Ocean Manor pool and tiki hut

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BAMBOO BEACH TIKI BAR AND CAFE @ OCEAN MANOR
4040 Galt Ocean Dr; Fort Lauderdale; 954-566-7500

Patrons and servers describe this poolside tiki bar right on Fort Lauderdale beach as “a Michigan bar.'' Bartenders wear Detroit Red Wings jerseys; the ceiling of the tiki bar is decorated with flags for the Michigan State Spartans and the Michigan Wolverines.

“If you're a Boston fan, they'll serve you, but they won't like it,'' says Oakland Park resident Mike Cantrell, 23, who says he hangs out at the pool and cozy bar for the great service and lively crowd. Hospitable bartenders keep the sloppy locals happy and know all their names. The small, heated pool itself is nothing special, but the bar - loud with locals buying rounds of shots and bumming cigarettes - is about 100 feet from the beach's gentle waves. Waverunners and jet skis are also available for rent nearby. Nine small TVs show the game, and a 4 to 7 p.m. happy hour brings out the cheap drunks with its half-off deal on everything except super premium liquor. One of the bar's bestsellers is Voodoo Juice with four flavored rums and cranberry, pineapple and orange juices for $8. Cabana rentals run $50.

Such celebrities as retired b-ball star Dennis Rodman enjoy Sunday's Caribbean pig roast, according to owner Frank Talerico. Wedding parties are scheduled constantly: One Philadelphia couple interviewed was staying at the hotel next door but decided to hold their wedding at Ocean Manor. A major selling point: the tiki bar, open every day until midnight.

PELICAN GRAND BEACH RESORT
2000 N. Ocean Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-568-9431

This family-oriented resort offers a day at the beach package for $99 that comes with full use of the facility, including access to a shallow lazy river, beachfront pool, private beach, oceanfront room, complimentary ice cream and more. Check in for this package is 8 a.m. and check out is 6 p.m., but for $75 extra bucks you get the room for the night.

Like the Ocean Manor, the Grand Pelican is practically touching the ocean water, and the bean-shaped pool is a quieter, more family-oriented option. An elegant indoor bar offers a list of $7 appetizers: coconut shrimp, chili nachos, chicken wings and chicken tenders. A popular drink is the Miami Vice: half rum-runner and half pina colada for $11. There are plenty of pool chairs for tanning, and rocking chairs on a patio for contemplating.

-- KYLE TEAL