Polynesiology

Damon’s

The steakhouse meets “Gilligan’s Island” at this almost 70-year-old institution. Dine amid fake palm trees. Sip a dangerously potent mai tai. And on Monday nights, take $5 off any cut of prime rib au jus. Don’t do red meat? There’s shrimp, either deep-fried or skewered and slathered with herbed lemon butter.

* Prime rib, $21 to $29. 317 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale, (818) 507-1510.

Bahooka

More than 100 illuminated fish tanks decorate this destination restaurant, which makes it a little like dining at SeaWorld. If eating cod or shrimp in such company seems cruel, try the signature pork ribs. Cocktails range from sweet to sweeter and sport wonderfully kooky names like Lak-A-Nooki. There’s even a flaming nonalcoholic coconut and pineapple concoction for the little ones.

* Rib dinner, $17.50. 4501 N. Rosemead Blvd., Rosemead, (626) 285-1241.

Duke’s

The lavish Sunday buffet brunch at this surf-inspired spot at the base of Huntington Beach Pier includes traditional breakfast dishes along with Hawaiian specialties such as kalua pork, not to mention a hula show. No matter how stuffed you are, find room for the hula pie made with macadamia nut ice cream and an Oreo crust. It’s extra, but worth it.

* Brunch, $21.95 per person. 317 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, (714) 374-6446.

Trader Vic’s

You can still get a pupu platter at this swanky tiki-themed dining room. However, they’ve changed the name to “cosmo tidbits.” The combination of barbecue spareribs, crab Rangoon, crispy prawns and barbecue pork makes a starter for two or a late-night nosh, to counter the effects of those rum drinks.

* Cosmo tidbits, $20. 9876 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, (310) 276-6345.

Islands

Yes, it’s a chain. But the burgers, including the basic Big Wave, are beefy and satisfying at this, the original Islands in West L.A., and all the rest. And there’s plenty of stuff to distract the kids: Polynesian-inspired masks on the walls, colorful wood parrots hanging overhead and surf videos on the TV monitors.

* Big Wave, $6.29. 10948 W. Pico Blvd., West L.A., (310) 474-1144.

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-- Leslee Komaiko