A restaurant sitting along the water in Lantana has been serving customers since 1889, making it one of the oldest waterfront dining establishments anywhere in Florida — and after more than a century in business, it’s a single dessert that keeps drawing people back.
Located at 300 E Ocean Ave, the restaurant has expanded steadily over the decades, adding multiple bars, several levels of outdoor seating, and dock access directly on the Intracoastal Waterway, all while preserving much of its original character. Historic photographs and memorabilia line the entrance, offering visitors a glimpse into the property’s long history before they’re even seated.
The main draw, however, is dessert. The restaurant’s key lime pie has developed a reputation that extends well beyond South Florida, built on a thick graham cracker crust, a tangy filling, and a generous topping of whipped cream. Hundreds of diners have specifically singled out the pie in reviews, with some describing it as superior to versions found in the Florida Keys, where the dessert originated.
Beyond dessert, the menu centers on coastal seafood staples including mahi tacos, crab cakes, fried shrimp, and shrimp and grits, served in a casual, pub-style setting rather than a formal one. Live music plays nightly across different sections of the property, and a tiki bar near the water often provides walk-in seating even when the main dining areas have long waits.
Visitors hoping to avoid crowds are advised to arrive in the mid-afternoon, particularly during weekends or peak tourist season, when wait times can stretch past an hour. Complimentary valet parking is available, and the restaurant does not accept reservations.
Open daily from 11 a.m., with extended hours on Friday and Saturday nights, the restaurant continues to draw both longtime locals and out-of-town visitors seeking a slice of Florida history — and, more often than not, a slice of pie to go with it.