Bahi Hut Lounge

Comments about Bahi Hut Lounge

watchin_waihine

watchin_waihine has visited Bahi Hut Lounge.

June 4, 2022, 11:14 AM

Worth a visit for the legit mid-century bona fides alone. How often can you make pilgrimage to Tiki destinations dating back to the 50's?

Decor is great ... vibe is chill (at least it was on a weeknight). Bartender was very friendly and helpful, if not necessarily much of a Tiki guy.

Drinks were fair. But I give props to anyplace with this kind of pedigree. Worth a stop.

Scorpion Bowl Bobby

Scorpion Bowl Bobby has visited Bahi Hut Lounge.

March 7, 2020, 2:08 PM

I came here once or twice a year going back maybe a decade, and it was more a token visit to a place I had a soft spot for, but the bar has reclaimed the proper tiki mantle and visits from now on will be because it's good! My bartender was extremely knowledgeable, and even happy to openly pan a drink on their menu (he described the taste as "gasoline and Hi-Ci") and offer a better one off menu (an old Beachcomber version of Mai Tai). We had a couple drinks each, all great, and talked much more with our excellent bartender. There's no waterfalls or fire dances, but there's some classic touches for decor and, most importantly, great drinks. Definitely worth a visit, and the best bar I've been to in town.

Duevelocita

Duevelocita has visited Bahi Hut Lounge.

February 29, 2020, 1:07 PM

Opened in 1954 and not updated since then. The claim to fame for their premiere drink, a Mai Tai, is that it has more alcohol than any drink in town. Still, we had a blast and went back a second time while in Sarasota. Bartenders were a lot of fun.

Tikibaz

Tikibaz has visited Bahi Hut Lounge.

July 2, 2019, 11:52 AM

Just visited last week. I would affectionately refer to it as a "divey" tiki bar. With a quirky location next to a motel, its interior is intimate, dark, and with just enough touches of tikis and decoration that you definitely get the feel of a tiki bar, even though its also clear that they aren't putting in a 100% effort. A fairly limited drink menu does offer up some tiki classics, although even as an experienced mai tai drinker I found their version of it to be almost too strong to enjoy. The other drinks were very enjoyable though, and the bartender was friendly and attentive.

On the downside, although its definitely a non-smoking joint now, you can still detect that it wasn't for many years. And they committed my one cardinal sin of tiki bars, which was displaying multiple large screen tvs playing sports and tv shows. Still, definitely worth a visit if you are in the area!

Whaia-Muri

Whaia-Muri is a semi-regular at Bahi Hut Lounge.

June 4, 2019, 12:34 PM

It's time to give Bahi Hut another try people!!!!!

Used to be a smokey dive, but things have changed! The new owner apparently cares about this diamond in the rough.

1. NO SMOKING! We can all breath easy and not have to dry clean our prized bark-cloth shirts!

2. Good drinks! They have a decent menu with 10 or so drinks. I went with a group of friends and was able to try almost all of them. I was pleasantly surprised. The bar tender was super nice. Although she didn't know much about tiki culture/drinks, she was really trying!

3. The atmosphere was great. The decor isn't as dense as a Tiki-Ti style bar, but everything in there is from the golden era. They have made an effort to restore rather than update and I think that's fantastic!

4. The music was atrocious. Pulsing club stuff. Gross. BUT, I should mention that we walked in shortly after they opened and I think the lone bartender got so busy (there was a pretty big crowd) that she forgot to turn off what she was listening to while prepping for the night? I have it on good authority that the music is usually more appropriate.

5. The "vibe" was pretty good. Again, we were there early in the evening, so I don't know if that was the usual crowd or not. No other tiki people in there, but everyone was cool and got a kick out of the kitsch.

Will definitely return! Very happy to see this place revived.

Luau Lili

Luau Lili has visited Bahi Hut Lounge.

April 30, 2019, 1:59 PM

Great old vibe local tiki bar. The bartender made our visit so much fun! Very knowledgeable about tiki, local history and drinks. Although I do need to buy him some nutmeg for the Painkiller. 👍 We got there early and it was still light out but it has the feeling of a vintage place.
Would definitely recommend Bahi Hut if you’re in the Sarasota area,

Beth Anne

Beth Anne has visited Bahi Hut Lounge.

March 25, 2019, 5:15 PM

Great place, friendly atmosphere, great service, awesome drinks, wonderful food. We loved it!

meirybomb

meirybomb has visited Bahi Hut Lounge.

August 9, 2018, 8:51 AM

I visited Bahi Hut last month, post-renovation and it definitely seems like they are making an effort to return the bar to it's tiki roots. It was early, and practically empty when we visited, but the bartender was friendly and the few patrons who were there seemed amicable. This place is a classic tiki hut, with an authentic tiki vibe, and although they still can't make a real mai tai, it's definitely a must visit.

zkroland

April 22, 2018, 10:27 AM

Good news! Renovations seem to be underway to return the Bahi Hut to its proper vibe!

MidnightAtTheOasis

August 6, 2017, 4:33 PM

Great bar but certainly not concerned with the cocktail aspect of the tiki diaspora. Having lived in Sarasota for some time, Bai Hai Hut was that spot with the extra strong drinks that allllllways had stories of grandeur, mysterious nights spent howling at the moon, the "I drank two and woke up on the beach!" legends. The environment is divey but still holds on to the relics which make it a little Gilligans Island. Like a lot of bars on the west coast have done, I wish someone would buy it up and go nuts.

ChromeTiki

ChromeTiki has visited Bahi Hut Lounge.

July 18, 2017, 7:30 AM

I've been going to the Bahi Hut for over 30 years and it hasn't changed much - even the same bartender. I went a lot more frequently in my youth while going to Ringling Art School. We used to say we remembered going, but we never remembered leaving. The decor is tropical and the drinks are "exotic", but the music is usually rock and the crowd isn't usually that into the whole tiki thing. Still a great dive bar experience.

Tiki Zug

Tiki Zug has visited Bahi Hut Lounge.

April 9, 2017, 11:47 AM

Love this place ...very athletic but not enough patrons appreciate it. Worst Mai tai ever but unique unto itself, so I always get one

Bocabear

Bocabear has visited Bahi Hut Lounge.

April 7, 2017, 2:54 PM

I walked in on a quiet night not knowing what to expect...I left after a couple hours and few drinks not knowing what to think. LOL It has great tiki bones! the potential is all there. It seems like the crowd there and the staff don't understand that they are in a tiki Bar...and an old Florida landmark establishment that has been there for ages. The music choice was completely wrong, the thick cloud of cigarette smoke that hung in the air was not so great, and the "Mai Tai" was Hawaiian punch and gasoline...but still somehow it hooked me. Staff is very friendly, crowd is a mixed bag...All in all a great old dive bar. Hope they can keep it open for generations to come!

bohemiann

bohemiann is a semi-regular at Bahi Hut Lounge.

April 1, 2017, 3:43 PM

This dive bar is a local rite of passage with its legendary and infamous "mai-tai". Nastiest excuse for a mai-tai ever. They limit you to 2 and if you are able to choke them down you will likely regret it. I have seen this place in the daylight with all the lights on so... I drink bottled beer when I visit.

It has changed hands since my last visit and some friends have been urging them to take it up a few notches. It may be time to see if any changes have improved things.

MrLzrd

MrLzrd has visited Bahi Hut Lounge.

March 31, 2017, 3:54 PM

I grew up in Sarasota FL, in the 70's and 80's, and remember the radio jingle for the Bahi Hut fondly. Because my family moved to TX when I was 16, I never made it inside. I've only been back to Sarasota about half a dozen times since 1990, but expect to be back more often now that my parents are retired there. That said, on my last trip back, in mid December 2016, I really wanted to check the Bahi Hut out for myself finally. Unfortunately, the only time I made it out to the Bahi, with my brother, it was too early to get inside! If you're looking for it, it looks shut down during the daytime. The building and grounds are in disrepair, and the hotel it is in the parking lot of is rather sketchy looking. If they don't feature a Zombie on the menu, they damn well should! I'm posting some pics from the outside, and hope to make it inside on my next trip to Sarasota.

Bwana Jim

February 6, 2017, 3:23 PM

I started my Mai Tai hunt at Trader Vic's in Emeryville. Next was Tommy Bahamas in Palm Desert then the Tonga Hut in Palm Springs. All rockin! Basement Sushi in San Fran made crappy Mai Tais- rum and pineapple juice. Hmmm?? I was stayin across the street from the Bahi Hut in Sarasota so I bopped in for a 'Tai. Lots of rum and some magic mixer. Not bad but not like Vic's recipe. At least not a slushy mess. Music was 80s not Martin Denny....but that is probably for survival. If I was a local, this could be my haunt. It needs more Tiki-Nados. Hit it kids!!

beerbuddha

beerbuddha has visited Bahi Hut Lounge.

January 31, 2016, 12:39 PM

This place has so much potential from a tiki standpoint. Visually appealing but the smoking ruined it for me. The music was southern rock not tiki which sucked. They are apparently known for their Mai Tai which was good.

NYC Tiki

NYC Tiki is a regular at Bahi Hut Lounge.

January 18, 2015, 7:57 PM

I am SO glad that Bahi Hut still exists in Sarasota. This place has a lot going wrong with it, but still has the old bones and vibe lurking in the background, it is just waiting one day for someone to pick it up, polish it off and restore it to it's former glory (and if the owners read this and want to sell, please contact me). It is within an old motel (independent) near the airport on a street with old cool fifties and sixties motor lodges and such. The bar is a separate building like a hut, with bamboo and a bamboo door handle when you enter. Inside it is a gem. Old wooden / bamboo tables, old tiki pictures, a window looking at a (now dilapidated) garden and a famous Mai Tai. Unfortunately they play bad music (as noted above) and allow smoking, so it smells. I think the smoking patrons keep this place alive for now, but I can definitely see it being refurbished, cleaned up, a new music track with updated cocktails and some snacks...and potentially this could be the cocktail bar it once was.....Definitely go give it a try if you are in beautiful Sarasota Florida

Martini Whore

Martini Whore is a regular at Bahi Hut Lounge, and is usually there Usually after work, around 5:30 pm or so.

January 22, 2010, 1:28 PM

I love the place, but i wish they would play some other music besides southern/classic rock. This place BEGS for some Martin Denny.

Bill-Roy

Bill-Roy is a semi-regular at Bahi Hut Lounge.

November 9, 2009, 8:53 PM

I am a Ringling College grad that has many fond memories of this joint. It was close to campus, and a great spot to stumble home from. The Mai Tai's are quite potent and have a 2 drink limit. I still find myself dropping in here quite a bit.

Tiare

Tiare has visited Bahi Hut Lounge.

May 26, 2009, 9:08 PM

My in-laws live in Sarasota and we took them there for drinks. I think I had the strongest drink of my life there. They have some drink that they cut you off at a certain limit, I can see why. It was a nice looking divey, tiki bar but the cliental leaves something to be desired. Upon leaving, I wanted my photo in front of the place and drunkly stood in front of the door. Well the bouncer opened the door right on to my ankle. I was so sauced I didn't even feel it or notice the large amount of blood till later. Not sure I ever need to go back to the Bahi hut, I've got my memories.

Regulars and Visitors of Bahi Hut Lounge

Regulars

People who go to Bahi Hut Lounge at least a few times a month.

• Martini Whore
  Usually after work, around 5:30 pm or so
• NYC Tiki

Semi-Regulars

People who go to Bahi Hut Lounge at least a few times a year.

• 
  bohemiann
• 
  Bill-Roy
• 
  Whaia-Muri
• 
  Ukulele_Lady
• 
  ViolinRose

Visitors

People who have been to Bahi Hut Lounge at least once.

• 
  Gilligan
• 
  Tiare
• 
  Rugby Matt
• 
  DanNowicki
• 
  RumRandy
• 
  bongoboy
• 
  Cactus32
• 
  jmax86lax
• 
  JuanTiki1
• 
  Dodger
• 
  RumHunter
• 
  IslandGirl
• 
  A'Pau-ling
• 
  alohameisha
• 
  Pelvis
• 
  beerbuddha
• 
  twitchylizard
• 
  KukePuluke
• 
  Kona Keoki
• 
  Gwendolyn
• 
  Tiki Zug
• 
  Floridamingo
• 
  tatdiver
• 
  abacab
• 
  Mockingbird
• 
  JentikiPDX
• 
  BeccaSchmecca
• 
  heathenlife
• 
  Bonefish
• 
  Cannibal Ehd
• 
  Luau Lili
• 
  MrLzrd
• 
  Tikibaz
• 
  Uapu'uwai
• 
  Cape FM
• 
  Bocabear
• 
  Cactus1932
• 
  MattB
• 
  ChromeTiki
• 
  bowlofpretzels
• 
  Scorpion Bowl Bobby
• 
  ottawatiki
• 
  DocQuiri
• 
  JP
• 
  Enchanted Erin
• 
  Hotdogsandpizza
• 
  MeaganKyla
• 
  BarnztheTiki
• 
  floridarumrunnergal
• 
  brucelightyear
• 
  Patrick720
• 
  meirybomb
• 
  TalkeyTiki
• 
  Cking894
• 
  BeachcomberBrian23
• 
  TikiJohnny
• 
  Chumby
• 
  Beth Anne
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  TinyBubbles
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  PrincessLinda
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  achapnick
• 
  Ctwiggs
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  Dilly
• 
  Caterina
• 
  Kunu
• 
  Tiki_hellcat
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  Duevelocita
• 
  Palin
• 
  jimZillaZilla
• 
  RyanWoirol
• 
  ZTiki
• 
  watchin_waihine