Jupiter’s Evolving Dining Scene - Guanabanas
STORY BY JAN NORRIS
PHOTOS BY ELIZABETH PALACE
The evolution of Jupiter from a laid-back fishing village to a vibrant landscape of communities and businesses has attracted a diverse field of restaurants. While seafood remains king of cuisine around town, diners can mix it up with plates from the Mediterranean, Mexican street food, and flavors from India. Small owners have opened shops selling artisan breads, cakes and donuts, acai bowls and tacos, juices and coffees. Locals know, though, and between new and old restaurants, frequent certain spots, and return with their out-of-town guests. Here are some recommended by long-timers.
Guanabanas Here’s the ultimate waterside tropical restaurant, with a lush tropical setting. But it’s not just a pretty face: The food and drinks back it up.
Set on the Jupiter Oxbow, a mangrove-lined bend in the waterway leading to the Intracoastal, this 16-year-old restaurant on S.R. A1A draws crowds of all ages.
The savvy owners capitalized on the landscaping already on the lot, and built the open-air space around huge palms and banyans, using the canopies as natural shade.
A few canvas tarps suspended above tables tucked on small patio areas, and a couple of thatched tiki-style roofs provide covered spaces for the bar, large crowds or events, or just rainy days.
Stone steps lead down to the docks, where boaters can tie up to one of the 13 slips for a dock-anddine experience.
The menu is swimming with seafood prepared myriad ways, always to order.
“Fresh fish is our pride and joy. We go through at least 4,000 pounds of whole fish a week in season. You should see it come in,” co-owner Jon Sullivan said. “We have a team of fish cutters right here.”
The fish is sourced from all around Florida, including the Panhandle’s Gulf offerings, Key West for crab and snapper, and Cape Canaveral for its famous shrimp.
They go into preparations suggested by dishes from around the Caribbean. “It’s probably best described as Floribbean — it’s an outdated term, but island- and Central American-inspired dishes,” Sullivan said.
Those include a playa rice bowl, made with wild caught Atlantic shrimp cooked with Lizano, a Costa Rican sauce, rice and mixed vegetables, and a mango-pineapple salsa.
The fresh catch can be prepared a number of ways, but a favorite is macadamia- and coconut-crusted.
But meat eaters aren’t left out. “Oddly enough, we have a meatloaf on the menu that does very well. Everybody likes it,” Sullivan said.
Caribbean cocktails star at the bar. “We have, I believe, the largest rum selection in the county,” he said.
Frank Mendola, bartender, listed some exotics from around the islands and South America.
“Our house rum is Flor de Caña, a Nicaragua 4-year-old. We also stock their 25-year-old single-estate. Aviation from Brazil is traditional in Caphirinas. Zacapa, from Guatemala is smooth. It’s a sipping rum. Another one for sipping is Blackwell Reserve, from Jamaica. Ron Santa Teresa from Venezuela is a top rum. A guest from Venezuela was so excited to see it here.”
A margarita bar and small batch spirits are also part of the beverage program. Beers and wines are available.
The restaurant, with entree prices between $32 and $45, is open seven days for lunch and dinner and an all-you-can-eat buffet brunch on Sunday. It’s walk-in only — no reservations except for parties over 18 or special events.
Live music is featured Friday and Saturday nights, and Sunday afternoons.
Guanabanas
960 N. Highway A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477
Phone 561-747-8878
Online: www.guanabanas.com.
