Mai Kai, Fort Lauderdale, FL (restaurant)

Aloha! You can find a lot of pomp and circumstance on The Atomic Grog, including lots of photos and video, plus lots more to come ...

Mai-Kai's Polynesian show heats up grand reopening

The refurbished and reimagined restaurant brought back its historic stage show at last Friday's full reopening event. Fans came from near and far to experience three performances, cocktails in the new Bora Bora Bar, delicious food in vintage dining rooms, and the revamped gift shop featuring a view of the secret back bar, plus lots of new merchandise.

Photos, videos and full coverage at AtomicGrog.com or https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/10/30/updates-latest-news-and-full-coverage-of-the-mai-kai-reopening-in-2024/

[ Edited by Hurricane Hayward on 2024-11-28 15:47:45 ]

Mai-Kai grand reopening 2024: Answers to frequently asked questions

Check out our handy guide featuring all the basics you need to know to plan your next trip to the South Florida landmark. Official information, tips and advice for guests at AtomicGrog.com or https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/11/28/mai-kai-grand-reopening-2024-answers-to-frequently-asked-questions/

Is it 1956 or 2024? Forward-thinking Mai-Kai menus sport retro flair

New at AtomicGrog.com: The food and drink menus now boast a vintage look and feel that dates back to the early days of the historic restaurant. The grand reopening also marks the return of the iconic cannibal trio, a Polynesian Pop symbol intrinsically linked to the founding owners. Check out the deep dive into the design and history featuring new photos and images, plus news on what's coming next ...

https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/12/05/is-it-1956-or-2024-forward-thinking-mai-kai-menus-sport-retro-flair/

Hurricane Hayward, thanks for all your coverage of the reopening. Can't wait to plan a trip out for my return visit.

Mai-Kai timeline, 1956-2024: Iconic restaurant marks 68 years of Polynesian Pop history

As guests celebrate the $20 million restoration and reopening, take a look back at key dates and events over the restaurant's rich history. See the full chronology and photos at AtomicGrog.com or https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/12/28/mai-kai-timeline-1956-2024-iconic-restaurant-marks-68-years-of-polynesian-pop-history

The Mai-Kai reopening was one of the top stories of 2024. See the full list, including other historic brands making a comeback, legends honored, plus more at AtomicGrog.com or https://wp.me/p1xHjT-8NH

January 2025 update: Tiki gardens and new dining options open as Mai-Kai menus get a refresh

Along with the historic South Florida restaurant's lush tropical jungle, dinner seating has reopened in the Lanai as the restoration and reimagination of the guest areas continues in 2025. Check out the latest news, including a look at the repurposed Chinese oven room and a deep dive into updates to the food menus.

https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/10/30/updates-latest-news-and-full-coverage-of-the-mai-kai-reopening-in-2024/#gardens-menus

Photos & video: Mai-Kai joins Miami Rum Congress festivities

The Mai-Kai was once again at ground zero of the rum world as brands, VIPs and enthusiasts flocked to South Florida. The restaurant hosted a special event and participated in several events in Miami Beach.

https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/10/30/updates-latest-news-and-full-coverage-of-the-mai-kai-reopening-in-2024/#miami-rum-congress

NEW at AtomicGrog.com: Bora Bora Bar menu just a taste things to come at the Mai-Kai

The historic restaurant's new immersive outdoor space has both an updated look and menu. Coming soon: An extensive upgrade, plus more unique offerings as beverage director Cory Starr expands the bar program.

Check out the menu plus photos and the story of the evolution of the Bora Bora Bar. Also: Highlights of Starr's appearance on the Shift Drink Podcast. All this and more on our new blog post featuring Mai-Kai bar and cocktail news, reviews and exclusive insights.

https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2025/02/24/updates-mai-kai-bar-and-cocktail-news-reviews-and-exclusive-insights/

Paradise Reimagined: Deep Inside the Mai-Kai Restoration

Attendees at Inuhele 2025 in Atlanta enjoyed an exclusive look at the reimagination and revival of the historic restaurant during a special multimedia presentation featuring photos, video and inside tips. Check out slideshow highlights, plus two walk-through videos with creative director "Typhoon Tommy" Allsmiller at AtomicGrog.com or https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2025/03/24/paradise-reimagined-deep-inside-the-mai-kai-restoration-photos-and-video/

February-March 2025 update: Artists continue working on Mai-Kai design projects, upgrading vintage look and feel.

The Atomic Grog blog is updated with photos, video and highlights of the ongoing restoration efforts, including the return of historic waterfalls in front of the iconic A-frame, the addition of vintage figures in the outdoor gardens, the upcoming installation of new carvings across the property, a new signature Bora Bora Bar sign and its fascinating back story, plus more.

Get all the updates from the past two months at AtomicGrog.com or https://wp.me/p1xHjT-8Dm

AtomicGrog.com update: Mai-Kai joins spirits festival, welcomes brands for cocktail and rum tasting events

Beverage director Cory Starr and the Mai-Kai hosted several special guests and events earlier this month. After they participated in the first Tropical Spirits Festival at Fort Lauderdale's Bonnet House on March 9, Starr and Adrienne Stoner of Maison Ferrand welcomed guests to the after-party in the Bora Bora Bar featuring a special drink menu. Ben Jones of Spiribam visited on March 12, teaching a masterclass on his brand's rum portfolio. Happy hour included creative cocktails from Starr and his bar team using Spiribam products.

Check out the recap and photos from both events, including a breakdown of all the Mai-Kai cocktails: https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2025/02/24/updates-mai-kai-bar-and-cocktail-news-reviews-and-exclusive-insights/#march-spirits-events

NEW on The Atomic Grog: Mai-Kai gives food menus a major facelift with all new bar, dining room dishes.

The historic Polynesian restaurant has launched a fully revamped food menu, including many new entrees and the return of some classic appetizers.

Check out photos plus a breakdown and analysis of the new menus at AtomicGrog.com or https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/10/30/updates-latest-news-and-full-coverage-of-the-mai-kai-reopening-in-2024/#menus-april

NEW: Mcbiff introduces 'Mystery at the Mai-Kai' print, merchandise during special event

The California artist met with fans as they purchased an array of new items while enjoying special Mcbiff cocktails. Also unveiled was a one-of-a-kind painting framed by creative director "Typhoon Tommy" Allsmiller using pieces of the Mai-Kai itself.

Check out the recap for photos, event highlights plus details on Mai-Kai merchandise at AtomicGrog.com or https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/10/30/updates-latest-news-and-full-coverage-of-the-mai-kai-reopening-in-2024/#mcbiff-event

[ Edited by Hurricane Hayward on 2025-04-16 20:41:26 ]

NEW: Mai-Kai cocktails at events near and far, new menus coming soon

The first two weeks of April have featured a flurry of events for the Mai-Kai bar team, a precursor of more to come this spring. On top of all this activity, beverage director Cory Starr is planning the launch of two new permanent menus.

See photos and video of the new cocktails, plus event recaps and previews at AtomicGrog.com or https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2025/02/24/updates-mai-kai-bar-and-cocktail-news-reviews-and-exclusive-insights/#april-events-menus

[ Edited by Hurricane Hayward on 2025-05-18 12:44:25 ]

Restoration meets reimagination: Mai-Kai opens new passageway between Tiki gardens

Guests can now stroll the exotic indoor gardens under the front of the historic A-frame and enjoy all of the restaurant's tropical environments. See photos and video of the enhanced space, learn more about its history and links to the original 1956 dining rooms.

https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/10/30/updates-latest-news-and-full-coverage-of-the-mai-kai-reopening-in-2024/#gardens-path

NEW: Mai-Kai dinner menu upgraded with more than 20 new dishes

Expanded offerings from new executive chef include appetizers, entrees, sides and desserts. Check out our breakdown and analysis of the menu changes at AtomicGrog.com or https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/10/30/updates-latest-news-and-full-coverage-of-the-mai-kai-reopening-in-2024/#may-menu-update

Best of both worlds at The Hukilau 2025: Beachfront resort with full Mai-Kai experience

For the first time, the 23rd Tiki weekender will take place at both the oceanfront Beachcomber Resort and the historic Mai-Kai restaurant, restoring the event to its pre-2020 format. Check out our story for detailed info on all of the performing bands and Tiki Treasures Bazaar vendors. Special features include a two-day Tiki bar-building class, multiple Mai-Kai events, plus more.

Full preview at AtomicGrog.com or https://wp.me/p1xHjT-95V

NEW: Mai-Kai bars welcome special guests, live music, new drinks

Beverage director Cory Starr and his team are on the cusp of expanding the cocktail and entertainment offerings in their signature bars, while also hosting and attending a full schedule of special guests and events. Check out photos and news on Tikitaly, a Black Tot Rum tasting and drinks in the Bora Bora Bar, bands performing in the Molokai Bar, plus info on events during The Hukilau in early June.

Full story at AtomicGrog.com or https://wp.me/p1xHjT-8W6

NEW: Mai-Kai gears up for return of The Hukilau as enhancements continue

Preview all of the events happening at the historic restaurant this week, plus get updates on the return of live bands, new dishes in the bars, and the continuing work on the immersive theming.

Full coverage at AtomicGrog.com or https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/10/30/updates-latest-news-and-full-coverage-of-the-mai-kai-reopening-in-2024/#hukilau-preview

The Hukilau 2025 recap: Live coverage, photos and video from the Beachcomber Resort and Mai-Kai

Take a look back and all the fun and festivities at the 23rd Tiki weekender, held June 5-8 in South Florida. See the highlights from social media, including the bands, bars and cocktails, the artists and vendors, the return to the Mai-Kai, plus more. All compiled into one story at AtomicGrog.com or https://wp.me/p1xHjT-9dQ

NEW on The Atomic Grog blog: The full story on the new Tiki carvings at the Mai-Kai, including behind-the-scenes photos and extensive details on the work of artists Will Anders and "Tiki Ray" Kieffer.

The two tikis, unveiled last month during The Hukilau, now greet guests in the historic restaurant's reimagined entry area. Go to AtomicGrog.com or https://wp.me/p1xHjT-9gb

June recap: Tikiphiles, Panthers fans flock to the Mai-Kai for special events

The summer season brought a cavalcade of unique happenings to the historic restaurant. From the return of The Hukilau weekender to a celebration of the NHL championship, there was never a dull moment. Check out all the news, photos and video at AtomicGrog.com or https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/10/30/updates-latest-news-and-full-coverage-of-the-mai-kai-reopening-in-2024/#june-recap