The place: Bahia Cabana, 3001 Harbor Drive (A1A) Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-524-1555.
the Intracoastal Waterway, you can pilot your boat up to the dock
(if not, the valet parking is free) and watch as yachts, charter fishing boats, and the
Jungle Queen ply the canals. Rustic and rough-hewn, this place gets
packed at night with undiscriminating fans of live music and cheap
drinks.
World's Best Frozen Piña Colada," you've probably had something cheaper
and better a few dozen miles south on A1A. But for a Fort Lauderdale
beach hangout, it's ultracasual (flip-flops and a swim suit passes for
fancy at the Bahia Cabana, and you're encouraged to check out the pool
and the hot tub if you're not too soused). What the drinks may lack in
size, they make up for in strength -- though some are downright
candy-sweet -- but you can always throw a floater of dark Myers's on top
and catch a little buzz as you scarf down your blackened dolphin or
conch fritters.