In SoFlo, it’s always tiki time.
With our subtropical weather and water-centric lifestyle, the laidback, easygoing vibe of tiki huts is a natural fit. That’s why we have so many of them, whether poolside, lakeside or oceanside — most shining a little sun onto some al fresco seafood dining as well.
Tiki huts have been with us ever since the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, but really took off in the United States after World War II. And even though the word “tiki” was originally used to describe Polynesian carved objects, over time it has become a catchall for all kinds of tropical cocktails and the kitsch-loving kahuna subculture that adores them.
Check out this roundup of popular tiki bars in Broward and Palm Beach counties serving rum-baby-rum craft cocktails that, in our opinion, have earned their tiny umbrellas (plus one hotspot that’s coming soon).
Broward County
Bamboo Beach Tiki Bar: This Galt Ocean Mile tropical stop is on the beach sands behind Fort Lauderdale’s Ocean Manor Beach Resort. Along with water gardens, Bamboo has an expansive tiki bar with an additional thatch-covered dining pavilion. And yes, there’s Tiki The Cat. 4040 Galt Ocean Drive, Fort Lauderdale; 954-566-7500; bamboobeachtikibar.com
Agave Bandido
Most of the craft cocktails at Maya SpeakTiki in Pembroke Pines are served in kitschy-chic vessels with exotic garnishes. (Agave Bandido/Courtesy)
Maya SpeakTiki: This mash-up of a speakeasy and a tiki bar opened in March, a “hidden concept” within Agave Bandido, the Mexican restaurant in the Pembroke Gardens shopping center. Most of the cocktails are served in eclectic vessels with exotic garnishes ranging from ornate tiki mugs to locked treasure chests. 14531 SW Fifth St., Pembroke Pines; mayaspeaktiki.com
Agave Bandido
Located behind the walls of Agave Bandido in Pembroke Pines, Maya SpeakTiki is a bit of a speakeasy and a bit of a tiki bar. (Agave Bandido/Courtesy)
Seaside Grill & Tiki Bar: This poolside tiki bar with a great ocean view is the sister venue of the Seaside Grill, the popular restaurant tucked inside the Lighthouse Cove Resort. All around the bar are tiki-esque touches, from bamboo huts to Polynesian statues. This eatery offers everything from seafood handhelds and shareables to fine-dining land/sea entrees and pastas. There also are big screens and nightly live music. 1406 N Ocean Blvd., Pompano Beach; 954-783-3193; seasidegrill.com
Mai Kai
The indoor Molokai Bar at the Mai Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show in Oakland Park. (Mai Kai/Courtesy)
Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show: Iconic in its island vibe, this must-visit-venue is really one huge tiki experience. But the Mai Kai — which debuted a major makeover in 2024 that was four years in the making and cost more than $20 million — actually has two tiki bars mixed in with the Polynesian restaurant and dinner theater. There’s the outdoor Bora Bora Bar and indoor Molokai Bar, with its bar top and ship riggings salvaged from “Mutiny on the Bounty,” the 1962 Marlon Brando movie. By the way, the Mai Kai will once again host The Hukilau, a celebration of tiki culture from June 4-7. 3599 N. Federal Highway, Oakland Park; 954-563-3272; maikai.com
Palm Beach County
Old Key Lime House: This historic waterfront restaurant (built circa 1889 as a family home) boasts a humongous tiki bar (they say it’s the largest in South Florida) and live music from local bands (check out Facebook.com/theoldhouse for the latest entertainment updates). There’s also a kids’ zone. 300 E. Ocean Ave., Lantana; 561-582-1889; oldkeylimehouse1.com
Sandbar Delray Beach: The sister venue to Boston’s on the Beach, this place is a wonderland of wild-hued Waikiki wackiness, just across the street from the ocean. It resembles a bunch of ramshackled buildings with a bunch of seafaring stuff thrown in every corner and crevice. 40 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach; 561-278-3364; bostonssandbar.com
Rod Stafford Hagwood/South Florida Sun Sentinel
Sandbar Delray Beach at Boston’s on the Beach. (Rod Stafford Hagwood/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Lakeside Tiki Bar: This West Palm Beach al fresco vibe-venue is practically an institution since it’s been a part of the Hilton Palm Beach PBI hotel since the 1980s. Located on Pine Lake, the tiki bar has easy access for all kinds of watercraft. You can pop off your jetski or motorboat for a little libation with very little fuss, so the Lakeside Tiki Bar gets a steady stream of boaters, jet skiers and sports fishermen. Among the popular drinks is the Malibu Punch Bucket, featuring five different flavored rums (coconut, passionfruit, mango, banana and pineapple), orange juice and a splash of grenadine. This summer, there will be monthly pool parties with a DJ as well as FIFA World Cup watch parties with food and drink specials. 150 Australian Ave., West Palm Beach; 561-684-9400; hilton.com
Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Lakeside Tiki Bar at the Hilton Palm Beach International in West Palm Beach will have monthly pool parties with a DJ as well as FIFA World Cup watch parties this summer. (Hilton Hotels & Resorts/Courtesy)
And the bonus bar … coming soon
Hula Kai: In the works since 2022, this “contemporary tiki bar” is expected to open this summer, according to management. There will be seating for 200 total, with 65 available on the second level. The cocktail menu is still in the works, but dishes will include Tuna Tacos, Spam Musubi, Teriyaki Bao Buns, Calamari, Soba Noodle Salad with Chicken and Veggie Potstickers. 1075 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale; hulakaitikibar.com
MK – Maddie Kulig
Tuna Tacos from Hula Kai. (MK – Maddie Kulig/Courtesy)
MK – Maddie Kulig
Hula Kai is expected to open sometime this summer in Fort Lauderdale. (MK – Maddie Kulig/Courtesy)