Ten Best Tiki Bars in South Florida

Over the past few years there has been a profusion of interest in mid-century tiki culture.

And hey, it works for us. With our abundance of palm trees, beaches, and mid-century, South Pacific-themed spots, the trend definitely helps South Florida's tourism industry.

With this weekend's grand tiki-themed event, the Hukilau, we decided to help out the Polynesian-loving community by compiling a list of Broward and Palm Beach's Best Tiki Bars.

See also:

- Mai Kai Restaurant: History of a South Florida Institution

- Hukilau is This Weekend: How to Roast a Hog Hawaiian-Style

10. Bahia Cabana

While it's not a true tiki bar -- it has more of a nautical theme -- the spot has been around since the mid-century and it most certainly has some kitsch. It's located directly across from the infamous Yankee Clipper in Fort Lauderdale. The waterside spot is the perfect place to sip on super sweet frozen tropical drinks while mingling with sunburnt tourists and leathery locals.

9. Kreepy Tiki/ Five Points Lounge

In terms of rockabilly and South Pacific flair, this place has got it hands down. The Fort Lauderdale tattoo-shop/ music venue/ bar is filled with tiki charm. Aside from the large bamboo bar, the spot is rife with Polynesian nostalgia--and plenty of Sailor Jerry era tattoos. What it lacks in terms of beachside location, it makes up for in modern albeit retro tiki culture.

8. The Backyard

If Jimmy Buffet were to pop up in Boynton Beach, he would hang out at the Backyard. The large outdoor bar and restaurant is filled with tropical and mid-century accents: huge tiki bar, palm trees, and wood tables complete with airstream trailer kitchen. With live music six days a week and a long list of tropical drinks, it's like being in the islands--but really on the side of the road.

7. Lava Tiki Bar & Grill

Tropical drinks are best enjoyed by the water, in the sun. Lava Tiki Bar in Hollywood has those components covered. Right on the intracoastal, the poolside bar offers guests the opportunity to watch boats pass by while throwing back potent rum drink. If you're looking to bust out the Hawaiian shirt and work on that awesome farmer's tan, this place is here to serve.

6. Crane's Beach Hotel & Tiki Bar

South Florida's tiki bar -- or even just bar -- haven has got to be Key West. Unfortunately, getting there is time consuming and kind of expensive. Delray Beach has another, slightly cheaper and less rowdy option, Crane's Tiki Bar. Located inside the boutique Crane's Beach House, the open-to-the-public tiki bar features a relaxing waterfall pool and cocktails. Here's your way to stay classy, tiki-lovers.

5. The Islander Grille & Tiki Bar

If you're looking for tropical drinks with pool and beach-side pina colada consuming action, this might just be your spot. Located in Singer Island's Palm Beach Shores Resort, locals are invited to entertain the hoards of Midwestern guests. The grill does offer indoor and outdoor dining, but we know you're looking to get scorched outdoors with a frozen cocktail in hand.

4. Joe's Tiki Bar

Sometimes you just want to wear your Polynesian bikini on a Wednesday night: that's why you go to Joe's. With live music and drink specials daily, the massive Hollywood tiki bar is basically a party seven days a week. Located right on the intracoastal, the bar is accessibly by boat and car. So it should come as no surprise that the place fills up with boaters and South Pacific enthusiasts on a regular basis. And it's exactly the type of place that makes Hollywood awesome.

3. Panama Hatties

If you're drinking with your toes in the sand, you should definitely have a Mai Tai in hand. Panama Hattie's in North Palm Beach can definitely help you out with that. The massive indoor/outdoor waterfront restaurant and rum bar features a sand-covered outdoor tiki hut with, you guessed it, plenty of rum drink action. It's kind of like a Polynesian getaway--except it's not.

2. Bamboo Beach Tiki Bar

Drinker, partiers, and tiki bar lovers rejoice. Ocean Manor Beach Resort's Bamboo Beach Tiki Bar has been the longtime go-to for Fort Lauderdale residents who want to daytime drink near the pool and in the sand. As long as the sun is out, the bar is packed. Every Sunday the bar features a Caribbean pig roast--not Polynesian, but close enough--for $15.95. Hey, you can always pretend you're in Maui.

1. Mai Kai

Do you really need an explanation?