Tucked along the Intracoastal Waterway in Lantana sits a waterfront gem that’s been serving up fresh seafood and old-school Florida vibes since 1889. Old Key Lime House isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a living piece of history where locals and visitors gather for cold drinks, live music, and some of the best key lime pie you’ll find anywhere. With its palapa roofs, multiple tiki bars, and dock seating overlooking the water, this place captures everything that makes coastal Florida dining so special.
1. A Building That’s Seen More Than a Century of Coastal Life
Walking up to Old Key Lime House feels like stepping back in time. The original structure dates back to 1889, making it one of the oldest continuously operating waterfront spots in all of Florida. You can feel the history in every weathered board and sun-bleached railing.
Over the decades, the restaurant has expanded upward and outward, adding bars closer to the water and creating multiple levels for dining and drinks. But somehow, it’s managed to keep that laid-back, unpretentious character that defines real Old Florida. The walls inside are covered with memorabilia and photos that tell stories of hurricanes survived, celebrations hosted, and generations of families who’ve made this their go-to spot.
Whether you pull up by car and hand your keys to the valet or arrive by boat and tie up at the dock, you’re entering a place where time moves a little slower. The breeze off the Intracoastal, the sound of live music drifting across the water, and the sight of pelicans diving for fish create an atmosphere you just can’t fake. This isn’t some themed chain trying to manufacture authenticity, it’s the real deal, weathered and wonderful.
2. Waterfront Dining With Views That Never Get Old
Forget stuffy indoor dining rooms. At Old Key Lime House, the best seats are outside where you can watch boats cruise past and the sun paint the sky in shades of orange and pink. The open-air dock seating puts you right on the water, close enough to hear the gentle lapping of waves against the pilings…