Bahi Hut Tiki Cocktail Lounge — Restaurant in Sarasota

First of all, I should've written glowing reviews before posting this one. For that, I apologize. Bahi Hut has always been a favorite end of the day landing spot everytime I'm in Sarasota. The vibe is the best and I've always had excellent service from bartenders with great personalities.

Unfortunately, that was not the case when I was there last week. Bartender, I think his name might’ve been Ken, not sure. I have a photo if needed.

This guy is a loose canon immature and seem to have some real anger management issues. I have regularly seen him be very curt and short and rude to customers. Last week, instead of de-escalating a situation, he just about broke out into a ballroom brawl with a customer. Yes, the customers he was dealing with were abrasive and yes, he and his bartender partner was very, very busy that night but the way he dealt with it was in such an incredibly unprofessional and immature way. The guy was scary. He’s a loose cannon.

The other bartender that got stuck working with him he completely crapped on. He left her completely alone on a large customer night while he went outside, presumably to blow off steam? He acted like a child that couldn't control his temper. The other bartender, I believe her name was Fawn? Her photo also available, was the epitome of professionalism, emotional intelligence, and maturity. She handled a potentially violent situation with incredible professionalism and poise. I was blown away when the out of control bartender had the gall to come back and berate her in front of customer because when asked by I think a manager why she was there alone she answered honestly. She handled the whole situation with pure professional grace and diplomacy and is to be applauded and promoted in my opinion if that’s an option.

In my opinion, the bartender that went nose to nose with a customer to the cusp of fists flying is a disaster for Bahi Hut waiting to happen. He certainly appears to have hard-core has anger management/maturity issues.

With all that said, I will be back. I just really, really hope this guy isn't behind the...

I walked in and was taken by the atmosphere, the vibe, the music and artwork. The friendly bartender was welcoming and engaging. I was immediately greeted with enthusiasm and asked if I had been there prior. I replied; no first timer. She, "Mitch" (the bartender) again welcomed me a second time and gave me a brief on the place as she was creating a lovely tropical drinks for other customers. I was also given a food and drink menu and offered explanations if needed. After reviewing the extensive list of drinks I requested a house specialty. Well, let me tell you, Mitch offered a listing of the specialty drinks along with the ingredients associated to the different cocktails. I was impressed with the number of natural products used and her knowledge of them. I subsequently had four different tropical cocktails during this initial visit and loved them all. They were each unique, at some places every drink tastes the same, well not here. Each drink great tasting, well made, strong (but not overdone) the natural fruit flavors did not overwhelm the liquors with a sugary and fake taste and the liquors used did not overpower the bright tropical flavors sought after. Presentation also did not disappoint, she used; fresh pineapple, Coconut, lime, mint, extracts, flowers and some house secret recipes. I will definitely return to this fun and friendly local. Other patrons (obvious tourists) were asking for locations for local Italian, steak and Amish style restaurants in the area. Again Mitch (the bartender) was very helpful in pointing these locations out for them on their maps to assist them, as they were from Austria. I was also informed of trivia and bingo nights held there. I...

My friends and I dropped by Baja Tiki Hut one afternoon for a relaxing drink, and it turned out to be a fantastic experience thanks to Paul, the bartender. The atmosphere at the Tiki Hut is laid-back and perfect for unwinding. The decor, with its tropical vibes and beachy feel, immediately puts you in a vacation mood.

Paul, our bartender, was not only friendly but also very knowledgeable about their drink menu. He recommended some delicious cocktails that perfectly complemented the sunny weather. His attention to detail and enthusiasm for mixology made our visit even more enjoyable.

The drink selection was impressive, offering a variety of tropical cocktails and local craft beers. We tried their signature Tiki cocktails, which were expertly crafted and packed with flavor. I love the Mai tai! The prices were reasonable, especially considering the prime location and quality of drinks.

The service throughout our visit was prompt and attentive. Despite being a popular spot, we never felt rushed, and Paul made sure we had everything we needed. The overall ambiance of Baja Tiki Hut, combined with Paul's exceptional service, made it a memorable afternoon outing.

Whether you're a local looking for a chill hangout or a visitor wanting to experience Sarasota's beach scene, Baja Tiki Hut is definitely worth a visit. I'll be back for sure, especially for those refreshing drinks and the friendly atmosphere that Paul and the team...