Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Molokai: foot stompin' summer nights at Fort Lauderdale's Mai-Kai

Molokai Lounge at the Mai-Kai
3599 N. Federal Highway
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
954-563-3272
Open at 5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday (summer hours)

By Jane Feehan

The Mai-Kai has retained its appeal among tourists, locals, and spring breakers for decades with its Polynesian review, specialty drinks, and scantily clad “serving maidens.” As I’ve written before, not much has changed since the 1950s, but what has changed keeps the place hopping during the slow summer months.

It’s tough finding a seat in the Molokai Lounge these slow-moving, oppressively hot August days. This South Seas fin de siècle saloon stays busy for a few reasons: half-priced drinks* and appetizers and a variety of music acts that has patrons clearing the floor to make room for dancing.
Cadillac Bombers

The Cadillac Bombers skidded into town from Tampa recently to play three and a half hours of foot-stomping, knee-bopping, hand-and-body-shaking swing music that was as intoxicating as a double
Mai-Kai Sidewinders Fang. Whew …

Next in the music line-up is Dan Cunningham’s annual Elvis Anniversary show and – straight from Yeehaw Junction – Slip and the Spinouts with more boppin’. Tai Olapa and Andrew Cornwall change the pace from stomping to swaying on weeknights (see schedule) with ukulele and bongos strumming those laid back island sounds.  

Check out the Mai-Kai Club membership for earning 25 to 50 percent discounts until December. If you’re a Mai-Kai fan, it’s well worth the $15 processing fee. The Molokai Lounge ROCKS. Copyright © 2011. All rights reserved. Jane Feehan.

*Half-price on most, not all, drinks
Tags: Fort Lauderdale entertainment, Fort Lauderdale night life, Fort Lauderdale Polynesian Review, Fort Lauderdale restaurants, summer specials in Fort Lauderdale, Cadillac Bombers, 
Molokai Bar review