Updated Sept. 21
Since 2013, the traditional way to wrap up The Hukilau has been a Sunday afternoon party at The Mai-Kai featuring surf guitarist Skinny Jimmy Stingray, the perfect way to bring the Tiki weekender to a close with a bang. And while The Molokai bar is sadly unavailable this year, the finale has been resurrected with a ghoulish twist by one of the event’s longtime bar partners.
UPDATED: A new Zombie becomes final challenge for The Hukilau villagers
Upon completion of The Hukilau, villagers had one Final Destination: the “Hereafter Party at Death or Gory in Hellray Beach.” To bring the theme full circle, The Atomic Grog presents a Zombie to end all Zombies.
>>> Event overview, photos, more
NEW RECIPE: The Final (Destination) Zombie
Get ready for The Hukilau: Final Destination, the 2021 event’s “Hereafter Party at Death or Gory in Hellray Beach” on Sunday, Sept. 19, from 3 p.m. until whenever the spirits decide it’s time to leave. Yes, this year’s finale will take a demonic twist thanks to the creative folks at Death or Glory, the acclaimed craft cocktail bar and restaurant in Delray Beach.
UPDATED: The Hukilau 2021: Social media photos
Skinny Jimmy and his three-piece band will rock the outdoor Tiki bar and patio (aka graveyard), which has been decorated spooktacularly for the Halloween season. There’s plenty of space outside for both Hukilau guests and the general public, who are also invited to this free event. The band starts around 4 p.m., so don’t be late.
The Death or Gory theme extends to the food and cocktails, which include deadly libations such as The Buddy of Christ Zombie and Dead on Arrival. Sponsors Don Q and Plantation will also bring plenty of rum to the party, and you might even be able to taste an Atomic Grog cocktail as we return to host and promote the after-party for the eighth time and celebrate our 10th anniversary at The Hukilau.
The Final Destination is about 20 miles due north of the Beachcomber Resort & Club, The Hukilau’s headquarters in Pompano Beach. But thanks to the generosity of Plantation Rum, a code will be available for villagers to get free round-trip rides via Uber. Death or Glory is at 116 N.E. Sixth Ave. in the northeast corner of Delray Beach’s Atlantic Avenue dining and bar district.
A full menu will also be available for lunch and dinner. Indoor dining and bar seating is available for small parties. Visit DeathorGloryBar.com or call (561) 808-8814.
Death or Glory will also be participating as a pop-up bar during The Hukilau events at the Beachcomber, so be sure to sample their drinks and meet the bartenders. Over the past several years, guest bartenders from visiting Tiki establishments across the country have made Death or Glory their own final destination on Sundays. They often jumped behind the bar for special guest shifts, a tradition we expect to see continue this year.
Skinny Jimmy Stingray has been a fixture at The Hukilau, rocking The Molokai during the weekend with his reverential classic surf tunes and select covers. With longtime cohorts Frenchy on stand-up bass and Kevin on drums, the trio has also performed at bars and clubs around the region. Jimmy has also opened for legends such as Dick Dale, the Surfaris, and Los Straitjackets. Check out the music on Bandcamp and YouTube.
Halloween started early in “Hellray Beach” with Death or Gory kicking off on Sept. 6 this year. It’s the fourth year of the spirited seasonal pop-up, inspired by the bar’s success with the Miracle concept during the winter season. Death or Glory has transformed into the kitschy Christmas bar every year since 2017, with 2021 in the works.
* Past Atomic Grog coverage: Miracle expands in South Florida
Miracle cocktails reviewed and ranked
Open since April 2017, Death or Glory was nominated for Best New American Cocktail Bar at the Spirited Awards at Tales of the Cocktail in 2018. It’s known for its inventive cocktails and food, including many vegetarian and vegan options. It has an extensive spirits menu, including dozens of gins, mezcals, tequilas, and whiskeys. The rum collection tops 100 and is the largest in Palm Beach County, including many rare and premium options.
In addition to the inside bar and restaurant, the outdoor patio is open year-round in South Florida’s tropical weather and features a Tiki bar decorated in Death or Glory’s unique dark, rock ‘n’ roll style. Named for a song by English punk pioneers the Clash, the venue oozes attitude but with a friendly and inviting spirit.
The building itself is a historic venue. Death or Glory is the latest in a series of restaurants that fit cozily into a former residential house that dates back to 1925. Owners Ayme Harrison and Annie Blake make sure the former Falcon House retains its 1920s charm, filling it with prohibition-era memorabilia and family photos from that era.
On its website, Death or Glory states that it is “women-owned, dog-friendly, and a tad quirky. While we’re serious about our food and drinks, we’re never too serious. So, come as you are, and get weird with us.”
Harrison brings the Tiki flair, joining Blake and the opening-day owners after closing Kreepy Tiki Lounge in Fort Lauderdale. Both of her venues have been loyal partners with The Hukilau, hosting events and pop-up bars every year. Death or Glory was also featured in The Hukilau’s female-focused Tiki Tower Takeover in 2019.
Death or Glory
Official website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Yelp
The Hukilau 2021 – Sept. 16-19 at the Beachcomber Resort & Club in Pompano Beach and The Mai-Kai restaurant in Fort Lauderdale. Featuring live music (The Intoxicators, Aqualads, The Hilo Hi-Flyers), symposiums, rum sponsors and pop-up cocktail bars, luau on the beach, Tiki marketplace, plus more.
* Facebook: Page and Group | Instagram
The Hukilau: Related coverage
UPDATED: The Hukilau 2021 recap: Daily social media photos
The Hukilau returns to the picturesque Fort Lauderdale area oceanfront for an 18th time Sept. 16-19 for four days of Polynesian Pop paradise in America’s vacationland.
The Hukilau countdown: Tickets still available for 19th Tiki weekender
The longest-running Polynesian Pop celebration on the East Coast will feature live music, symposiums, rum sponsors and pop-up cocktail bars, luau on the beach, Tiki marketplace, plus more.
The Hukilau announces return in 2021 with new oceanfront hotel, event at The Mai-Kai
Tiki weekender stages four-day takeover of beachfront hotel plus a special event at historic Polynesian restaurant.
Skinny Jimmy Stingray
Official website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Bandcamp
* On the Atomic Grog: Skinny Jimmy’s Picks | Band profile | More
VIDEO & PHOTOS: Skinny Jimmy Stingray talks classic surf, performs at The Mai-Kai
The South Florida guitarist and his band rocked The Molokai bar during a special Retro Rekindled monthly community gathering. The live set followed a presentation with The Atomic Grog’s Hurricane Hayward about Jimmy’s musical journey from punk to instrumental surf.
>>>> See new video and photos from the event
Skinny Jimmy’s Picks: Underappreciated surf bands, top Dick Dale songs, most sinister surf songs