Mai-Kai Restaurant

Brothers Bob and Jack Thornton remember visiting Don the Beachcomber in Chicago as children. The legendary founding father of tiki culture had a profound effect on the two young boys. They opened their own Polynesian-themed restaurant and Tiki bar in 1956 and it's touted as one of the best of its kind in the world. A wooden plank driveway gives the customer the feel of stepping onto an island paradise as soon as they enter the grounds. The diners are treated to a Polynesian show with dancers. There are also beautiful gardens and a manmade pond with a bridge over it. It gets very busy, especially on weekends, so it's best to make a reservation for dinner. Valet parking is mandatory.