5 Historic Old Florida Restaurants: Gone But Not Forgotten

by Melanie Lentz-Janney

There is just something about old Florida restaurants, attractions, and other historic Florida treasures of the past.

The Sunshine State has seen many iconic places come and go, and while these particular historic spots may now be gone, they are certainly not forgotten.

Historic Old Florida Restaurants

Historic Chalet Suzanne Resort in Lake Wales — Source: Chalet Suzanne

We have compiled a list of our top five historic Old Florida restaurants that we miss dearly.

Let us know your favorites in the comments below.

Branch Ranch Dining Room – Plant City

Photo of Branch Ranch Dining Room Sign in Plant City — We miss the iconic Branch Ranch Dining Room in Plant City

It’s hard to drive between Orlando and Tampa and not think about the Branch Ranch.

The Branch Ranch Dining Room has been described as an Old Florida historic treasure that was frozen in time.

You truly felt that way when you ate there. Not only were you dining in an old farmhouse, it really felt like home.

The restaurant was started by Mary Branch, who began cooking Sunday dinners for her neighbors. She did this after work for extra money since her husband was disabled.

Her food was so popular that the family home couldn’t handle the crowd. They eventually expanded their physical surroundings … and even opened a gift shop.

The Branch Ranch menu was full of delicious comfort food like fried chicken, porterhouse steak, and fried catfish.

The side dishes and casseroles were to die for. As soon as you ordered, out came the variety of delicious family style dishes.

Many people miss the strawberry preserves on homemade biscuits. Oh, and all of those homemade desserts.

There was always a surplus of food to take home in doggie bags.

People also left their business cards on the walls. We understand the business cards are still there.

The restaurant can be seen, but the gates are locked. We really wish someone would reopen this never to be forgotten restaurant.

The Branch Ranch Dining Room Address: 5121 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City, FL 33565

Check out 12 of Our Favorite Strawberry Festivals in Florida.

The Caves Restaurant & Lounge – Fort Lauderdale

Photo of a couple at The Caves Restaurant one of the Old Florida Restaurants

A truly kitschy Florida treasure of the past was in Fort Lauderdale and called The Caves Restaurant and Lounge.

This was a place where visitors were transported back to the Stone Age. That’s right – this restaurant was prehistoric-themed during The Flintstones era.

You dined in your own private cave with a waitress dressed like Wilma. The restaurant had 39 tables/caves, complete with pillows to make you sit a little comfier.

Most people remember little about the food except the key lime-baked Alaska. But everyone remembers the fun and unique atmosphere.

The Caves Restaurant & Lounge Address: 2205 N Federal Hwy. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305

Make sure to check out: Seven Things Spring Breakers Missed in Fort Lauderdale.

Chalet Suzanne – Lake Wales

Vintage postcard of Chalet Suzanne one of the Old Florida Restaurants

Once known as the Carleton Club, Chalet Suzanne was a popular resort serving Lake Wales visitors.

It was funky, eclectic and a slice of Old Florida. The kind of place you never forget visiting.

Chalet Suzanne was recognized by the New York Times as one of the top 121 restaurants globally and was also named among the 49 best in the United States by LIFE magazine.

Famous guests included Duncan Hines, Burt Reynolds, Dinah Shore, Robert Redford, Johnny Carson, Don Johnson and Kevin Costner to name a few.

The soups sold at the resort’s restaurant became world-famous. They were available at the restaurant and sold at grocery stores throughout the United States.

Chalet Suzanne Famous Gourmet Soups — Source: Lake Wales History Museum

One of the cans even went with the astronauts to the moon on the Apollo 15 and 16 flights.

Chalet Suzanne featured in Better Homes and Garden in 1960 — Source: Chalet Suzanne

Unfortunately, The Chalet closed its doors in 2014 after 83 years of memory making experiences for the owners, staff and guest.

Chalet Suzanne became a drug rehabilitation resort for male addicts trying to achieve/maintain sobriety.

Chalet Suzanne Address: 3800 Chalet Suzanne Dr., Lake Wales, FL 33859

Interested in visiting Lake Wales? Check out 6 Best Things to Do in Lake Wales, FL.

The Kapok Tree Inn – Clearwater

Vintage postcard of the Kapok Tree Inn — Vintage Postcard showcasing the Kapok Tree Inn.

This historic Florida restaurant in Clearwater is missed by many. In its prime, it was one of the most popular restaurants in the state.

The focal point of the Kapok Tree Inn was an Indian Kapok Tree. It was planted around the Civil War, and many visited to get a glimpse of it.

The restaurant served delicious fried chicken and broiled steak. They even opened other locations in the 1970s due to its popularity.

Unfortunately, the last Kapok Tree Inn closed its doors in 1991.

However, you can still see some of the remaining landscaping if you visit the Sam Ash Store in Clearwater.

Kapok Tree Inn Address: 923 McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater, FL 33759

Marko’s Heritage Inn – Port Orange

Vintage postcard of Marko's Heritage Inn — Blurry Vintage Postcard showcasing Marko’s Heritage Inn

Named after owner Ann Galbreath’s husband Marko, Marko’s Heritage Inn opened in the mid-1950s as a drive-in with 16 seats.

After a brief closure, the restaurant boomed in the 1970s. The restaurant grew to multiple dining rooms, 450 seats and served over 1000 guests during summertime dinner hours.

Dining guests flocked for the delicious menu items, but the chicken and dumplings, sherbet, and cinnamon rolls always received the highest praise.

In fact, the smell of cinnamon rolls still brings back wonderful memories of Marko’s to many of its patrons.

Unfortunately, Marko’s was sold and closed its doors in 1995. It later became a Chik Fil-A for a brief time.

However, Marko’s owners also opened another restaurant called Aunt Catfish’s on the River in 1979. It’s still thriving today. They serve delicious cinnamon buns, too.

Aunt Catfish’s on the River Address: 4009 Halifax Dr, Port Orange, FL 32127