1. The Mai-Kai
The one and only, baby. Everything that’s made it great for more than 60 years is still there. It’s got the Polynesian floor show. The tropical gardens. The legendary cheese tangs. The tropical drinks menu that is not messing around when it divides things into “mild,” “medium” and “strong.” And in recent months, they’ve also started doing a takeout menu for both food and drinks. If you need a gallon’s worth of mai tai for your home, they’ve got you. maikai.com
2. The Wreck Bar
The portholes behind the bar at this galleon-themed local legend look onto the pool. And it’s in the pool where MeduSirena and the Aquaticats put on family-friendly mermaid shows, grownups-only aqua burlesque and the Sunday Mermaids & Mimosas Brunch. This is classic mid-century Fort Lauderdale in the lobby of the Yankee Clipper – sorry, B Ocean Resort. The drinks are tropical and if you want even more food options, you can walk across the lobby to the Naked Crab. (It’s a restaurant, not a crustacean that can’t find its pants.) bhotelsandresorts.com/b-ocean-resort
3. Lips
There’s good food on the menu here, not to mention a fun cocktail list. But it’s what’s onstage that will keep you coming back. South Florida’s premier drag entertainment venue features everything from takes on Broadway blockbusters to shows that pay tribute to some of the biggest women in showbiz to a game show that’s not exactly your grandparents’ The Price Is Right. And if you’re free on a Sunday – and amenable to bottomless champagne, mimosas or bloody Marys – check out the Dragalicious Gospel Brunch. Whenever you go, you’ll definitely see some unbelievable talent at one of Fort Lauderdale’s most entertaining venues. fladragshow.com
