Questionable
origins aside (Hollywood's first tiki restaurateur, Don the Beachcomber, has also
taken credit), the mai tai was the star of the 1950s tiki-bar craze. And not only
is the rum, curaçao, lime, orgeat and rock-candy syrup drink still popular,
so are the over-the-top theme joints in which to sip them. The
newest place to indulge is Sunday's Bali Hai night at the Flatiron Lounge (37
W 19th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves, 212-727-7741). And the Zombie Hut (201
Smith St between DeGraw and Douglass Sts, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn; 718-875-3433)
offers a potent twist on the classic cocktail: a pink, slushy zombie made with
two kinds of rum and pineapple and orange juices. Otto's Shrunken Head
(pictured; 538 E 14th St between Aves A and B, 212-228-2240) delivers colorful
drinks and drink accessories, while at Waikiki Wally's (101
E 2nd St at First Ave, 212-673-8909), you can grab a mai tai and get tableside
hula-dancing lessons. — Nick P. Divito