Food Feature Mai Kai

Mai Kai has been a landmark in South Florida for almost 52 years. In that time Fort Lauderdale has grown up around it, but little beyond the plank bridge at the entrance to this magical Polynesian paradise has changed.

Just inside the doors you’ll find the Molokai Bar, its décor a nod to seafarers of old. Ship lanterns provide a warm glow that is complimented by the shimmering light filtered through the water cascading down the windows. The atmosphere is perfect for a cocktail or two after work, before dinner or as an opportunity to meet new people. The Molokai bar offers a menu of largely rum-based tropical cocktails, but your old favorites can be made with substitutions (virgin varieties are also available).
 Mai Kai offers eight dining rooms, each named and decorated for different parts of Polynesia. Their dinner menu offers a variety of Asian favorites, including Thai, Cantonese, and Szechuan, as well as seafood and steaks. The steaks, ribs, duck and other roasted favorites are prepared in their two Chinese ovens, resulting in meats that are lightly smoked and juicy. A special, all-inclusive dinner menu is available for those out for an evening of entertainment, which includes an appetizer, entrée, dessert, coffee or tea and Mai Kai’s famous Polynesian revue.

The Polynesian Islander Revue performs twice nightly. Polynesian dancers adorned in costumes of grass skirts, shells, flowers, feathers and tapa cloth perform choreographed native dances from throughout the islands, such as the Hawaiian Wedding Song (a long-time favorite). The stage really lights up as the dancers deftly handle fire in what is a spectacular performance.

Catering for birthdays, anniversaries, business functions or other celebrations is available at Mai Kai or at the location of your choosing. The lush tropical gardens and waterfalls are a favorite for weddings and commitment ceremonies.

 Mai Kai is open daily from 5:00 pm and located at 3599 North Federal Highway between Oakland Park and Commercial Boulevard. Reservations can be made by calling 954-563-3272. Call for more information or visit their web site at MaiKai.com.