Nestled along the picturesque Intracoastal Waterway in Lantana, Florida, the Old Key Lime House stands as the oldest restaurant in Florida, offering diners a unique blend of history, tropical atmosphere, and fresh seafood. With its bright lime-green façade and sprawling tiki bar setting, this waterfront gem has been serving locals and visitors alike for generations. Let’s dive into what makes the Old Key Lime House menu a must-try experience in 2026.
Prices and menu items are subject to change. Contact the restaurant for the most up to date information.
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A Historic Dining Destination
Dating back to 1886, the Old Key Lime House is the second oldest house in Lantana, and walking through its doors feels like stepping into a piece of Florida history. The restaurant features historical memorabilia throughout, and as you wander from dining rooms to bars to hallways, you’ll discover a charming maze of spaces that eventually lead to the largest tiki bar in South Florida.
The atmosphere perfectly captures a Key West and Bahamas vibe, complete with palapa-roofed outdoor seating, stunning water views, and regular live music from Wednesday through Sunday at 4 PM. Whether you’re seeking a casual lunch with friends or a romantic dinner under the stars, this restaurant delivers on ambiance.
Seafood Stars of the Menu
As you’d expect from Florida’s oldest waterfront restaurant, locally caught seafood takes center stage on the menu, with several standout dishes that keep diners coming back.
Fresh Catches
The menu showcases Florida’s coastal bounty with expertly prepared fish dishes. The Cedar Plank Salmon features fresh salmon brushed with honey dijon mustard, roasted on cedar, and topped with the restaurant’s signature key lime beurre blanc sauce. For something tropical and nutty, the Macadamia Nut Haddock arrives baked with a crunchy coating and finished with that same delicious key lime beurre blanc.
The Island Mahi is prepared with scampi butter, fresh tomatoes, onions, green peppers, and roasted garlic, creating a dish bursting with flavor. For those seeking something more substantial, the Stuffed Mahi tops a half-pound grilled mahi fillet with house-made crab stuffing and key lime beurre blanc sauce.
Popular Seafood Appetizers and Entrées
The restaurant offers fantastic starter options including Steamed Clams simmered in garlic butter broth with breadsticks, Conch and Shrimp Fritters, and Grouper Bites that arrive perfectly fried and crispy. The Ceviche provides a refreshing taste of the tropics.
For a Creole-inspired adventure, the Cajun Rice Bowl combines fresh gulf shrimp, chicken, and andouille sausage with spicy Cajun rice, delivering bold flavors and Southern comfort.
Tacos, Burgers, and Casual Favorites
Beyond traditional seafood entrées, the menu features approachable dishes perfect for a laid-back waterfront meal.
The Key Lime Tacos have become a customer favorite, featuring lime-infused red cabbage topped with house-made cowboy caviar (a black bean and corn salsa), jack cheddar cheese, and chipotle aioli drizzle. Diners can choose their protein, with blackened mahi mahi being a particularly popular option.
The Grouper Sandwich arrives beer-battered and fried to golden perfection, served with house-made pickled cucumber and dill tartar sauce. Burger lovers will find satisfying options as well, though the restaurant notes on its menu that substitutions are limited to keep kitchen operations smooth.
Other favorites include Shrimp and Grits for those craving Southern comfort, Tuna Poke Bowls for health-conscious diners, and Fish and Chips prepared in classic style.
Salads and Lighter Options
For those seeking lighter fare, the menu includes several salad options. The Wedge Salad features a quartered iceberg head topped with cucumbers, red onions, blue cheese crumbles, diced tomato, bacon, house-made buttermilk blue cheese dressing, and a balsamic glaze. There’s also a unique Salmon Salad with grilled salmon atop a fried goat cheese wheel, topped with onion confit and served with horseradish aioli.
The restaurant accommodates various dietary preferences, offering vegan options and ensuring wheelchair accessibility throughout the venue.
The Star of the Show: Key Lime Pie
No visit to the Old Key Lime House would be complete without trying their award-winning dessert. The key lime pie was featured in Bon Appetit magazine in 2006, and it remains the restaurant’s signature sweet treat. Made fresh in-house, this tangy-sweet pie embodies the flavors of the Florida Keys and serves as the perfect ending to any meal.
Drinks and Happy Hour
The restaurant’s tiki bar serves cool and refreshing cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere. Popular drinks include the Key Lime Martini (which tastes like a liquid key lime pie), Rum Runners, Mojitos, and Orange Crush made with fresh orange juice. The restaurant features a full bar with an extensive drink menu to complement any meal.
Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with half-priced drinks making it an ideal time to visit and watch the sunset over the Intracoastal.
Dining Details and Practical Information
Location: 300 East Ocean Avenue, Lantana, FL 33462
Phone: (561) 582-1889
Hours: Monday-Thursday and Sunday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Important to Know:
- The restaurant does not accept reservations
- All parties must be complete before seating
- No call-ahead seating available
- Valet parking is available
- Dock space available for watercraft
- Live music Wednesday-Sunday starting at 4 PM
- Full wheelchair accessibility
Price Range: Most dishes range from $10 to $25, making it an affordable option for casual waterfront dining.
The Verdict
The Old Key Lime House offers more than just a meal—it’s an experience that captures the essence of old Florida charm. With its historic setting, waterfront views, fresh seafood, and that famous key lime pie, it’s easy to see why this restaurant has remained a South Florida institution for over a century. Whether you’re a local looking for your regular spot or a visitor seeking authentic Florida dining, the Old Key Lime House delivers a memorable experience with every visit.
The combination of quality seafood, reasonable prices, lively atmosphere, and stunning sunset views makes this restaurant a must-visit destination in 2026. Just be prepared for crowds, especially during peak dining hours and live music nights—this beloved spot’s popularity shows no signs of slowing down.
