5 Old Florida Restaurants Worth the Detour
Sometimes you have to venture off the beaten path to find a true taste of Old Florida. From the Florida Keys to the Big Bend, these five quirky restaurants and bars are worth going out of your way for, whether that means a drive or even a boat ride!
Dollar Bill Bar at Cabbage Key Restaurant
Cabbage Key, a 100-acre island south of Boca Grande and north of Captiva, is home to an inn, legendary restaurant and the famous Dollar Bill Bar. Take part in the bar’s best-known tradition: taping a dollar bill with your name on it to the walls or ceiling. The practice started decades ago with fishermen, and bills that eventually fall are donated to charity.
RELATED: Best Historic Stays: Cabbage Key Inn & Restaurant near Fort Myers
Skinny’s Place on Anna Maria Island
Grab a burger by the beach on Anna Maria Island at Skinny’s Place. The Holmes Beach icon has been serving hungry beachgoers since 1952, and its no-frills setting feels like a throwback to an earlier version of the island. You might find a line out the door, but it moves fast. A classic burger goes down even better with an ice-cold Coca-Cola, or a beer!
Treasure Camp near Chiefland
Treasure Camp, a pirate-themed hidden gem along the Suwannee River, is a unique stop in Levy County. Just about 20 minutes from downtown Chiefland, the rustic waterfront restaurant has pirate decor and views of the river. Enjoy seafood, gator, and more at a table indoors or outdoors. Treasure Camp gets even more lively on weekends, when you can catch live music.
Geiger Key Marina Restaurant
It’s hard to believe Geiger Key Marina’s restaurant is only about 25 minutes from Duval Street in Key West. Tucked away on a quieter key, it feels worlds away from the crowds. Grab a shaded table overlooking the water or sit right along the edge. We actually saw a nurse shark cruise by while we ate. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a more laid-back side of the Keys, along with a strong drink.
RELATED: 6 Unique Things to Do in Key West
Monkey Bar in Homosassa
There aren’t many places where you can grab lunch or dinner while watching spider monkeys play on their own tiny island. Emily, Ebony, and Ralph call Monkey Island home, and one of the best places to see their shenanigans is Monkey Bar at Monkey Island Riverside Resort. And in case you’re wondering, yes, their little home on Monkey Island even has air conditioning.
