Submerge yourself in the steamy, seedy underworld of Miami's dive bars.

Larry Boytano

" The Strip has seen plenty of action over the years. From Connie Frances and George Hamilton's movie Where the Boys Are to the spring break madness of the mid '80s, the Elbo Room has been through it all, and then some.

The sharp curve in A1A after Hillsboro Blvd. in Deerfield Beach might be one of the most lethal cocktail corners along the coast. "

OK, this is a nightlife column. But sometimes a successful nightlife spills into the next day. And the next. Since you're in South Florida, if it's daylight and you have a hankering for a cool one, why not enjoy it by the sea?

There's nothing like a good bout of surfside, daytime drinking to make you thankful to live in the subtropics. It's the perfect time of year to enjoy the bars along our scenic route, A1A. Since you don't want to drive on a road crammed with tourists only to end up in bar full of them too, do yourself a favor before the snowbirds land and head to A1A for a little boozing in the sun. Here's a scattering of the most enjoyable roadhouses by the ocean in Broward and Palm Beach.

Along the Hollywood Boardwalk, you can get a beer just about every other foot. Bars such as Shukums and Ocean's Eleven are nice places to relax and watch the surf. But go off the boardwalk a half block on Johnson Street and you'll find the 12 O'clock High Lounge, which besides having a great name (after the Gary Cooper movie?) is maybe the most comfortable spot on the boardwalk to grab a drink. The A/C is always cool, the pool table is usually free, and the drinks won't cramp your budget. The $1.25 Bud drafts in a frozen mug are a favorite with the lifeguards who belly up to the bar after work. The fresh Bloody Mary's will definitely put the sunshine back in your life. And if they don't do it, there's always the assortment of frozen drinks made to order - note: The pina colada is served with whipped cream and has a cherry on top.

Continue up A1A to Fort Lauderdale - the one-time king of beachside drinking. The Strip has seen plenty of action over the years. From Connie Frances and George Hamilton's movie Where the Boys Are to the spring break madness of the mid '80s, the Elbo Room has been through it all, and then some. Established in 1938, the Elbo Room has always packed them in, and today that just may be its biggest problem. But staying true to its name, a group of cronies can usually stake claim to a spot on the deck or one of the two floors, and then it's people watching central.

Further north on A1A in Pompano, stop for some drinking and sunning on the pier at the Fisherman's Wharf. Directly on the ocean, this outdoor bar with its palm- thatched roof and adjacent patio attracts a constant stream of beachgoers. If it's hot, step inside for a drink at the large air-conditioned bar. There's usually a band playing from high noon until high moon.

The sharp curve in A1A after Hillsboro Blvd. in Deerfield Beach might be one of the most lethal cocktail corners along the coast. Long established places such as Flanigan's, the Whale's Rib, the Patio Bar, the Ranch House, and Rattle Snake Jake's have kept the daytime crowd pleased for years. But the birth of Kahuna's two years ago became the crown jewel this corner was missing.

Owner Todd Cassidy admits that he never envisioned Kahuna's being so popular. "Business has been much better and come a lot quicker than we thought it would," he says with an air of humble success. "From day one, the locals came out and really supported us, and it's made a big difference," he adds.

Cassidy is a seasoned hospitality professional who's made the rounds at Benigan's and Sloppy Joe's, among many other places. Plus, he lived in Hawaii for three years, so he knows a little something about beach bars. A five-year resident of Deerfield, Cassidy says, "When I saw this vacant spot, I just knew it would be perfect for our concept."

Have a frozen daiquiri from one of seven machines in Kahuna, reflect a bit, and you too might find perfection.

In Palm Beach County, the number of beach stops directly around A1A diminishes. But in Delray just before you reach Atlantic Avenue on A1A, one of the great old-guard watering holes, Boston's on the Beach, has been around for over twenty years. Its two large bars (one located on an upper deck), live music, and daytime drink specials keep a constant, thirsty beach crowd appeased.

Peter's, next door to Boston's, took over the old Phoenix space, a legendary dive bar that's long gone. Although Peter's is distinctly more upscale (sushi is served) than its predecessor, they still do a large bar business, and retain one very appealing aspect of the Phoenix - they can legally sell drinks to go. All the better to enjoy A1A wherever it may take you.

Twelve O'clock High Lounge
327 Johnson St
Hollywood, FL 33019-1219
Phone: (954) 921-4938