I was on vacation with my boyfriend and his parents. Our hotel was featuring this restaurant as a fun “to-do” in the area, so we decided to make reservations! The hotel had advertised a bundle package (roughly $60pp) which included an appetizer, an entree, dessert and seats for the show.Upon being seated, our server came over and started us off with drinks. (Keep in mind, drinks are $14-$20 each) Three of us ordered the drink with the real pineapple. We were greatly disappointed when it arrived and they were small pineapples and they were hardly filled with liquid and topped with ice... literally 3 sips. The manager quickly apologized and said the pineapples were smaller than normal and offered us different drinks.Then upon ordering our food, the server failed to tell us that our bundle deal was a specific menu and NOT the one they sat us with... so we had to switch out menus and look again. The choices seemed fair and there was the option to upgrade to another option if desired.One appetizer we had was a lobster bisque and it didn’t come with any bread or crackers. I asked the server if they had anything for dipping and he said they had breadsticks, and he could bring one over. I said sure and waited 20 minutes to receive it. And when we got the bill, we had been charged for it!! (We said nothing because it was $2, but still)The other issue we ran into was, my entree was supposed to be served with noodles and instead I received rice. (we said nothing because we didn’t want to be the complainers) Upon it being delivered to the table, there was a black hair in my entree as well. Obviously we said something at this point and the manager got me a new plate.The rest of our food and experience was good. The best part of the whole thing was the show and how unique it is. After the show is over, and dinner is finished, they welcome you to take photos and stroll the waterfall in the back of the restaurant! And this was so cool and a great photo opportunity!**All in all, I gave this restaurant 4 stars, mostly for the experience alone. The food and service was mediocre and drinks were extremely overpriced for their size. We paid almost $400 for the 4 of us. That’s 4 bundle deals, 4 alcoholic drinks, a few upgrades in food choices and a tip. Yes, I have amazing photos and the show was cool, but I don’t think the price was worth what we got.
We went for a birthday. As reviews state, its really dark inside but that being said, we enjoyed the small garden as we waited for our appetizers to come out and the dinner itself was really nice. Good portions and the flavor was more like your typical Chinese food, Ive been to Hawaii and dont think your getting that type of food here but its tasty. The service was slow but once the appetizers came out, everything followed. The show started ontime at 8pm. We reserved at 630 which gave us time to see the garden, eat and drink wine at a good pace. The show was impressive. Definitely catch the show not just the dinner. They have an online offer for $39 per person with a limited menu which is absolutely your best bet. Not many people know that. Otherwise get ready to definitely spend a lot and I mean a lot of money. Definitely a cool place to impress a fun date. Make sure to get seated nearby the stage.
I absolutely enjoyed my time here, when I was there a few years ago. I remember you needed to RSVP to ensure best seating for the show. Incredible experience- they serve very exotic and appetizing food, luscious outdoor decor, and remember the very hot show! We celebrated my moms birthday, and it will be, at the v least, a memorable experience! I hope to visit here the next time I’m in Florida.
A truly unique experience. Actually a historical landmark since 2014. I sure hope a buyer restores this 60 year landmark. We love Mai-Kai. It was a childhood fave and by all means is still. It would be a shame if it did not re open. Save Mai-Kai!
Slip on the flip flops, break out the Cubavera and rum it on over to the Mai-Kai. What more could a nostalgic wistful sarong dress wearing wahini ask for than an authentically retro-tastic Polynesian restaurant complete with show. Perfect place to end your weeki-tiki getting leid in the Molokai lounge. Level up by spending ohana gatherings having dinner together and trade awkward intrusive family conversations for the beating of loud drums and fire eating Polynesian show occurring nightly in the main dining room. Grab your coconuts, wrap that skirted grass around your a$$ and get to the Mai-Kai! The Mai-Kai is currently closed for renovations but please support their restoration and reopening efforts by following them on social media.
Staff was super friendly and helpful. Drink menu was huge with an amazing mixture of cocktails. Before dinner arrived the wife and I got up and walked through the outdoor path with lush plants and waterfalls. Food was good and arrived just before the show started. Show was awesome, enjoyed the trip through many different cultures. Information on each culture represented by the dance was informative and entertaining. Definitely worth the visit if you are any where near by!
Going to this place is an Extraordinary experience everything is beautiful and it’s a great place for parties, The drinks are very very good they’re a bit pricey on average 15 bucks each however they are worth it because the quality of the Alcohol Being used, also they are large And very strong So one drink it’s like two at a regular bar, the show is great They definitely know how to keep the crowd entertain . Our service was amazing they make sure that Everything you could possibly need is there without you even asking! The food was OK I wasn’t amazed by it although it was pretty tasty and good portions at the right temperatures . I think the Experience is really why people go Not so much the food. I will definitely be coming back soon.
The place was great. Not the cheapest but also not the most priciest out there but dont come here expecting budget prices. There is only valet parking ($3 self park option). The show is included in the bill (about $30)and to me was well put together and is about 45 minutes long. Our server was very friendly and the food was awesome. Get your order in before the show starts or it will be very hard for the server to hear with all the banging drums and music. Drinks are reasonably priced and there is big selection of drinks, if your a beer person theres only a couple beers available however. Overall, it was a great experience worthy of a visit at least once.
What a stunning place. Feel like your in Hawaii without being in Hawaii. Food was good, lots of options. Check out happy hour times. Show up early for 50% off drinks and food, before you take your seats for the dinner and show. Show was great. Great vibes, had the goosebumps a few times it was so good.
This place is AWESOME! The food could use a little more flavor, but the entertainment value is definitely worth it! There are a TON of drink options, great atmosphere and look, and most of all the show is great! Being a drummer myself, you can really appreciate the musical and performer talent used in the show.
Wonderful place! Had a great time! The service was quick, very attentive, and we were served by multiple servers in nice clothing. Food was delicious! Big portions, everyone took food home, and the drinks are perfection as well! The show was was great, with a variety in dances and music that is all Hawaiian and Polynesian. They even used fire! The price of the show is only $15 and then you pay for whatever food and drinks you order. Worth it!!
Wonderful staff, food, ambiance, and show. Its not cheap, but its well worth it. After the show and dinner my family and I walked through the garden. Felt like we were in a different world! Would never know that there is a busy road right out side. They did a marvelous job creating a little getaway.
I visited for the first time and took my wife and daughter for their first time on my wifes birthday. We had an incredible time! We were expecting a great show, received one, but also got an interesting history lesson. They did a pheonemenal job giving us an interactive and exciting lesson on their culture. The food was good but the ambience was much better. A must do Id say...
Excellent time always! A great tropical experience I would do over and over again. Absolutely amazing Polynesian show, in a such select ambient, with delicious food and select drinks. Vegan are welcomed as well. The back garden is like a piece of heaven with water fountains, fire torches, palm trees and so on. HAPPY HOUR strats at 4 PM till 7 PM with half price on food and drinks.Also conveniently located on US1 and Oakland park Blvd right cross the street from the Coral Ridge Shopping Center.
We were looking for something different to experience for Date Night, well we found it. Ive been coming here since the 70s as a child and the Mai Kai has gotten better with time. Great food and fantastic entertainment. Must experience and we will definitely come back!A Very Happy Customer!
Awesome place great food and show. Been there. Lots time back in the day last time I been there in April 2004
I had a dinner with my family and friends. Nice Classic decoration, good atmosphere. Foods are in High quality and taste is excellent. Staff are very friendly and worth paying a tips. Show is too awesome. I would recommend to those who wants to celebrate their birthday or anniversary coz this is the perfect place for dining for romantic as well as for Fun with buddies.
The show was so fun and impressive!! Beautiful atmosphere. Great for and drinks. Gets really busy at the late show on the weekends so best to make reservations.
Great food. Awesome show! Good service! Best drinks!!!
A very special place. Great food, amazingly fun cocktail menu, and the dinner show is not to be missed. Be sure to put this restaurant on your must do list!! The happy hour prices for drinks and appetizers are a great value. My sister enjoyed a steak prepared in their unique Chinese oven, and said that it was the best she had ever enjoyed.
The food is amazing, we got the Peking Duck. Highly recommend. The drinks are superb. The grounds are beautiful if you come you must take in the show and walk the grounds. They roast the duck in h the ovens which are visible to the guests. Make sure you have reservations its a busy pace. I saw several people get turned away for not having a reservation. The staff is nice and helpful but I recommend reading they menu before you get there as they have a large drink menu.
It is worth the visit.The service is great, staff is amazing.The show is nice and beautiful.The food is really good, Id say bit too pricey but its an expirience.My missing star goes to the scheduled dinner, for the money spent sometimes you want to feel more owner of your time. Eat calmly drink (many delicious tropical choices) and just enjoy. But since theres a show on schedule yes... you are on a time line.If youve never been, take the chance.
Awesome place to eat and catch a show. You have to experience this, it was a highlight of trip. Polynesian dancing and great food! You done for about an hour and 30 minutes and then watch a 45 minute show. They have a package menu that includes the show (I recommend this) or u can order items separately from the menu and most $15 for the show
Celebrated our 2 year anniversary here and thoroughly enjoyed the food, entertainment and service. Loved the smoked pork in the wonton soup and especially loved the coconut flan
Awesome place. Unbelievable show. Amazing atmosphere. I will go back there as soon as possible. Food was really good and really fast. Staff was really helpful with me in my first visit. I had a great time.
If you love tiki this is a world destination. I cant say enough good things about what they do here. The food, drinks and wonder show were spectacular.
This dinner was SO MUCH FUN! The sushi was great! I got the special which was snapper and jasmine rice.. delicious! Husband got chicken curry and he said it was alright. The show was so much fun to watch!! A must see if youre in the area!!
Perfect Cozy Dinner Show.My last visit was almost 20yrs ago and its better than I remembered.Its nice when a venue like this can stand the test of time.
The history of this place is what makes it worth visiting! It is on the National Register of History places and has been in operation since 1956. It is the Tiki Mecca and they have a wonderful Polynesian dinner show and gorgeous tiki garden. I think it is definitely worth going but just make yourself aware that the bar and table service is incredibly slow. Just grab a strong tiki drink and realize youre in for a long experience. The food is excellent and they have a kids show on Sunday nights.
Love the food and the atmosphere! Great customer service!!
Awesome restaurant that sets the standard for all Tiki bars and restaurants. The food is great and the drinks are spot on!! Highly recommended. We watched the show and spent the afternoon to late night there . A definite must for all international travellers to Florida.
Awesome time. Get there early before your reserved time. Ask for the 3 course menu to save some $. Show is awesome, tour the garden in the back and take photos before you leave. Great place to celebrate birthday, engagement or anniversary.
💃🏻🏝❤️🙏This place is amazing 😉 you will read other reviews here of how full and over crowded no space... blah blah blah!! Trust me, yes it’s full!BUT EVERYONE FITS perfect!😂🤣Your going to a show! Well organized with dinner and your gonna enjoy it! I enjoyed it,unless your one of those people who get anxiety around others. I had a blast!They put on an excellent show. The food, oh... my delicious. I drank a pińacolada it was exquisite!!!! The garden outside is so beautiful. I felt like I was really at Hawái !!!! The waiter the hostess everything was perfect! I can’t wait to go back!!!
Very good service.. Great drinks and food and an amazing show. I love this place!!!!
For those that truly appreciate the authentic tiki and Polynesian ambiance, Mai Kai stands alone as a remnant of the past when such exotic island theme experiences were the favorite among jet setters and affluent travelers.After more than six decades, the legendary cocktail menu remains virtually unchanged and the food much better than some might expect. This restaurant is rum like a Swiss watch -- they manage to feed three hundred people and deliver a high-quality Polynesian dance show extravaganza without a hitch -- with fast and friendly service -- sometimes twice a night. It takes a small army of well-trained and motivated staff to do it.On Sunday evenings, the families and children of the musicians and dancers join in the fun onstage.The gift shop is a must-stop for any tiki enthusiast.
Nice place. Kinda reminds you of Fantasy Island. Seating outside was great, no complaints. Nice tropical setting. Food was good as well
The food was just good, nothing special. I would go as far as to say the portions/taste do not match the pricing of their menu items.The show that was put on was top notch. I had a Groupon for $50 off my bill otherwise I would have been mad at the price paid for this dinner/show togetherWe ended up spending $110/$20 for a tip. Otherwise it would have been a $175/$180 evening.Parking here is valet and is either $3/10 depending where you wish your car to be parked. The staff a the facility was very attentive and made sure they met your needs as a customer.A must see is the garden area that is located just outside the eating areas.
I had an amazing time. I went the same night of my wedding & they treated us so well. This is definitely a must try!!
Very nice, great show and good food,a lot over priced
Loved this place! Great food and atmosphere 👌
Visited Nov, 2016. The best Tiki Bar Ive been to. The decor is over the top, but in a good way. The food was also very good, but it was more expensive than I expected. Prepare to pay nice steakhouse prices unless you go for one of the Chinese entries. The restaurant has valet parking (it seemed mandatory) and a great floor show with an entry fee, although there is the option of a quieter room with no surcharge. On the Saturday night we were there they had two show times for seating and we didnt leave until after 11, so you may want to call to see how late they are actually open. And if youre looking for random Polynesian gifts they have a large gift shop. Overall, a very nice evening
2nd time Ive been here. Just as fantastic as my first visit a few years ago. The food is excellent as is the service. The show is wonderful and was different from the last visit we had. Good to see they switch it up.
Wonderful. Nice, delicious food and beautiful men and women show. A good place for family.
Loved this place. Was there for a birthday celebration. Was the perfect spot. Dancers and show was the best I have seen in a place like this. Good delicious. !
Have always wanted to go to this pace since I was a kid. We finally made it to celebrate our anniversary! The food was amazing and the drinks we too!! The show was fantastic. My kids were mesmerized! Definitely a place to go back to for another celebration.
They honored our reservation and seated us promptly. Valet and self parking is $3. The food was a little underwhelming and hit or miss. The show was nice and informative. I would only go back for the overall experience and not much so for the food.
Truly a unique dinner! Absolutely amazing.
Very nice tropical atmosphere. You almost feel like youre going into another place. The show is amazing with the hula girls and the guys throwing the fire sticks around. Its a real sight to see. Lets not forget the beautiful garden in the back of the restaurant. Pathways all around with tiki torches and benches here and there, all surrounded by beautiful tropical plants. We also go for happy hour drinks. Really good drinks and creative ones with a pineapple as a cup to hold your special drink. I had the barrel of rum which was really a barrel. Very good drink.
They have regular valet and VIP valet for someone who wouldnt want to wait for their turn on the way out to get their car, and the VIP valet was worth it.We had to wait to be seated even with a reservation but so did everyone else.The waitress was efficient and very nice her name was Cici K. Halfway through the show the host says the names of people with any kind of celebration going on at the time and if you brought a cake, like we did, the waitress would then bring it out to you and at that time blow the candles as they play a Birthday song. The cake is taken back after the song to come back later for dessert so that you can finish your meal, after all we were only halfway through the show.The show was amazing, from the dancers to the musicians. My favorite was the juggling of fire.Highly recommended to everyone!!! :)
Food portions big. Food quality excellent. Service exceptional. Show was wonderful
If you are into a tropical paradise or are into tiki then this place is for you. Hailed as a tropical mecca from all the different dining rooms and the molokai bar to the outdoor gardens this place is truely a must at least once in anybodys life. Amazing food and a drink list that will amaze. While you are there you can either dine or dine and catch the polynesian show that showcases traditions from around the world. The staff has always been great and the place is well kept. Ive never been disappointed and I am always in awe when I visit.
Like being in Polynesia. Fun for the whole family. Decor was awesome, show was good, cocktails/mocktails were excellent. Food was ok.
Everything there is incredible, the dinner show was inspiring, its like a whole other world and I want to live there. Photo is of the escargot.
Celebrated my friend’s 30th birthday.The seafood fried rice was delicious.It’s 3$ for the parking whether it’s self park or valet.A surcharge of 15$ is added for the show.
Great place to celebrate any special event like a birthday. The 45 min Polynesian show is very good. The Polynesian drinks are awesome. From Piña Coladas to Mail This. The food is good.
Great show! Perfect for date night. Makes you feel like youre cruising through the Pacific islands. A little pricey but if youre looking for an entertaining evening with your S/O then Id suggest the investment.
Did dinner and a show. Food was great. Beautiful decorations. Went to the bar before hand and it was soo packed by the time we got our drinks it was already time to be seated so I would not recommend doing that. Just show up at your reserved time.
Was a wonderful time, amazing food, super nice service, the show was beautiful!!!! I love the entire experience!!!! Ill be back!!!!
Went here without a reservation for two. We were instantly greeted and sat down outside without a wait. We sat near the waterfall which provided a beautiful scenery for a romantic night out. Service was also excellent.Food and drink-wise: They have a large variety of tropical drinks available. Their poultry dishes, particularly the Red Thai Curry Chicken, were absolutely delicious. Will go back again and look forward to sitting in the entertainment area to watch the show.
Great as usual. My out of town guests thoroughly enjoyed the food, show and the garden.
I love this place soooooo muchI have more fun about my birthday.The show is great.The atmosphere look like my countryMAI-KAI for life
Great place had fun good customer service food was ok appetizer was good and drinks were best the show was amazing loved the environment
Fun Place! Polynesian and Nautical ambience. Cozy and delicious bar. Very enjoyable show.
Its been years since I went but still goes down in memory as the worst restaurant Ive ever been too. Chicken was undercooked and the Risotto smelled like Lysol. They charged for parking, charge you for the show (performance that is on stage while you eat), and have a bathroom attendant just to squeeze out as much money as they can. Overpriced yet undercooked food. Best part was the show itself but cant make up for everything else. The definition of a tourist trap
On a recent trip to Fort Laurendale my husband make a reservation to this wonderful restaurant. We had an awesome time. Great food, impressive garden, Polynesian show, that transport you to the islands of Hawaii. Excellent customer service.
The show was so much fun to watch. The gardens were great to walk in and to take pictures of. The drink menu is as big as the dinner menu! The platter is a popular appetizer. The teriyaki trio was delicious as the was the sushi!! A must see for a date night or large get together.
It was a great experience, excellent food, show and customer service!By the way the garden is a dream !
I have mixed feelings about this place. Loved the atmosphere, decorations and friendly staff. Food was good.You have to pay to park yourself, is not much $3 but still it doesnt make sense.Their system to seat you for the show/dinner reservation, they tell you to be there at a certain time to make you wait for more than 30 min if you have a large party. Why the reservations if you still have to wait like you are a walk in person.The show: dont get me wrong the dancers are good, but they do not look the part, a bunch of nice skinny white kids, but you dont feel the traditional dance, they use an extra small stage (maybe thats why they are so skinny)...The drummers were excelent! But still I was expecting something more dramatic . They did have a highlight the part with fire stunts .The girl that introduces each part of the act has such a monotone voice and demeanor you feel like she doesnt want to be there or is very bored with it, she had very interesting facts about the acts but no heart in what she was saying... I just tuned her out, highlight her outfits.
Beautiful venue with tasty food. Worth repeating again. My daughters 19th birthday
Mai-Kai is fun for locals and tourists alike. Make a reservation in advance for the Polynesian show and dinner. The food is decent if a bit expensive, service is friendly and fast, and the tiki decor is out of this world. Dont miss the nautical bar for a strong cocktail before your meal, and a walk in the gardens after you eat.
Food, drinks, show, and atmosphere were absolutely amazing great way to celebrate my birthday with my best friend
Great atmosphere and decor. The drink menu (while plentiful from the bar upon entry) was underwhelming to start. The drinks were boozy and off flavor for just about everyone in our group of 8. That said, the food was delicious. The crab rangoons on our app plate were some of the best I’ve had in years. I had the Macadamia Mahi Mahi for main course topped with pineapple salsa and jasmine rice of which was delicious. Our group did not stay for the full Polynesian dinner show looked like fun. Would revisit.
Beautiful environment but our food was very slow coming to us... waited an hour and 25 minutes..i almost gave a 3 rating because of it. the show was nearly over when we finally got our food. The show itself was great! The express valet service was great.!
This place was awesome. Even the little was entertained by the floor show. Beware the drinks are sometimes much larger than you expect, not that Im complaining. The food was great too and walking through the garden outside was a great end to the evening.
What a beautiful place! The food is amazing and the shows the most fascinating things in Florida
Food is very good. Get the Japanese style risotto and any meat from the oven.
Love love love it and the service was on point, even in the mist of the pamdic the staff was great and the show was good, u will be glad u went have fun and enjoy !!
Love this place! Dancers and musicians/singers are amazing. Food is really good! A bit pricey, but worth it. Dont forget to take a walk through the garden. Reservations are a MUST!
This is real deal tiki. The food was delicious, the drinks were even better, and the entertainment really makes it a fantastic experience. The decor really sets the mood, and a stroll through the garden makes you feel like youve stepped into paradise. We will be back.To remember: the parking is valet and dinner reservations are timed around the entertainment
Food was great, and the show was even better.The kids really enjoyed it!
Atmosphere/Theme-10/10Cleanliness of restaurant-8/10Customer Service- 6/10Taste/Quality of food 10/10Value for Price 7/10The taste of the food and the decor/theme of this restaurant is what makes it stand out. We ordered the Korean bbq tacos for an appetizer and the crispy orange beef and honey chicken for our entrees, everything tasted very authentic and had exceptional flavor, especially for those of you who like sweet food. The Polynesian theme is very consistent and stunning throughout the restaurant, they have a trail that you can walk and take some great pictures that includes waterfalls and island statues. While I think this restaurant is great for special occasions it was very busy the day we went and this made it very difficult to hear each other talk. It’s also very dark inside which makes it pretty difficult to read the menu. All of the employees were extremely nice, but unfortunately with it being so busy we had to wait 20 minutes over our reservation time to be seated and waited 10 minutes to get a food menu. I’m probably more critical of this restaurant because of how much it costs to eat there and I think for the price customers shouldn’t be waiting so much.
Such a beautiful show and overall wonderful experience. We made a reservation, got a great seat for 2, was able to use a groupon. The drinks were delicious as well as the food.
Good food a bit pricey. Excellent show.
The ambiance and food was amazing. I didnt get to see the show on my first visit, but it is a quest for my second.
Great service. Good food and awesome entertainment.
What an amazing place ! Everything from parking, dining to the dinner show was superb . To end it off, they direct you down a magnificent path alighned with waterfallas, lights and tiki huts! A must see! The prices were definitely less than we expected as well. 7 stars !
Amazing place with unique atmosphere. Great performance at night time. Surprisingly wide choices of menu, fast service and pleasant staff. Definitely this is the place to see at least once in your life. Even kids were impressed with the show, never mind the flaming ice cream serving. Place has a cute souvenir shop and kids loved that too. Excellent management and chef. Planning to visit that paradise place soon.
I loved this place so much, I did a college paper on it. Absolutely stunning Polynesian Palace of Tiki. Themed seating areas, make each dining experience different. Sunken ship themed bar is incredible, warm and inviting all at the same time. Food was absolutely perfectly cooked and tasted amazing. Live dance performance was worth the price of admission alone. Each performer was exceptional and deserving of the applause they were given. Finishing out the night with a stroll through the tiki garden was a perfect way to transition from the awe and spectacle of the evening, back to dull everyday life by comparison.