1. Bora Bora bar at Mai-Kai
    Photograph: Gabriel Cuesta | Bora Bora bar at Mai-Kai
  2. Moorea dining room at Mai-Kai
    Photograph: Gabriel Cuesta | Moorea dining room at Mai-Kai
  3. Mai-Kai
    Photograph: Gabriel Cuesta | Spicy honey guava chicken at Mai-Kai
  4. Mai-Kai
    Photograph: Gabriel Cuesta | Bao buns at Mai-Kai G
  5. Mai-Kai
    Photograph: Courtesy Mai-Kai
  6. Mai-Kai
    Photograph: Gabriel Cuesta

Review

Mai-Kai

5 out of 5 stars
  • Restaurants
  • price 3 of 4
  • Recommended
Virginia Gil
Advertising

Time Out says

The evolution of dinner-and-a-show has taken some strange turns in South Florida—these days, the “performance” is often just the table next to you dancing on chairs while bottle service rolls in. But Fort Lauderdale’s legendary Mai-Kai remains a dazzling exception, back in action after a much-needed revamp. The refreshed space stays true to its kitschy Polynesian roots—think torches, tiki cocktails, and tribal masks—with a few necessary upgrades. The new outdoor bar, fittingly named Bora Bora, is already a scene. By 4pm on a Saturday, every table and high-top was taken, and the bar was elbow-to-elbow.

Inside, it’s just as you remember—only better. The thatched roofing, ornate lanterns, and faux bamboo furnishings still transport you straight to the South Pacific (as far as this Miami girl is concerned, Broward already feels like an ocean away). The updates bring fresh finishes and flooring but keep the nostalgic charm intact.

The early-bird crowd was out in full force when I visited—grandmas in birthday crowns, couples toasting over mai tais, and servers in aloha shirts doling out pu pu platters, sizzling stir-fry, and mounds of fried rice. And, of course, Mai-Kai’s legendary Polynesian show, complete with hula and fire dancing, is the high-energy cap to every meal.

The vibe: Festive! Almost everyone is celebrating something—birthdays, anniversaries, or just making it through the week. But honestly, you don’t need an excuse to go.

The food: The chef takes some creative liberties with the Chinese/Asian menu, and it pays off—think spicy honey guava chicken and short rib over plantain mash.

The drinks: A deep dive into tiki cocktail territory—from classic rum punches to modern tequila-based twists that are (thankfully) less sweet.

Time Out tip: Timing is everything and your meal should revolve around the live show. Arrive early (like 3:45pm for the 5pm performance) to avoid rushed courses and actually admire the plating before the lights dim.

Details

Address
3599 N Federal Highway
Fort Lauderdale
33308
Cross street:
at NE 37th St
Transport:
Bus 10, 20
Price:
$$$
Opening hours:
Mon–Fri 4pm–close; Sat 3pm–close; Sun noon–close
Do you own this business?Sign in & claim business

What’s on

The Hukilau

Fort Lauderdale's legendary temple of tiki, MAI-KAI Restaurant and Polynesian Show, hosts its first Hukilau festival since renovating and reopening late last year. For one extended weekend (June 5–8), tiki lovers the world over will flock to the historic spot to partake in the tropical festivities, including a kickoff party on Wednesday, June 4 at the Molokai and Bora Bora bars—no reservations needed. On Friday, June 6, the Polynesian dinner theater hosts an exclusive dinner show for South Seas passholders, with a second seating open to the public. The boozy Tiki Weekender wraps on Sunday, June 8 with a special MAI-KAI history tour for Hukilau guests.
Advertising
You may also like
You may also like