A place like no other near Fort Lauderdale in Florida
Cap’s Place Island Restaurant sits on a small island in Lighthouse Point, just north of Fort Lauderdale, and holds the distinction of being Broward County’s oldest restaurant. For over 95 years, this historic establishment has been serving fresh seafood to locals and visitors alike, earning a reputation as one of the most authentic dining experiences along Florida’s Gold Coast. The restaurant is accessible only by a short boat ride or golf cart shuttle, adding an element of adventure to every meal. Its weathered wooden docks, twinkling fairy lights, and sweeping views of the Intracoastal Waterway create an atmosphere that feels untouched by time, far removed from the glossy resorts and chain establishments that dominate much of the coastline.
The restaurant’s history reads like a chapter from a Florida adventure novel. The original structure was built in the 1930s as a hunting and fishing camp by Captain Johnathan “Cap” Thompson, who discovered the island while pursuing tarpon along the Intracoastal Waterway. Cap constructed a modest shack where he could entertain friends and serve the fresh catches of the day. As word spread about the island’s beauty and its generous portions of fresh seafood, the camp evolved into a restaurant that attracted a diverse clientele. During Prohibition, the island location made Cap’s Place a popular spot for smugglers running bootleg liquor along the coast, adding a layer of intrigue to its already colorful story.
Throughout the decades, Cap’s Place has welcomed an extraordinary roster of famous guests. Winston Churchill, traveling through Florida during a post-war visit to the United States, dined at the restaurant and reportedly marveled at the sunset views from the deck. Franklin D. Roosevelt stopped by during a campaign tour of the South. The notorious Al Capone was a regular visitor, drawn by the island’s seclusion and fresh seafood. More recently, pop star Mariah Carey and countless other celebrities have sought out the restaurant’s unique blend of history, charm, and exceptional cuisine. Each dining room displays photographs and memorabilia documenting these visits, creating a living museum of American dining culture.
The menu at Cap’s Place celebrates the bounty of Florida’s waters with simple, time-honored preparations. The restaurant’s signature dishes include stone crab claws, served chilled with tangy mustard sauce, grilled mahi-mahi caught daily in local waters, and oysters harvested from beds along the Gulf Coast. The cheddar biscuit appetizers, baked fresh every hour, have developed a devoted following among repeat visitors. Seafood bisques and chowders are prepared using recipes that have remained largely unchanged for decades, each bowl rich with cream, fresh fish, and locally sourced vegetables. For landlubbers, the menu also offers select meat dishes, though seafood remains the clear highlight. The wine list features carefully selected bottles that complement the menu’s emphasis on fresh, naturally flavorful ingredients.
The restaurant’s waterfront setting is an integral part of the Cap’s Place experience. Diners can choose to sit indoors in one of several cozy rooms decorated with nautical artifacts, vintage photographs, and antique fishing gear, or outdoors on the covered deck where the gentle sounds of the Intracoastal Waterway provide a natural soundtrack. Sunset is particularly magical at Cap’s Place, as the sky transforms into vivid shades of orange, pink, and purple over the water. The sight of boats passing by, seabirds settling in for the evening, and the warm glow of string lights coming to life creates a moment that lingers long after the meal is finished. Boat slips are available for guests arriving by water, making Cap’s Place one of the few true boat-to-table dining experiences remaining in South Florida.
Visiting Cap’s Place requires a small amount of planning that only adds to the adventure. The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday, and reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak season from November through April. The shuttle boat departs from the mainland parking area every fifteen minutes, offering a short, scenic ride across the calm waters of the Intracoastal. Valet parking is available for those preferring to drive. Given the restaurant’s popularity and intimate size, booking well in advance is essential for weekend dining. A casual dress code allows guests to feel comfortable, though many choose to dress up slightly to match the restaurant’s storied ambiance.