Last Updated on December 17, 2023 by Marybeth
Because sometimes we all need to slow down and look around. A friend recently drove from Tavares to Jacksonville without realizing he was headed north: his destination was Anna Maria Island. We get stuck in our heads, plotting our next business move, or planning our daughter’s upcoming wedding. Or we are just so focused on getting to our destination in a giant hurry, we miss fun stops along the way.
Palm Shores is a little-known little town west of Patrick Space Force Base, south of Cocoa, and north of Melbourne, on Route 1. You could whiz by it without realizing, but then you’d miss some amazing food, local color, tiki vibes, and a stunning view of the Intracoastal River from a former dive restaurant updated to be an upscale dining destination. Talk about local color! When we visited a few years ago – before the new ownership and massive overhaul – some crusty characters had brought their own cooler of beer, and no one cared! That was then, Marker 99 is now.
And the (not necessarily) better part? Some of our “fun stops” on your way could certainly be a great place to remain. You might not have these small towns on your List of Must-Visits, but maybe there is space on that list for some out-of-the-way gems we’re finding for you.
Read about the fun stops in Palm Bay and Malabar, here.
Fun stops in Palm Shores:
Cabana Shores Tiki Bar & Grill
5240 North US 1 • 321-254-2004 • Open 11 am-10 pm Mon-Sat, 12- 8 pm Sun
Cabana Shores asks you, “How do you like it, clean or dirty?” Clean being made with extra light olive oil and is dairy-free, dirty items are made with butter. Cabana Shores is known for their fresh hand-pattied burgers, fresh center-cut Prime Rib, and never frozen chicken and wings. Choose from an extensive menu of appetizers (Yellowfin tuna nuggets, Buffalo Mahi Fingers); sandwiches, burgers, wraps, nachos, tacos, platters, soups and salads. Beer & wine. Happy Hour is 3-6 Mon-Fri. All active duty police, fire, and military as well as retired vets receive 10% off all food and drinks all day every day.
4263 North US 1 • 321-253-1369 • Open Tues 4-10 pm, Wed Thurs 11 am-10 pm, Fri Sat 11 am-12 am
Newly opened Marker 99 Restaurant & Lounge has retained that lofty feel of being up above the river with a mesmerizing view that the previous restaurant boasted, yet nothing else remains of that former place except maybe the footprint. With large outdoor decks on several levels, shaded by a large tiki hut or cafe umbrellas, and a river breeze, sitting outside is ideal even now during summer. Inside seating has the views as well, in the dining area or around the bar. The renovation brings a modern, hip vibe, with white walls, beautiful black and white art photography, and a cool plant wall entry.
Kudos to the designers and architects! Oh, and the food (sometimes I get so caught up in how things look) is outstanding. Starters include options like Ceviche, Steak Truffle Fries, and Patacones (pulled pork over fried plantains, with guacamole, pickled onion, coleslaw and cotija cheese.) Handhelds, flatbreads, and main courses all have a gourmet flair, and some dishes have a South American influence; our Argentinian tacos were delicious. Our friends enjoyed their Island Seafood Chowder, and the salads were huge and beautifully plated.
5060 North US 1 • 321-752-5222 • Open Sun Mon Tues 8 am-3 pm, Wed-Sat 8 am- 8 pm
Serving breakfast all day, lunch, and nightly chef’s specials Wednesday thru Saturday, Palm Shores Bistro offers fresh local food made from scratch. Recent featured dinner entrees included Fall Off the Bone Baby Back Ribs, Mediterranean Red Snapper, and Lobster Gnocchi. Sit inside or out – outside, on their new covered patio, you’ll have beautiful views of the Indian River. Follow them on social media for updates and specials, on Facebook and Instagram.
2515 Roberts Rd. • 321-259-7760 • Open Tues-Sun 4- 9 pm
“The home of the casual gourmet” for over 20 years – basic comfort food with the chef’s improvements – at Pineda Crossing you can expect fresh seafood from Port Canaveral, steaks hand cut from aged midwestern Choice beef, and fresh (never frozen) burgers. The menu ranges from gourmet – Chargrilled Salmon Catalan; Chilean Seabass Pineda – to comfort – Country Fried Chicken; Fish and Chips, and a lot more. Appetizers, soups, salads, desserts, and specialty drinks. Try the Apple Pie Martini! Amazing. Half Price Happy Hour 4-6 pm – the good stuff or the cheap stuff, it’s all half price!
Have you been to Palm Shores? Or just whizzed by? Make sure to stop and enjoy.
The first photo is courtesy of Marker 99 (we didn’t bring our drone that day!)
