THE BAHI HUT

Feel like a voyage to the South Pacific of the mind? The Bahi Hut, on Sarasota’s North Trail, will take you there. It was founded in 1954 as part of the Golden Host Resort, right next door. Today, it’s one of Florida’s oldest Tiki bars. Inside, it’s a place of fantasy and escape, replete with teak walls, Polynesian masks, Tiki sculpture and abundant rattan and bamboo. Most nights there’s something going on — from Drag Queen Bingo to live music to trivia. But for Sarasota’s Tiki aficionados, just being here is a blast. They love the Bahi Hut’s midcentury Tiki vibe and they’ve made it their de facto clubhouse. The new owner, Parth Shaha, has updated some of the bar’s elements while carefully respecting its Tiki heritage. For him, it’s a sign of respect for its Tiki fanbase. (And check out his astonishing midcentury renovation of the adjacent Golden Host.)

But let’s not forget this is, above all, a cocktail lounge. Crowd-pleasers include the Sneaky Tiki (a passion fruit-inspired drink that comes in its own mug) and the Bahia Aloha (the Hut’s take on a piña colada). The Bahi Hut’s signature concoction, the mighty Mai-Tai, has enough rum to keep a pirate happy. Think of it as tasty rocket fuel and respect the twodrink maximum. According to Grace

Carlson, a former Bahi bartender, it dissolves in hibitions like paint thinner cutting through watercolors.

“Back in the 1980s, we used to call it Quaaludes in a glass,” she laughs. “It was super strong — like moonshine. It used to make customers especially amorous, but the Golden Host is right next door. Isn’t that convenient?”

Shaha notes that the Bahi’s secret Mai-Tai recipe has been reverently passed from owner to owner. After he became the owner, he restored the recipe to its original taste.

“Only my wife and I are aware of this recipe now,” he says. Would he share it with us?

No, he wouldn’t.

If You Go

4675 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 355-5141; BahiHut.com.

Weekly Entertainment

n Live Music: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturdays n Drag Queen Bingo: 7 p.m. Sundays n History and a Drink: 6:30 p.m. Mondays n Trivia Night: 7 p.m. Mondays n Moonlight Comedy SRQ: 9 p.m. Wednesdays n Gay Guy Happy Hour: Inquire about days

Bartender Tory Davis

Tory Davis, 29, was a stay-at-home mother who wanted to get out of the house and make a few bucks on the side. Working at the Bahi Hut was her natural choice. Why? She combines previous bartending experience with “years of practice as a devoted Bahi Hut patron.” On top of that, it’s just a short drive from her home. Here’s what she shared about her mixologist magic.

How do you get all the drinks right?

Just practice and muscle memory, really. For the most part, when people come into a traditional Tiki bar, they know the drinks are quite involved. A dash of this, a halfounce of that, three different kinds of rum, liquors, juices — it’s a lot to put together correctly. I’ve found that people are willing to be patient for a delicious drink.

Secret sauce to being a great bartender?

I just come in wanting to have as good a time as I can. Typically, our customers are the same. My focus is on how they feel when they’re leaving. If they’re happy and a bit buzzed, I did a good job.

Best seat in the house?

Depends on the person and what kind of night you want to have. For me, it’s at the high top in the back corner. There’s a lot of history and people-watching there.

Favorite type of customer?

A fellow follower of the Tiki scene. I love to talk about everything in this cool little subculture.

Least favorite?

Nobody likes a mean-spirited person, but the ones who push a bad attitude on other customers are definitely my least favorite. You can be mean to me. I can handle that, but don’t ruin someone else’s good time.

Words of wisdom for Key Life readers?

Bahi Hut isn’t just a great place for a drink. What really makes it special is the sense of escapism we offer. The whole purpose of Atomic Age Tiki is giving you the freedom to close your eyes, sip a tropical drink, and liberate yourself to more exotic sands. Bahi Hut can give you that experience, and it’s absolutely worth it.

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