Cap’s Place opened in 1928 as a speakeasy and rum-running operation, and honestly the whole setup is still working exactly as intended, luring people into the water against their better judgment. The only way in is by boat, which the restaurant provides from the dock in Lighthouse Point. What waits on the other side is a wood-paneled, candlelit piece of South Florida history perched on a private island in the Intracoastal, now on the National Register of Historic Places. Franklin Roosevelt dined here. Winston Churchill reportedly stopped in. The hearts of palm salad has been on the menu since the beginning and isn’t going anywhere. Cap’s Place is one of those genuinely singular places that no amount of money or development has been able to touch. The boat ride alone is worth the trip.
Thirsty for more? Dive into the Bum’s full guide to the best beach bars in Florida.
