KA'TIKI
by John Hoty


          Since 1982, locals on Sunset Beach have made it very clear as to why Ka'Tiki is their favorite hangout. This neighborhood sanctuary is the quintessential Florida beach bar owned and operated by a pair of locals, Kathi and Fred Stern, who know exactly how to give their regulars what they want and where they want it. Case in point, Ka'Tiki's prime location and cool, laid back atmosphere set the stage for everyone's ideal tiki beach experience. Open air, sea breezes, cocktails, live music and the best sunsets in town. Why go anywhere else?
          "Locals know," as they say here at Ka'Tiki whenever being asked where the regulars prefer to station themselves to answer the call of the wild. You're always among friends at Ka'Tiki - longtime bartender Nanci, Sharon, Julie and Tina - greet you by name with a smile on their face and your favorite libation in hand. So whether you're catching some afternoon rays and a few cold ones or leaving your sunglasses at home and dancing the night away when the music starts - this is the place to be. Day or night, Ka'Tiki helps keep locals, regulars and snowbirds in character with awesome food and drink specials to pair with the fresh Florida atmosphere. And after the sun sets and the live entertainment begins, it won't matter if you're a seasonal guest or neighbor - drinking and dancing and singing along makes you part of the family.


          Now headed into the cooler months of the year (we hope), Ka'Tiki keeps things rocking all October long with the best live music line-up seven nights a week! From jam bands, bluegrass solo stars and local celebrities, the stage here at Ka'Tiki has become a venue of legends. And if you're in need of some dancing juice to get you out on the floor with everybody else, check out the killer daily drink specials: Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm, you can quench your thirst with a pitcher of Bud, Bud Light or Michelob Ultra for only $8.50; Tuesdays off buckets of Bud for $12; Wednesday buckets of Corona for $15; Ladies Night is every Tuesday for buy-1-get-1; Hospitality Nights are every Wednesday and Thursday from 11 to 2, buy-1-get-1; frozen rum runners just $5 every Friday; and Champagne Saturdays serve up a $15 bottle on ice.
          If it's good grub you're looking for, then your search stops here at Ka'Tiki where you'll find 10 wings and a pitcher of beer for $15, and buckets of Michelob and Michelob Ultra for $12 every Sunday, No better way to finish the week. But for the best deal of all, run - no, sprint to Ka'Tiki every Monday through Thursday for an order of wings ($8.50) and score a FREE pitcher of beer. You no longer have to wonder what everyone else is doing those two days of the week - where else would they be?
          For a great way to stay in the loop, check out their website at www.katikisunsetbeach.com. Find the friendly folks at Ka'Tiki at 8803 W. Gulf Blvd., Sunset Beach, Treasure Island, 727-360-2272.