- Attraction: Cap’s Place Island Restaurant
- Location: 2765 NE 28th Ct, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://capsplace.com/
What if getting to dinner required a boat ride and stepping into a time machine?
Cap’s Place delivers exactly that adventure, whisking you away from modern Florida to experience the state’s wild Prohibition-era past.
This legendary restaurant has been serving fresh seafood from the same collection of weathered wooden buildings since 1928, making it Broward County’s oldest restaurant and a certified National Historic Landmark.
You’ll catch their complimentary motor launch from the mainland dock, setting sail for what locals still call “Cap’s Island” where rum runners once dodged Coast Guard patrols and celebrities like Al Capone, Winston Churchill, and Franklin D. Roosevelt came to dine.
The journey to Cap’s Place feels like an expedition to another era. You’ll navigate through narrow residential streets in Lighthouse Point before boarding the restaurant’s own boat for the five-minute ride across the water.
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Keep Exploring →Once you step off their dock, you’re surrounded by towering mangroves and coastal pines that haven’t changed much since the 1920s, creating an atmosphere that immediately transports you away from the strip malls and high-rises of modern South Florida.
Fresh Seafood & Island Specialties
Hearts of Palm Salad: This signature dish showcases fresh hearts of palm (swamp cabbage) harvested locally, creating what many consider the finest version of this Old Florida classic you’ll find anywhere.
The crisp, tender hearts are perfectly dressed and represent the restaurant’s commitment to authentic regional cuisine that predates the tourist boom.
Maryland Crab Cakes: You’ll discover these aren’t just any crab cakes – they’re packed with generous chunks of fresh crab meat and prepared with a recipe that’s earned rave reviews for decades.
The texture hits that perfect balance between tender interior and golden exterior, making them a standout appetizer that many guests return specifically to enjoy.
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Discover MoreDaily Fresh Catch: The menu changes based on what local fishermen bring in each day, featuring native species like mahi mahi, snapper, pompano, wahoo, and cobia.
You can have your selection prepared broiled, char-grilled, blackened Cajun style, or Johnny style (their signature preparation), ensuring your fish arrives exactly how you prefer it.
Scallops & Shellfish: The bacon-wrapped scallops arrive plump and tender, while the raw bar serves freshly shucked clams and oysters.
You’ll find an impressive selection of shellfish that varies with seasonal availability, all sourced from local waters and prepared with the same attention to freshness that’s defined this place for nearly a century.
Grouper Chowder: This rich, hearty soup exemplifies the restaurant’s commitment to using the freshest local ingredients. The chunks of grouper swimming in the creamy base create a warming dish that perfectly captures the essence of Florida coastal cooking.
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Keep Exploring →Cajun Fish Bites: These appetizers pack serious flavor with their moist texture and perfect spice blend. The Cajun seasoning adds just enough heat without overwhelming the delicate fish, making them an ideal way to start your meal.
Atmosphere & Historic Charm
Rustic Island Setting: You’ll dine in authentic 1920s buildings constructed from Dade County pine and pecky cypress, complete with low ceilings, crooked floors, and walls lined with nearly century-old photographs and newspaper clippings.
The separate bar building feels like stepping into a time capsule, where you can sip cocktails surrounded by antique cash registers, ship parts, and nautical memorabilia.
Waterfront Views: The dining rooms offer stunning vistas of the Intracoastal Waterway, where you’ll watch luxury yachts cruise past while enjoying your meal. The mangrove-lined shoreline and glimpses of waterfront mansions create a uniquely Florida backdrop that enhances the entire dining experience.
Living History Museum: Every corner tells a story, from the bar built by Al Hasis from salvaged materials to the collection of photographs showing famous visitors throughout the decades. You’ll receive a printed history lesson with your menu, detailing the restaurant’s colorful past as a speakeasy, gambling den, and celebrity hideaway.
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Discover MoreOld Florida Ambiance: The unchanged setting preserves what South Florida looked like before development transformed the coast. The combination of weathered wood buildings, native vegetation, and waterfront location creates an authentic glimpse into the region’s wilder past that you simply can’t find anywhere else.
Other Considerations
Upscale Pricing: You’ll find Cap’s Place positioned at the higher end of the dining spectrum, reflecting both the premium fresh seafood and the unique historical experience. Most guests feel the combination of exceptional food quality and one-of-a-kind atmosphere justifies the investment for special occasions or memorable dinners.
Boat Transportation: The complimentary water taxi runs continuously during operating hours, but the boat ride adds about 10-15 minutes to your total travel time. You’ll want to factor this into your dinner timeline, especially if you have evening plans afterward.
Reservations Recommended: Given the restaurant’s popularity and limited seating in the historic buildings, you’ll want to call ahead to secure your table. The intimate setting means they can’t accommodate as many guests as modern restaurants, making advance planning essential.
Weather Considerations: The boat ride and waterfront location mean weather can occasionally impact your visit. You’ll want to check conditions before heading out, though the covered dining areas provide protection from most weather conditions.
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Keep Exploring →Family-Friendly Adventure: Children often love the boat ride and historic setting, making this an excellent choice for families seeking a unique dining adventure. The maritime theme and island setting create natural conversation starters and memorable experiences for younger guests.
Perfect for Special Occasions: The combination of exceptional seafood, historic ambiance, and boat-access adventure makes Cap’s Place ideal for anniversaries, celebrations, or impressing out-of-town visitors with a truly Florida experience they’ll never forget.
Cap’s Place Island Restaurant
📍 2765 NE 28th Ct, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064
