The only thing better than a great restaurant is a great restaurant with an amazing story. These local favorites have stood the test of time, and many of them have become historic landmarks, which shows the important role businesses like these play in their communities. Each of these unique restaurants deserves a spot on your Florida bucket list:
1. Joe's Stone Crab, Miami Beach
Joe's is a legend in South Florida, where it has delicious, fresh seafood for more than 100 years. This is where Florida stone crab, now one of our favorite delicacies, was first served.
2. Sundy House, Delray Beach
This award-winning inn and restaurant is housed in Delray Beach's oldest home, built in 1902. It served as the home of the city's first mayor, its first bank, church, and schoolhouse.
3. Cap's Place Island Restaurant, Lighthouse Point
Cap's Place is a longstanding landmark in South Florida and basically a time machine back to Old Florida. Broward County's oldest restaurant was a speakeasy and casino in the 1920s, which explains why it sits on a little island. You have to take Cap's motor launch from their dock to reach the restaurant, which only adds to its unique charm.
4. Beefy King, Orlando
Beefy King is a local landmark, specializing in steamed roast beef sandwiches since 1968. It has been owned and managed by the same family for three generations.
5. Cafe Alcazar, St. Augustine
Cafe Alcazar is located inside the Lightner Museum, which was once the Hotel Alcazar, built in 1887. In fact, the sloping floor and double staircase are clues that this area used to be the hotel's huge indoor swimming pool.
6. Mai-Kai Restaurant, Fort Lauderdale
When visiting the Mai-Kai, you can expect a feast for your eyes, as well as your stomach. This is one of the last remaining original tiki bars in the United States, and it's home to the longest running Polynesian show.
7. Howley's Restaurant, West Palm Beach
This 1950s diner was beloved by locals for many years. In 2004, it was restored to its original glory. It now caters to a hip crowd, with craft beer, cocktails, and late-night hours.
8. Desert Inn, Yeehaw Junction
This historic hotel and restaurant dates way back to 1889, and it has had many incarnations, including a bar, brothel, dance hall, gas station and trading post.
9. Angel's Dining Car, Palatka
In operation since 1932, Angel's is Florida's oldest diner. It's a genuine railroad dining car and offers inside or curb-side dining.
Have you tried any of these restaurants? Do you have any other favorite historic Florida restaurants?
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