by | November 4, 2025
An Ode to Old Florida Restaurants
Reminisce on the Old Florida restaurants that have closed and the beloved joints that remain open today with our list of yesteryear eateries from our readers.
“The Veranda in downtown Fort Myers. The Veranda’s romantic setting in two turn-of-the-century homes, combined with Southern regional cuisine, an extensive wine list and first-class service, creates the most unique dining experience in Southwest Florida. A Fort Myers tradition since 1978, The Veranda is consistently honored as one of the most award-winning restaurants in the area.”
—Christopher S.
“I miss The Silver Slipper—a Tallahassee institution that served the community for more than 70 years. Affectionately known as ‘The Slipper,’ it was operated by four generations of the Kalfas family and renowned for its curtained private dining rooms, where local legislators quietly brokered deals and families gathered to celebrate life’s milestones.”
—Amanda C.
“The Yearling in Cross Creek. It’s a trip back in time—it feels like an old hunting lodge with Florida Cracker food—and is located on a scenic byway near Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park.” —Natalie C.
“My favorite memory of an Old Florida restaurant is the Kapok Tree Inn in Clearwater. I often drive by the old buildings and remember being a little girl, in my best dress, sitting under the trees while waiting for a table with my parents. It was always such an exciting experience!” —Cyndy M.
“Cap’s Place in Lighthouse Point. It dates back to the 1920s and it is definitely unusual—you have to take a boat to get there. One of the coolest bars in Florida, it has a speakeasy and smuggler-like atmosphere.” —Jeffrey C.
“I flew to Chalet Suzanne in Lake Wales as a child with my family. I’ll never forget the she-crab soup.” —Susan A.
“Owen’s Fish Camp is a true slice of Sarasota history. Originally built in 1923, the building itself belonged to Owen Burns, one of Sarasota’s founding developers. There’s an incredible banyan tree out front that was gifted to Burns from his friend, Thomas Edison. The restaurant opened in 2009, but it captures that Old Florida vibe like nowhere else. Owen’s Fish Camp is one of those places that makes you feel like you’re getting a true taste of Sarasota past and present.” —Nori G.
“Smoke’n Pit BBQ in North Fort Myers. Plastic plates, wagon wheel decor, laminated menus and $9.99 lunch specials. And the best smoked meats—and baked beans—in South Florida. Menu includes catfish and fried green beans. By no means trendy, a family owned and operated joint serving great BBQ and country fare for more than 25 years.”
—Cindy R.
