When you need a breather from your typical nightlife hangouts, pass your keys to the valet, hop up the steps of the Ocean Manor Resort and head out back to the thatch roof tiki bar
Bamboo Beach.
Located poolside and just a beach ball's throw from the ocean, this open-air bar caters to people looking for the quintessential South Florida experience. Tiki torches, beach chairs and taxidermied fish complete the tropical look, while a bevy of blondes pull drink duty from behind the bar. Retired
NFL stars such as Lorenzo White and Michael Irvin have been known to pull up a bar stool and kick back with guests here. Men outnumber women at Bamboo Beach 3–to–1, but a smattering of ladies often can be found sipping cocktails. During the day, the bar throws parties that feature volleyball games and barbecues. At night, guests gather under a large, flat-screen TV to catch a sporting event.
Stop by for: Happy hour daily from 5 to 7 p.m.; live music nightly; barbecues with an authentic Caribbean pig roast starting 11 a.m. Sundays
Load up on: The Fuzzy Hippo, made with Hpnotiq, peach schnapps, pineapple and orange juices; or the X-Rated Banana, made with Cruzan banana rum, X-Rated Fusion liqueur, 151 rum and pineapple juice
Tunes: Bryan Adams "Summer of '69"
Leave the house in:
A bikini if you can swing it, a beach towel if you can't
How to find it: 4040 Galt Ocean Mile, Fort Lauderdale, 954-566-2053,
Bamboobeachtikibar.com
Terra Sullivan is a freelance writer for City Link.
