Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Experience Historic Waterfront Dining at Cap's Place
Cap's Place has been a cornerstone of South Florida's dining scene since 1928, offering a unique blend of historic charm and exceptional waterfront dining. Originally established as a rum-running speakeasy and casino, the restaurant transitioned into a family-owned culinary institution in 1942 and has been operated by the Hasis family for over seven decades. Accessible only by private boat, the restaurant's secluded island location provides an immersive experience of 'Old Florida' ambiance, with its original wooden structures, nautical decor, and panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway. The menu showcases the freshest local seafood, including dolphin, wahoo, snapper, and stone crab, alongside classic steaks and the signature hearts of palm salad.Recognized as Broward County's oldest restaurant and a National Register of Historic Places site, Cap's Place continues to attract both history enthusiasts and food connoisseurs. The establishment maintains its legacy through meticulous preservation of its original architecture and commitment to serving high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. With a storied past that includes visits from notable figures like Winston Churchill and Al Capone, the restaurant offers more than mealsit delivers a tangible connection to Florida's rich cultural heritage.
Services
Fresh Seafood
Steak Entrees
Historic Tours
Waterfront Dining
Boat Transportation
Private Events
Bar Service
Takeout
Catering
Historical Experience
Details
- Year established: 1928
Highlights and features
- We offer over 95 years of continuous operation as Florida's historic dining landmark
- Our menu features daily catches of local dolphin, wahoo, and stone crab
- Unique boat-access-only experience creates unforgettable arrival moments
- Original 1928 wooden structures preserve authentic Prohibition-era atmosphere
- Recognized as Broward County's oldest continuously operating restaurant
Associations and certifications
- National Register of Historic Places
What people say
Old Florida charm
Best crab cakes
Historic significance
Scenic boat ride
Fresh seafood
Services
Fresh Seafood Dishes
Our menu features daily catches of local dolphin, wahoo, cobia, snapper, pompano, lobster, and stone crab. Each dish highlights the natural flavors of sustainably sourced seafood prepared using traditional methods. The restaurant's waterfront location ensures immediate processing of catches for maximum freshness and quality.
Historic Waterfront Dining
Dine in a 1928 National Historic Landmark accessible only by private boat. The rustic wooden structures, nautical decor, and panoramic Intracoastal views create an immersive 'Old Florida' atmosphere. Original architectural elements like the bamboo bar and ship salvaged decor preserve the site's Prohibition-era character.
Boat Transportation
Guests receive complimentary boat service from our mainland dock to the restaurant island. The 5-minute water taxi ride offers scenic views of Lighthouse Point's luxury waterfront properties. Transportation operates during dining hours with scheduled departures for party groups.
Signature Hearts of Palm Salad
Our signature dish features fresh Okeechobee hearts of palm harvested from local Everglades sources. The salad combines crisp palm hearts with housemade dressings and seasonal accompaniments. This menu staple since 1928 showcases traditional Floridian ingredients in a simple yet distinctive preparation.
Historical Experience Tours
Guided historical narratives reveal the site's transformation from 1920s rum-running operation to dining landmark. Visitors learn about famous patrons including Winston Churchill and Al Capone. The tour includes architectural highlights and preservation efforts maintaining the original structures' integrity.
Questions
How do I get to Cap's Place?
Cap's Place is accessible only by private boat. Guests park at our mainland dock (2765 NE 28th Court, Lighthouse Point) and take our complimentary water taxi to the restaurant island.
What makes Cap's Place historically significant?
Established in 1928 as a rum-running speakeasy, Cap's Place is Broward County's oldest restaurant. It hosted notable figures like Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
What seafood options are available?
Our menu features daily catches of local dolphin, wahoo, cobia, snapper, pompano, lobster, and stone crab. Preparation methods include broiled, grilled, blackened, and island scampi style.
Are reservations required?
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends. We accept reservation requests up to two weeks in advance with confirmation via email. Same-day bookings require phone contact after 5:00 PM.
What dining options exist for non-seafood eaters?
While seafood is our specialty, we offer prime ribeye steak, chicken breast, and various side dishes. The hearts of palm salad remains a popular non-seafood main course option.
Is Cap's Place wheelchair accessible?
Due to historic building constraints and boat transportation requirements, Cap's Place has limited accessibility. We recommend contacting management directly to discuss specific mobility needs.
