately, my lo mein arrived as noodles and frozen vegetables drenched in garlic butter. Not any lo mein I've seen. Again, not wanting to create a scene at my friend's birthday, I picked at it without further complaint. I also asked the waitress twice for another drink and never received it. She ended up charging me for it, for which I told her I needed it taken off. She looked at me incredulously, but took it off. I ended up tipping her 5 percent.

    Avoid vegetarian fare here. Other guests at the table seemed to enjoy their fish filet, although the waitress made me a bit nervous when she told us the specials are whatever they come to sell them at the back door that day. Hopefully she means a licensed commercial fisherman and not some random person LOL

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  • 0

    I am very glad that I did not pay attention to the Yelp reviews and pass this by.  My entire family from my 2 young grandchildren, to my son in high school, to my 2 twenty-something daughters thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere, food, drinks, and of course, the show.  I had surf and turf, and while the steak was not on par with Ruth's Chris, I wasn't dumb enough to think it would be.  It was in fact quite good as was the lobster tail.  My wife had a spicy shrimp dish which she enjoyed very much and the fried calamari appetizer was excellent.  To top it off,  our server (Chris) was attentive and very, very good, even rushing the orders for the grandchildren so they could eat quickly.

    Cost including tip for 8 adults with drinks (more than 1 in most cases) and two children was just shy of $600.  Not cheap but then again a pretty fair value given the quality and enjoyment of the evening.

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  • 0

    We went there for a special evening with my cousin, who was here visiting from Europe. We'd been here years before, when I was a kid, and my memories were much more fond than the reality.

    Although the atmosphere and decor are stellar, the employees are a little bit full of themselves and the food itself is just okay. We ordered from the price fixe menu, which includes an appetizer, entree and dessert (show included) for $45. Although the price was reasonable, the food wasn't worth $30+. I had the Poopoo platter, the prime rib and macadamia nut ice cream

    The poopoo platter contained some sort of fishy-tasting egg rolls (yuck), chicken wrapped in bacon (decent), some sort of fried cheese (yummy) and Crab rangoon (so-so), I really wasn't that impressed with any of it.

    I ordered my prime rib medium and it was the driest steak I've ever had. I realize prime rib should be enjoyed rare, but I don't like rare, and I've had prime rib cooked medium at lesser places that was excellent. It came with garlic mashed potatoes, which were delicious, but not enough to make up for the lousy steak. It was tasteless, dry and I didn't finish it.

    Dessert was different and refreshing, but from a restaurant of this magnitude, I expected more.

    Another thing that annoyed me was the kids' platters. The chicken strips were delicious but they only offered rice as a side. There were french fries on the menu, but they would not allow us to substitute. Really? You think my 6 year old wants pork fried rice over fries? For a $10 meal, you couldn't throw in some fries? Instead, we had to order a separate $5.50 order of fries for the boys. It wasn't about the money--it's the principle.

    Overall, we were a party of 7 and for $400+, I would have been happier at Outback with money left over for extra drinks (the adults only had one a piece). The show was lovely, but I could have just ordered drinks and spent $10.50 for the show.

    Sorry, Mai Kai... you've changed your menu (and not for the better), your food has gone downhill, and your holier-than-thou staff needs an attitude adjustment.

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  • 0

    Best restaurant in the entire world!  Definitely 5 stars!  The drinks, atmosphere, and show make for one of the best restaurant experiences ever.  It's best to show up for happy hour (5-7pm half off drinks and appetizers at the bar) and try out several of the great drinks (I recommend the Hukilau if you like a smooth fresh tasting rum drink, Mutiny for a tropical drink with slight coffee taste, or Barrel O' Rum for a slightly more sour drink) and some appetisers (oysters rockerfeller, crab rangoon, and blackened shrimp and the off-menu fried shrimps are all yummy).

    Then, when you're tipsy, see the show, write your name on a lamp and after the show buy some cool stuff in the gift store and take a walk through the adjacent garden.  - a perfect night!

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  • 0

    We were on our honeymoon and came across the leaflet for this place.

    We headed down there. The garden and decor were great hence the two stars. The show was ok too.

    However, the food was overpriced and not at all fantastic and the drinks were expensive too.

    We had not been too bothered about the show and were not even told that we would be paying. If we had known we would have requested seats without a view of the show. As it happens the seating they gave us didnt really have a good view of the show anyway.

    Rip off.

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  • 0

    This place was really fun! We sat at the stage which was great fun for the adults but my 3 yr old was scared s&#tless!  The food selection was decent and I was able to but a few dishes together to create exactly what I wanted.  The drinks were acceptable.  The bill for 4 diners (3 adults +1 child) came out to be $150 which included the show, not the tip.  The service was really good.  I loved our server, I wish I remembered her name.  I appreciated her style!  It was weird though that we had to pay for parking in the restaurant's lot.  I mean after all, we were dining there, why should we have to pay $5!
    If you've never been and you're in town, this is definitely a cool touristy spot to hang out at for a few hours...just be certain to bring the cash, baby!

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  • 0

    This place is the greatest! I recommend going for happy hour when the drinks and apps are half price. You can have a surf and turf, (Javanese beef and some of the best lobster bisque in Florida) for less than 10 bucks.

    This place is a treasure from the golden age of tiki drinks and Polynesian decor. No neon lights, no TVs. Just perfect atmosphere.

    The drinks are the real gem. I am told that the dining room drinks are even better than those served in the Molokai (their shipwreck themed bar). they are mixed in secret behind a wall to preserve the secret recipes of blended rums, crafted syrups and fresh juices.

    If it is your first time you must get a rum barrel or a black magic. My other favorite drinks are the shark bite, the mutiny, the jet pilot and the best way to end the night is with a kona coffee grog, which the dining room captain will set ablaze in a spectacular show at your table!

    P.S. (if you do go for the show and food, it is spectacular, (especially the duck)

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  • 0

    We were in Florida for a weekend and my friend was absolutely sold on the idea of going to a Tiki Bar. We showed up at Mai-Kai at 9 or 10. The bar is pretty much open for after-dinner drinks for dining guests, so we didn't stay long, but we did get a chance to have a drink and poke around a bit.

    Atmosphere: This restaurant did not go halfway with decor. The atmosphere was the best part about the visit by far, although nothing else was really lacking. You could halfway convince yourself that you were in a kitsch Disney musical Fiji. We got a bit lost on the way to the bar and ended up wandering through their massive fake gardens . . . very cool. The bar was done up as a sunken ship, I guess? Very neat atmosphere.

    Service: Our server  was extremely helpful and friendly, even though we were shuffling in just as everyone else was shuffling out on a Sunday night and I'm sure she wanted to go. She was very attentive and our drinks came out quickly, although since we were the only people in the bar, perhaps that wasn't a huge surprise. It was still appreciated.

    Drinks: Pricy, by my cheap happy-hour, dive-bar standards, but delicious and perfectly mixed. Everyone was happy with what they got. And actually, I thought the price was worth it.

    All in all, I will definitely drag my husband back there for dinner if we end up in that neck of the woods again. Yay!

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  • 0

    Um, if it were not for the show, I would be giving it a 2 star rating.

    Check plus for ambiance!
    Check for decor!  
    Check minus for the food and wait time.

    Boyfriend and I had reservations last night  for anniversary dinner.
    Appetizers: Chicken wings... average...
    Entrees: Sweet and Sour Chicken: average...
    Entrees: Teriyaki Combo with Fried rice: below average (rice smelled and tasted burnt)
    Wait time: Over an hour for 2 entrees.
    Price: For quality of food, not appealing...

    Show: Very well done! Great choreography and energy! Worth the cost of the show!

    Overall: Probably will not return. Restaurants should concentrate primarily on great food and entertainment second. (shrugs) now we know for next time.

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  • 0

    Really one of my favorite places in the world. Atmosphere is like no other, great service, great appetizers and powerful, yet delicious drinks. I generally don't like strong or sweet drinks, but their Jet Pilot is in a class by itself.  Guaranteed crash landing if you overdo it, so beware.
    Happy Hour is the time to go or drink bill adds up quick.

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  • 0

    My wife and I are both South Florida natives of almost 40 years and had never been to Mai-Kai. Neither of us are into shows, so we decided to go just for dinner on a Friday night.

    As every other reviewer says, this place is definitely out of time. As my wife put it, it felt like stepping into a Sean Connery James Bond movie from the 60s. Some of the waiters wear all-white suits like something right out of Fantasy Island.

    The service was great. Our waiter was friendly, polite, knowledgeable, and was never annoying (i.e. asking us every five minutes if everything was fine).

    We started off with our drinks. My wife had one of the non-alcoholic fruit drinks, which she loved. I had the house Cabernet, which was a little on the dry side for me and without much kick -- I've had better for the $7 they charged.

    We ordered the egg rolls (2) for both of us to share. I expected a traditional egg roll, but these guys were more like croquettes. They're breaded rather than fried. Definitely something out of the ordinary that I enjoyed. They were accompanied with three sauces: spicy mustard, sweet & sour, and BBQ. The spicy mustard was awesome. I made a mistake of dipping an entire piece of the egg roll in it before sampling it. It almost made me choke. I learned my lesson and took a lot less the next time around, and it was great. A nice end to the appetizer was the staff bringing us hot towels to clean our hands and face.

    We both then had the goat cheese salad. This was another good surprise. The dressing was light but tasty. The goat cheese was magnificent. The greens were fresh. And the won ton bowl it's served in was warm and crispy.

    After finishing our salad, our waiter informed us we had about 15 minutes before our entrees would be served and invited us to go tour the gardens. My wife really enjoyed walking through them. I liked being able to watch the chef use the big oven they have for the meats. We also got to see the additional seating they have in the garden area, and have already picked out a table we'd like to try on our next visit.

    We received our entrees when we returned inside. I had the Panang Chicken Curry. This is my staple at any Thai restaurant I go to. While it was very good, it was definitely not as spicy as I like it, even though the waiter warned me it was. On the typical 1-5 star spice scale at most Thai restaurants, I'd say this was a 2.

    My wife had the Roast Duck Mai-Kai. She thought it was ok, but definitely a bit dry. She didn't like the sauce that accompanied it. In a strange coincidence, the party at the table next to us also had the Roast Duck, but they sent it back. My wife didn't think it was that bad, but obviously the kitchen had an issue with duck that night.

    We ended our meal with a slice of Key Lime pie and the Macadamia Nut ice cream. Both were great.

    As everyone else says, Mai-Kai is a bit pricey, but not more so than places like The Cheesecake Factory. The only difference is the portion sizes are normal, unlike the massive amounts of food you get at TCF. I was able to enjoy all the food I ordered without feeling like I was going to explode at the end of the night. There are definitely some high-priced items on the menu, but most entrees are $15-$17.

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  • 0

    The Mai-Kai should be on your list of places to go before you die. Virtually unchanged since it's birth on 12/28/56, it is one of the last, great Polynesian joints on the planet! If your travels bring you within 40 miles of this place, you must go!

    Make a reservation, and get there early to experience the Molokai Bar (which looks like you're in a half-sunken galleon) for half price apps and cocktails. Last visit I had the Nams and a world-famous Derby Daiquiri. And if you're wondering "why are there beautiful girls behind the bar, and the bartenders in the back?", it's because the Mai-Kai's recipes are top secret, and have been since they were created by master-mixologist Mariano Lucudine back in the 30's.

    Make sure you are seated at least 45 mins before the start of the show (which is well worth the $11 fee) so you can be done by the time the lights dim and the drums start. The Thai-Cantonese entree's are very good, maybe a tad over-priced. Try something from the Chinese oven. Finish with a flaming Coffee Grog, a stroll through the gardens, and a visit to the wonderful ladies in the gift shop.

    If you think of a "Tiki Bar" as a place with a thached roof, and a daiquiri that comes out a machine into a souvenir plastic cup, then go to the Mai-Kai for the REAL deal.

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  • 0

    I adore the Mai-Kai. I've only been there three times, but it's honestly one of my favorite restaurants and I can't wait to return. This is one of the only tiki bars left in the United States that is still around from the tiki craze of the 1960s. I love the vintage feel. The look and smell of the place maybe translated as outdated or musty to some, but I think it's fantastic and classy. If you are a tiki fan, this is your place! If you are not into tiki and you are just looking for some dinner, you may not appreciate the Mai-Kai as much.

    I like to start off with their amazing drinks. They are strong, and they use a variety of rum, it's not just Bacardi and a bunch of fruit juice like some bars may use. The drink menu is extensive and pretty much everything is right on. I like the Hidden Pearl, it's a very sweet and potent drink, and the inside of the glass is coated with ice. During the week days they offer buy one get one drinks and appetizers from 5-7 p.m. That is a great deal and worth timing your dinner around.

    I've heard a lot of people complain about the main dishes on this thread, and I can say I've never even been tempted to order an entree. I stick to appetizers and starters because I think that's what the Mai-Kai does best. The spinach and sesame-encrusted goat cheese salad is incredible. I can say it's one of the best salads I've ever had in my life. I've also enjoyed the shrimp and basil maki rolls, the escargot and bananas foster.

    I have seen the Polynesian show, and it is nice, but I wouldn't strive to see it again. I would rather make reservations for happy hour instead. I'm more entertained by an after-dinner trip through the gift shop, followed by a stroll (and quick photo session!) through the Mai-Kai's lush and tiki-fied gardens.

    I'm surprised at the reviews that complain about having to valet or needing reservations. Yes, you have to have your car valet (or pay $5 or something), and yes you should make a reservation. If you didn't know that, you can't really be mad at the restaurant. They can't change their name to Mai-Kai Restaurant & Polynesian Show if You Have Reservations. Regardless if you are dining down the street from your house or on vacation, it is up to the diner to find out what is required of them regarding reservations, parking, et. all. Your experience will always be better if you know what to expect. All it takes is a telephone call.

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  • 0

    I have a long great history with the Kai. It's not the grand palace it used to be, but man this place is special. You walk in the front door of the Kai and your adventure thru time is complete.

    Barrel of Rums, Black Magics, Sidewinder Fangs, Jet Pilots and Shrunkin Skulls are the libations that make your liver tremble with fear. lol. These drinks are awesome. The apps like the PuPu Platter taste the same as when I first had one 35 years ago. Just delicious! For the main course I love the Seafood Noodles ( lobster, shrimp, vegtables, scallops, and noodles) and the Filet Mignon ( cooked in a Chinese Oven, meat gafted with a metal hook placed in the middle of the oven so it never touches the fire) I always get the side of creamed spinach and the garlic pea pods which are the best I have ever had.

    Dessert is awesome too. The Cherries Hawaiian is rum soaked cherries lite on fire over coconut ice cream. No one has a dessert like that. I hope they NEVER close this place.

    Remember to tell them that Dan sent you to take a trip thru the Polynesia time portal in Broward County and Stay Hungry!

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  • 0

    Built in 1956, the Mai Kai is a lot of tiki and a little bit of tacky -- just the way I like it! Based on a Polynesian theme, the owners purchased authentic artifacts from the islands and shipped them to Florida with the intent of recreating a Polynesian village.

    If you are a big mid-century tiki fan you will love Mai Kai: one of the last of genuine tiki places left standing from the 50's. The sheer size and scope of this restaurant amazed me. I loved the way you can order your drink in one of four different strengths. I got the Zombie and it was strong, just like they promised.

    The Mai Kai scored big on Humuhumu's Critiki -- for you tiki fans, there's a lot of tiki cred behind this: <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.critiki.com%2Fcgi-bin%2Flocation.cgi%3Floc_id%3D60&s=b2ef0ff8e7070c4f4a962dde8e292f29d2236cc723c6829e8d4692556c36912d" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.critiki.com/c…</a>

    My kids had a blast hamming it up with the tikis and checking everything out. The bar was cool and had a rockabilly band playing. The pupu platter wasn't that great but my chicken with ginger peanut sauce was pretty good -- better than I expected! The show was very enjoyable: singing, dancing, fire sticks. Definitely as I remember similar shows in Hawaii from my childhood.

    All tikiphiles will recognize the smell here -- that is how thatch and wooden artifacts smell. I also detected a slight pikake scent (it's a type of flowering tree in the islands).

    Let's face it folks, you don't come here for a five star meal -- you come for the experience. We had a great time at this true tiki joint from an era long past. If you are in town by all means go; before you know it places like this will be only a memory.

    And now, with your Mai Tai in hand and as the sun is setting on this post, catch a glimpse of what the Mai Kai looked like years ago. Visit SwankPad's vintage Mai Kai Postcards.....  <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.swankpad.org%2Fpostcards%2Fmaikai.htm&s=0f7c3ef8b0f23adafae144215226a7b598825442094d17f875a8e8db3356889d" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.swankpad.org/…</a>   Aloha.

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