7 Iconic Tiki Restaurants in Florida You Need to Visit at Least Once

Florida is home to some of the most unforgettable tiki bars and restaurants in the country, where tropical drinks, island-inspired food, and Polynesian décor transport you straight to the South Pacific. Whether you’re a longtime tiki enthusiast or just looking for a fun night out, these spots offer a unique escape from the everyday.

From vintage classics frozen in time to modern interpretations with creative twists, Florida’s tiki scene has something for everyone.

1. Mai-Kai Restaurant & Polynesian Show (Fort Lauderdale)

Walking into the Mai-Kai feels like stepping through a time portal into the golden age of tiki culture. This legendary Fort Lauderdale destination has been enchanting guests since 1956 with its torch-lit gardens, towering thatched roofs, and authentic Polynesian architecture that sprawls across multiple tropical rooms.

What sets Mai-Kai apart is its commitment to the complete tiki experience—not just the drinks and food, but the atmosphere and entertainment. The restaurant features nightly Polynesian shows with fire dancers, traditional music, and colorful costumes that make you forget you’re in South Florida. The menu includes classic tiki cocktails crafted from original recipes, some dating back decades, mixed with exotic rums and fresh ingredients.

Beyond the drinks, the food menu offers island-inspired dishes that complement the tropical setting perfectly. Reservations are highly recommended, especially if you want prime seating for the show.

2. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto (Lake Buena Vista)

Located near Disney property, Trader Sam’s brings the magic of theme park storytelling into an intimate tiki bar setting. The moment you enter this underground grotto, you’re surrounded by carved tikis, nautical treasures, and interactive elements that react to certain drink orders with lighting effects, sounds, and even a simulated thunderstorm.

The attention to detail here is extraordinary, as you’d expect from Disney Imagineers. Every inch of the space tells a story, from the shrunken heads dangling from the ceiling to the mysterious artifacts lining the walls. Order the Uh-Oa bowl and watch as the entire bar erupts in a volcanic spectacle that delights first-timers and regulars alike.

While it gets crowded, especially during peak tourist season, the experience is worth the wait. Arrive early or be prepared to enjoy the outdoor Tiki Terrace while you wait for a spot inside.

3. The Honu Restaurant and Tiki Bar (Dunedin)

Named after the Hawaiian word for sea turtle, The Honu brings a fresh, contemporary spin to Florida’s tiki tradition. This Dunedin hotspot balances respect for classic tiki aesthetics with modern culinary innovation, creating an experience that feels both nostalgic and current.

Their cocktail program showcases both traditional tiki drinks and creative new recipes using premium spirits, house-made syrups, and fresh juices. The bartenders here take their craft seriously, often spending minutes on a single drink to ensure perfection.

Food-wise, The Honu excels at Pacific Rim cuisine with fresh seafood, poke bowls, and creative small plates that pair beautifully with the tropical drinks. The outdoor patio is perfect for warm Florida evenings, offering a breezy escape with string lights and palm trees overhead.

4. Suffering Bastard (Sanford)

Don’t let the quirky name fool you—this Sanford gem is serious about its tiki credentials. Suffering Bastard has built a loyal following among Central Florida tiki enthusiasts who appreciate authentic décor, strong rum-forward cocktails, and a no-frills approach to Polynesian escapism.

The bar takes its name from a classic tiki cocktail created during World War II, and that historical respect carries through the entire experience. Inside, you’ll find carved wooden tikis, fishing floats, tropical murals, and dim amber lighting that creates the perfect moody atmosphere. The drink menu features both well-known classics and obscure tiki recipes.

The bartenders know their rum and aren’t afraid to make drinks strong and properly balanced. Prices are reasonable compared to some tourist-heavy tiki spots, making it a favorite among locals.

5. Bahi Hut Tiki Cocktail Lounge (Sarasota)

Step into the Bahi Hut and you’ll swear you’ve traveled back to 1954, because that’s exactly when this Sarasota institution first opened its bamboo doors. As one of Florida’s oldest continuously operating tiki bars, it has remained remarkably unchanged, preserving vintage Polynesian style like a time capsule of mid-century tropical escapism.

The interior features original décor elements including grass-cloth walls, pufferfish lamps, tiki masks, and booths that look like they’ve hosted countless mai tais over the decades. Everything here feels authentically retro, not recreated or themed—this is the real deal. The jukebox still plays, the drinks are still strong, and the vibe remains wonderfully unpretentious.

While the cocktail menu sticks to classics rather than experimental creations, that’s part of the charm. You come here for a properly made zombie or navy grog, served in the same style they’ve been making for generations. The Bahi Hut represents tiki history in its purest form, offering a glimpse into what these bars were like during their original heyday.

6. Aku Aku Tiki Bar (Orlando)

Hidden in a strip mall off International Drive, Aku Aku proves that you shouldn’t judge a tiki bar by its exterior. Once you pass through the entrance, you’re transported into a dimly lit tropical paradise filled with hand-carved wooden tikis, bamboo walls, thatched accents, and the kind of immersive atmosphere that serious tiki fans crave.

The bar specializes in classic tiki cocktails made with quality rums and fresh ingredients, served in traditional ceramic mugs.

What makes Aku Aku stand out in tourist-heavy Orlando is its authentic approach—this isn’t a theme park version of tiki, but rather a genuine cocktail bar that happens to embrace Polynesian aesthetics. The crowd mixes locals and visitors who’ve done their research, creating a welcoming vibe. It’s the kind of place where you plan to stay for one drink and end up closing the place down.

7. Tiki Docks (Riverview)

For those who prefer their tiki experience with a side of waterfront views, Tiki Docks delivers a more casual, outdoor-focused take on the tropical bar concept. Located in Riverview along the water, this spot trades the enclosed, moody atmosphere of traditional tiki bars for open-air Florida sunshine and breezy dock seating.

The vibe here is laid-back and family-friendly during the day, transitioning to a lively hangout spot as evening approaches. While it may not have the elaborate carved tikis and vintage décor of more traditional venues, Tiki Docks embraces the spirit of tropical escapism through its waterfront location, thatched-roof bar area, and island-inspired menu.

Live music on weekends adds to the festive atmosphere, and the outdoor seating lets you enjoy Florida’s natural beauty while sipping your mai tai. It’s a different interpretation of tiki culture—more Jimmy Buffett than Don the Beachcomber—but it fills a unique niche for those seeking a casual, waterside tropical experience.