These 12 Unique Restaurants In Florida Offer A Memorable Dining Experience
One of the things I love (and sometimes hate) about living in Florida is that it’s always a top tourist spot in the U.S. This opens the door to wacky roadside attractions, themed restaurants and all sorts of obvious cries for attention. Sure, we may get a little cheesy sometimes, but I love this about Florida. We don’t take ourselves too seriously. We’re always having fun, and we want you to have fun, too. These unique restaurants in Florida are perfect examples.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
One theme just wasn't enough for this colorful restaurant. The Bubble Room features antiques, stars of the silver screen, Christmas decorations, and moving trains on all three (yes, three!) floors. To learn more, visit The Bubble Room's website.
Wildlife of Old Florida was captured on the plates and on the walls by founder and amateur taxidermist, Frank Gamsky. To learn more, visit the website for Linger Lodge Restaurant & Campground.
3. Clark's Fish Camp Seafood Restaurant (Jacksonville, FL)
Similar to Linger Lodge, Clark's houses a huge menagerie of stuffed animals, but not just those native to Florida. You'll find lions, tigers and bears (oh my!), and even an exhibit with turtles, fish and a 5-foot live alligator. For the latest information, visit the website for Clark's Fish Camp in Florida.
4. Sugar Mill Restaurant (De Leon Springs State Park, FL)
This park is perfect for swimming and canoeing, and it's home to a pancake house with a DIY twist: a griddle in every table allows patrons to flip their own flapjacks. Pancakes and nature? Sounds like easily one of the best state parks in Florida.
To learn more, visit the website for
The Sugar Mill Restaurant.
This unique bar was designed to look like a sunken ship. Weekend mermaid shows performed in the hotel pool complete the illusion and draw tons of visitors. Visit The Wreck Bar's website to learn more.
Not only do they fit all of this in the confines of a train car, the train actually runs during the shows! To learn more, visit the website for the Murder Mystery Dinner Train in Florida.
Blue Heaven is an iconic beacon of Key West culture. It has a whimsical atmosphere with folk art, live music, lush foliage and cats and chickens roaming free. Their food is well-rated and they claim to have the best Key lime pie on the island. Visit Blue Heaven's website to learn more.
Think of it as extreme dinner theater. Jousting and sword fights accompanied by spectacular modern lighting and production. Pretty good food with no silverware provided (to keep things authentic). Maybe it's a little corny, but it's also irresistibly fun. Check out the website for Medieval Times to learn more.
9. Lunch with an Astronaut (Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex)
Purchase includes a buffet and a presentation given by a real astronaut, with the opportunity afterward to ask questions. This sounds really cool, as long as it's not space food. To learn more about Lunch with an Astronaut, visit the Kennedy Space Center website.
I tried not to put too many chains on this list, but this one piqued my interest. Servers are not only allowed but required to be rude to guests. It's all in jest, of course, and supposedly a lot of fun (for those not easily offended). Plus the name cracks me up. Check out the website for Dick's Last Resort to learn more.
Lips describes itself as "the ultimate in drag dining." The food may be a little on the pricey side, but you're really paying for the experience. For more information, visit the website for Lips in Florida.
Having lived in Gainesville for several years, I'm pretty sure I'm legally obligated to mention Satchel's. Not only is the food amazing, the decor all has a reclaimed, junk art vibe, and it has its own store (Lightnin' Salvage) chock full of weird and fun little knickknacks and gifts. Check out the website for Satchel's Pizza to learn more.
Have you been to any of these unique restaurants in Florida? Which one is your favorite? If you know of any other crazy or amazing Florida restaurants, please share them with us!
Address: 7205 85th St Ct E, Bradenton, FL 34202, USA
Address: 12903 Hood Landing Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32258, USA
Address: 601 Ponce Deleon Blvd, De Leon Springs, FL 32130, USA
Address: 1140 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, USA
Address: 2805 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33966, USA
Address: 729 Thomas St, Key West, FL 33040, USA
Address: 4510 W Vine St, Kissimmee, FL 34746, USA
Address: Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953, USA
Address: 16210 Front Beach Rd, Panama City, FL 32413, USA
Address: 1421 E Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334, USA
Address: 1800 NE 23rd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
unique restaurants in Florida
November 17, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the most unique restaurants in Florida?
These aren’t the only unique restaurants in Florida! If you’re craving another whimsical dining experience, visit The Chattaway in St. Petersburg. The atmosphere is lush and vibrant – it’ll make you feel like you stepped inside a storybook. And the burgers are to-die-for. You’ll love lounging on their gorgeous patio while sinking your teeth into a scrumptious meal. Believe us, this is one place you’ll want to return to again and again.
What are the most famous restaurants in Florida?
Columbia Restaurant is one of the most famous restaurants in Florida, and it’s easy to see why. With a vibrant atmosphere and stellar menu full of authentic eats, this restaurant has it all. Plus, they are the oldest Spanish restaurant in Florida! You haven’t lived until you’ve eaten at this iconic eatery. Craving seafood? Head over to Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish in St. Petersburg. These beloved dishes will thoroughly dazzle your taste buds.
What are the best family-friendly restaurants in Florida?
Dairy Joy, located in Tampa, is one of the best family-friendly restaurants in Florida. This old school eatery has been scooping fresh ice cream for decades! Treat your sweet tooth to something truly spectacular at this Sunshine State staple. People of all ages love this retro restaurant! For another fun adventure, visit Bob’s Train in Sarasota. Like its name suggests, this restaurant is tucked inside a historic train car, and it’s every bit as fun as it sounds. No matter how old you are, you’ll love eating at this quirky cafe. Try it out for yourself and experience the magic first-hand!
