The building started in the late '20s as a railroad depot for the Atlantic Coast railroad. In 1960, it was used to film the movie "Winds across the Everglades" with Peter Faulk, Christopher Plummer, and Burl Ives. It now houses one of the best seafood restaurants in southwest Florida.
Located approximately 35 miles south of Naples in downtown Everglades City, you can’t miss it.
After you enter the front door, there is a small bar to your right that includes a 15-foot gator (stuffed, of course). To the left are the dining areas, three in all. You can dine indoors with the comfort of the air-conditioning or in one of the two outdoor areas. The first is screened in case you are there during the buggy season and the second is open to the elements, but both overlook Lake Placid and the Everglades.
The menu covers everything from hot dogs, burgers, and grilled cheese for the kids to gator tail and Florida spiny lobster for the more adventurous diners. They have every type of seafood dish that you can think of, and if you want, you can catch and clean your own and bring it in and they will prepare it for you.
Since it was pushing 80, we decided to dine indoors with the air-conditioning to enjoy our crab cakes, the best I can remember having. The service was very fast and friendly.
Appetizers will run $5 to $10. Lunch runs anywhere from $3.50 (grilled cheese) to $12 (for one of their many shrimp or crab dishes). Dinner is $10 to $49, with the average being around $15
Within 2 miles of the restaurant is the Everglades National Park headquarters, where you can learn about the glades and take a tour boat ride with one of the rangers. There are also numerous private airboat operators to take you on a tour of the Everglades.
It is a very memorable experience if you ever find yourself in the southwest Everglades.