Last Updated on February 23, 2025 by Marybeth
Who doesn’t love a cute old cottage with a colorful backstory? We’ve rounded up 30+ such little structures all around Florida, that have proved their resilience – both the vintage structures and their owners. These businesses on our list have stood the test of time as have the people keeping them fresh and relevant. Old houses repurposed as restaurants, shops, bars, and spa services. Small buildings that once housed families. Soldiers. Students. Gamblers. Rum runners.
To thrive as a business in an elderly cottage, with all its creaks, fragile joints, and dicey plumbing (am I describing a building, or those of us who are becoming vintage ourselves?) takes grit and vision. These passionate preservationists, with their sustainable approach to redesign, are honoring the buildings’ history while bringing fresh relevance to these old gals.
The term “bungalow” is used loosely here at Triple B. While we are big fans of classic architecture and thoughtful, elevated design, life is too short to get wrapped around the axle regarding terminology. Our petite “beach bungalow” is a 1960s rancher. “Historic” is subjective, for us. Smallish, cute, beloved, locally owned. How about that for parameters?
Now restored, and totally transformed to continue their adorable existences, these bungalows offer goods and services. Our admiration for the people behind the cute facades is boundless, and we wanted to round up and give a huge shout-out to as many of the businesses in bungalows all around Florida that we’ve found in our travels as we can. Our list is just barely scratches the surface, but every journey starts with a single step. Or a list of ~32 out of hundreds. (Thousands?)
Some of the current owners may not have been the team who actually performed the resuscitation, but they’re keeping the structures alive, with all that entails.
Here you go, starting on the Gulf coast:
Cedar Key
Built in 1940
We begin our list with an in memoriam of sorts. The adorable Prickly Palm bungalow, above, was damaged beyond repair by three hurricanes in three years, Hurricane Helene driving the final blow. Most of us cannot fathom how dispiriting this has been for Cedar Key residents and businesses. But the pluck and determination of this business owner became evident as we watched on Instagram: she purchased a food truck to carry on her coffee, smoothies, breakfast and lunch and famed Workin’ Man 32 oz. cup! See the gorgeous transformation, and the owner’s bright smile, here.
Built in 1901
One of the oldest bungalows on our list, Thirst Emporium joins many historic buildings in this charming town that is Florida’s second oldest, settled in 1842. Serving bourbon, rye, tequila, rum, local craft beer “and fun.” Any place that has a wreath made of Smirnoff bottles and sparkly lights above their door feels welcoming to us!
Pensacola
Built in 1908
Located in the quiet historic East Hill neighborhood, Angel’s Garden gift shop specializes in high-quality fair trade goods and sustainable wares. You’ll find locally made artwork, candles, jewelry, pottery, and more.
Built in 1915
Sea Salt Nails and Massage is also located in the East Hill neighborhood, just across the street from The Historic Sacred Heart Hospital that is now home to restaurants, shops and bars, including biergarten The Burrow by Odd Colony Brewing. Get a massage and then get a beer!
Dunedin
Built in 1928
The Wild Iris Café is perhaps the most famous on our list, having starring in feature and indie films and TV shows! Before becoming The Wild Iris, this small but mighty bungalow was a stationary store, a florist, and a tattoo shop. Now the star of many shows, including an upcoming TV show and another movie to be filmed later this year. You can see how film-o-genic Wild Iris is on Amazon Prime’s R.A.D.A.R.: The Adventures of the Bionic Dog, and see the complete list of films and shows linked on Wild Iris’s Instagram. We haven’t even talked about the food: a culinary oasis with a made-from-scratch extensive menu for breakfast and lunch, famous for its massive quiche.
Gulfport
Built in 1933
These folks get it, how important the ‘bungalow’ part is: their Instagram description reads: “Beach bungalow turned brewery & eatery in a funky beach town.” Gulfport Brewery offers award-winning brews, food, and entertainment. You’ll find munchies, grinders, flatbreads, tot-o-rama, burritos, fancy weiners and more. Also just really nice people! Gulfport is such a welcoming community, and Gulfport Brewery exemplifies that spirit.
Built in 1920
Another great place that happens to be the sister restaurant to Gulfport Brewery + Eatery, The Wine House offers “a funky selection of wines,” from vineyards that practice organic, sustainable, or biodynamic farming practices. Charcuterie, BBQ, and pop-up brunches featuring Beach Bum Biscuits (they are calling our name!) along with live music, wine events, and yoga classes. Follow along on Instagram for event schedules and happy hour specials.
Siri’s Gourmet Burgers & Pizza
Built in 1924
Confession time: during our stay in Gulfport we ordered a large pizza to-go from Siri’s and relished it for breakfast and dinner, for days. Lunch was enjoyed at various places around town, but what is more comforting than coming “home,” and waking up, to one of the best pizzas we’ve ever had? Fun atmosphere and friendly owners, a longtime staple of Gulfport.
Safety Harbor
Built in 1926
This brightly colored beauty is one of the oldest remaining structures in Safety Harbor and has its own Historical Site Marker. The turn-of-the-century wood frame vernacular style of architecture was the dominant style for housing in Safety Harbor from the 19th century until 1940. This style home was thought to have been built by local builders using available resources and not by formally-schooled architects. Rent a bicycle at The Bicycle Boutique, shop for bike accessories like cute handmade basket liner beach bags, seat covers, and t-shirts made by Gypsea Blue, and add LetsGlowLED lights to your bicycle. You’ll also find many gift ideas such as stemless wine glasses, cup holders, beach blankets, greeting cards, hats, and much more.
Built in 1930
“The Most Unique Shop in Downtown Safety Harbor” brings you coastal décor and beach-themed gifts, new and re-sale clothing and jewelry, local art and artisan-made goods, glassware, sea glass wind chimes, Safety-Harbor themed gifts, plush animals and children’s books, Florida travel books, and so much more: give them a follow on Instagram to see the varied selection.
Built in 1930
The Kitchen Bar & Bistro offers Southern comfort food with a modern twist, steaks, fresh Gulf seafood, tapas-style dishes, house-crafted cocktails from their full bar. Sit inside the lovely bungalow rooms or outside on the covered porch, or in the garden at tables shade by umbrellas. Serving lunch and dinner, and Saturday and Sunday brunch.
Built in 1921
Woman-owned, fair trade everyday wear, accessories, and jewelry from Italy, India, Bali, and items crafted by local designers. Shop their gift items of journals, handbags, drinkware, trays and jewelry accessories. Look through their Instagram, and shop in person or online. We love that The Patent Bow Boutique is pup friendly!
St. Petersburg
Built in 1920
In bringing their bungalow up to date The Left Bank Bistro owners honored the spirit of the place, keeping it as close to the original as possible while adding modern twists. Their mission is to recreate a little piece of the history of the 1920s left bank of the Seine in Paris with their accessible French-style food and cocktail menu. At that time in history creative thinkers, artists, and writers – such as Gertrude Stein, Hemingway, Matisse, Dali, Picasso, Fitzgerald – were living “la vie de bohème.” These visionaries created a literary and art scene where old traditions met new ideas, making an impact that is still seen today in the city’s culture. Serving lunch, dinner, and Saturday and Sunday brunch, The Left Bank Bistro also has live Jazz nights. Visit their Instagram for menu specials and event schedules.
Built 1926
If their description “flowers. beer. wine. coffee. snickety snacks.” didn’t grab us, the adorable line drawing on their website of their authentic bungalow would have (and did.) A true, architecturally correctly-used term here (which doesn’t happen all that often because we feel all small cottage-y structures deserve to be included under this umbrella.) The Pistil House owners’ About Us is worth a read as well, “Some call us a wine bar, some call us a flower shop, but Pistil House is just a reflection of us.” This couple has lived and worked all over the world and came back home to bring the locals “dranks,” “light but mighty snacks,” “bad-ass build your own charcuterie and cheese program.” Tune into their Instagram for the Front Porch Tunes live music schedule, and awesome food and drink specials.
Onto the Atlantic coast:
Fernandina Beach
Built in 1900
We couldn’t find out much about the history of this bungalow, but its birth date is intriguing. We’re wondering why there isn’t anything out there (and diving deep into the past is my super skill.) In a town filled with historic buildings – and Florida’s oldest bar, the Palace Saloon – we’re thinking all the attention is on those 2- and 3-story structures. Well deserved, certainly, but today we’re focusing on the little but nevertheless noteworthy bungalow style beauties. Billed as a live music venue, check out their Instagram for what’s playing. AmeliaIsland.com describes Green Turtle as the island’s “funkiest and friendliest bar.”
Vilano Beach / St. Augustine
Built in 1890
Descendants of indentured servants from the island of Menorca, Frank Usina and his wife Catherine were asked by Henry Flagler, who happened to be in town sailing around, if they could prepare a meal with the oysters he and his friends had caught that day. As the story goes, after the meal a hat was passed and the couple received what was more than a week’s worth of salary at that time. So began a tradition of serving local, fresh seafood that lasted through the years, and today the center structure of the Usina family home still stands. Aunt Kate’s was named after Catherine Usina. You’ll fine a more detailed history here on Aunt Kate’s website. Located in beautiful and lesser-traveled Vilano Beach, Aunt Kate’s overlooks the Tolomato River. Dine inside in the main dining room, or the Victory Bar, or on the outside decks under the trees. Known for their shrimp and grits and fried oysters, Aunt Kate’s serves up multiple seafood entrees, baskets, sandwiches, pasta, chicken, steaks, and much more.
Circa 1920s
Built by local businessman Frederick E. Martin in the 1920s, the front of the structure operated as a small general store, and the back rooms did business as a barbershop and pool hall until the 1950s. The Lincolnville Public Library took up residence next, serving the local Black residents, as the St. Augustine public library lent books to white people only. Reverend Thomas Wright, who became NAACP President in the early 1960s, hosted nonviolent protest training here for local student activists in the mid 1950s. Now come full circle, the market sells fresh food, desserts, snacks, dry goods, vintage clothes, books, and more.
Flagler Beach
Built in 1990
One of the most youthful cottages on our list, at only 35 years old, this sweet turquoise gift shoppe nevertheless fits all our parameters! You’ll find the works of over 70 local artists here, and you can also take classes in ceramics, jewelry making, resin pours, fuzed glass, and painting. During our visit we saw hand-beaded baskets, laser cut art and trinket boxes, candles, earrings, wind chimes, colorful earrings, and so much more.
New Smyrna Beach
Built in 1910
Owned and operated by the same family who came to New Smyrna Beach 35 years ago and fell in love with the surfing town, The Mermaid Café serves breakfast, lunch, and brunch and is best known for their NOLA style beignets, Dole Whip mimosas (mermosas!), and their waffle bar. Lunch menu items include sandwiches, wraps, and salads, and they offer a kid’s menu as well.
Built in 1949
The setting alone is worth a visit: tropical garden seating outside but also a gorgeous, charming interior. Their contemporary American fare highligting locally sourced, fresh ingredients brings you a variety of entrees of fish, meat, poultry, pasta, and vegetarian dishes. Serving lunch, brunch, dinner, and Happy Hour specials. Follow on Instagram for special menus and the live music schedule.
Bunnell
Built in 1936
The current owner of the charming vintage home, Chelsey Barner Herbert, took on the task of refurbishing the structure while making sure to maintain the character of the original home. The ten bedroom house is now home to nine shops, all owned by women. “A thoughtfully curated market for your life + home.” Herbert runs an antique shop, and some other shops you’ll find here are a plant store with a greenhouse on the back porch, an art studio, a photography studio, a yoga studio, and a salon. Poppy’s True Market hosts events such as Sip and Shop, Market Days with live music and food, classes, and more. Follow along on Instagram for events schedules, giveaways, and sales.
Cocoa Beach
Built in 1939
We couldn’t find much about the ancient history of this bungalow, but the fact that it is the original Sun Bum headquarters (there is now a west coast HQ as well in Encinitas, CA) makes this place special. Their About Us page is headed “Work Less, Live More,” and they “play way too much ping pong during work hours. We take surf breaks. We bring our kids and dogs to work. We want our lives to matter. We make products the way we like them and we hope you like them too.” I’d love to know if this roof style has a name. If you know, let us know!
Indialantic
Built in 1924
Formerly the consignment shop Cottage Rose (who moved nearby to a bigger space) this lovely building fell into disrepair for several years. We’d drive by and I’d say “That place can really be something cool!” and now it is. The new owners took the original building – made with long-lasting coquina, Dade pine, and cypress – and replaced the parts that weren’t lasting: “new French Doors with a Spanish clay tiled eave, custom concrete with Greek Key inlay, steel railing with baluster bases and so much more! So much hard work to bring this space to life.” Various businesses have space here, such as the Casa Bonita Boutique, The Skin Care Loft, and Sundri Collective Boutique Hair Studio.
Melbourne
Alligator Reef Club: Now closed. Coming soon: an authentic Italian restaurant.
Built in 1920
When we began the Businesses in Bungalows article Alligator Reef was still going strong. Turquoise bungalows will always turn my head. This bungalow was a Sears kit home: can you imagine ordering your house from a catalog? How we wish it were still so. The news we’ve been able to gather so far is that “an authentic Italian restaurant” is coming to this lovely space, owned by a “well-known restaurant group.” Let’s hope it’s not a chain. Nothing against you all big-box corporate “anywhere, USA” restaurants. It’s just not our dish. We will stay tuned!
Fort Pierce
Built in 1925
Located on a shaded street in the Peacock Arts District (with the Creative Arts Academy of St. Lucie right across the way) Cool Beans Brew II is more than just a coffee shop. Packed with local art that you can enjoy, peruse, and purchase, Cool Beans is also a meetinghouse that hosts events like the Peacock Arts and Crafts Fair. Food items are also available while the fresh supplies last, such as avocado toast, “sometimes sandwiches,” bagels, and smoothies. Enjoy your espresso-based hot or iced drink, cold brew coffee, and more inside or on the front porch in a rocker.
Built in 1942
One of the most unique histories on our list, Little Jim Bait & Tackle began its life as a guard shack and checkpoint at a bridge to the mainland where thousands of sailors and soldiers were being trained during World War II. Some of the men in training became what is known today as the Navy Seals. Abandoned after the war, the guard post opened as a bait shop “and it’s been selling cold beer and live bait ever since.” Just recently the City Commission of Fort Pierce designated Little Jim as “Historic, locally significant, Cracker Style.” This old Florida slice of history serves breakfast, appetizers, tacos, smash burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and more, and has a full bar. Signature beers are crafted by local Sailfish Brewery. Fun fact: Jake Owen filmed a music video at Little Jim’s for his “On the Boat Again” song. Check out Little Jim’s Instagram for live music schedules and food and drink specials.
Jensen Beach
Circa WW II
Another survivor from World War II, Bunkhouse Coffee Bar’s cottage originally housed soldiers. Moved here from Jonathan Dickenson State Park, which used to be Camp Murphy, the colorful structure now serves handcrafted beverages, baked goods, smoothies and smoothie bowls, with plant-based and gluten-free options. Visit their Instagram to view photos of the food and drinks, and new additions to their menu.
Art Cottages on Maple Street
No known origin date
These cute cottages have got to be old. We wish we knew their history; I dove around, sleuthed around, and asked a couple of people who might know, to no avail. We’re guessing they were moved here after living long lives as people’s homes. Now each one has its own colorful personality, and all are inhabited by artists. The full list can be found at the Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce. Above is the studio of Karen Leffel-Massengill on the left, and Lulu Rocks on the right.
The Pink Cottage of Jensen, Natural Day Spa and Beautique
Built in 1920
A half block away from the Art Cottages is The Pink Cottage, who kindly tells its history on the About Us page of the website. Thank you! (Ahh if only everyone made it so easy for me!) Built in nearby Stuart by Sam Matthews, who was well known for constructing many buildings in the area, The Pink Cottage was moved to Jensen Beach in the late 1980s by then-owner Frank Wacha Jr. The old home lends “a personal, inviting feeling, making The Pink Cottage the perfect space for relaxation, restoration, and inspiration.” Some of the services you’ll find here include couples’ massages, body treatments – scrub, wrap, and massage – facials, a Day Package, and Prenatal Much Deserved Ritual. There are many types of each to choose from.
Stuart
Eighteen Seminole Street Italian Bistro
Built in 1923
Eighteen Seminole Street is nestled among other historic cottages and a gorgeous historic hotel, The Old Colorado Inn. The home has been preserved with the original wood floors, and many architectural details remain. The location is a block from Stuart’s Riverwalk, perfect for an after dinner stroll. The menu boasts classic Italian entrees, appetizers, and desserts. Eighteen Seminole Street specializes in hosting events: rent the entire bungalow for weddings, birthdays, rehearsal dinners, and holiday parties.
Boynton Beach
Built in 1955
This vibrant and inviting bungalow has been a couple of other restaurants before The Bungalow Bar & Grill. The friendly staff member I chatted with offered to try to find out more history (so sweet! I know they’re busy creating awesome experiences for their guests) but none is really needed when a place is THIS FUN! And it’s a bungalow. The entire vibe – the website, the branding, the design, the murals, the tagline – Find Your Flow at the Bungalow – and of course, the food and drinks drew us in from the first look, and taste! The team turns family recipes into a great culinary experience, offering fresh ingredients and a variety of options to satisfy different tastes and dietary preferences. Find them under the palms!
Lighthouse Point
Circa 1920s
Are you wondering, too, where in the heck is Lighthouse Point? It’s close to (and maybe in?) Pompano Beach. With one of the most colorful backstories on our list, we’re happy to round out our round-up with Caps. As Florida’s oldest restaurant, this place would be special even if it hadn’t been a casino and rum-running speakeasy. Cap Knight, Lola Knight and Al Hasis loaded a group of wooden shacks onto an old barge and floated them up the intracoastal waterway from Miami to its location on Cap’s Island. Cap, Lola, and Al ran the rum-running restaurant and casino, and today their decendants “serve up only the finest of seafood in South Florida’s most unique waterfront setting.” Caps has hosted the “famous and infamous” for decades, including Al Capone, the Rockefellers, Errol Flynn, The Temptations, Mariah Carey, Joe Namath, and “Norm” from Cheers, to name a few. Caps is listed as a historical site on the National Register of Historic Places.
Notable for their concentration of historic cottages and their support of local artists, makers, and restaurateurs are two art villages worth visiting: Vero Beach Art Village, and Village of the Arts in Bradenton.
For unique, compact, bungalow-style hotel stays, read our recently updated Stay in Your ‘Own’ Place: 14 Bungalow-style Hotels in Florida.
