Local Favorites

JUPITER, FL – January 5, 2017 –“What is there to do around here?” asked a friend recently during her first visit to Jupiter. I replied that there were many things to do on top of specific must-do’s that she needed to add to her list of places and landmarks to see so that her visit was complete. To this, she queried “But where do the locals go and hang out? That’s what I want to know.” I put on my thinking cap.

The fact of the matter is: Jupiter might be a small place, but it’s full of gems that immediately leap out to those who have visited or lived here for a short period of time. Beyond that, there’s a subgroup of those locations that constitutes the inner chambers of the town, which is where natives and residents can regularly be found. A valid selection of such places is noted below.

LOCALS SURF SHOP

Locals know best – at least as far as boards are concerned. Such is the reason one might find seasoned or aspiring local surfers and skaters at Jupiter’s very own Locals Surf Shop. The store itself is run and represented by a group of surf veterans such as Jimmy Moren and Jensen Callaway who are equipped with the know-how of what type of gear suits each one of their customers’ level of expertise – from the grommet to the pro. Locals offers a well-rounded selection of locally shaped surfboards and skateboards, as well as an exclusive array of signature “Locals” apparel, including hats and t-shirts, on top of apparel from other recognized industry brands.

“Our collection of products represents the best that the Board Sports Industry has to offer,” says owner Jimmy Moren. “I think we have such a strong bond with our local customers because we possess uncompromised, unparalleled customer service and a strong knowledge about the board sports that instills a sense of confidence in others.”

Their success as a local surf shop in the Jupiter area drove Locals to open a second location in North Palm Beach and to keep promoting their brand along with a sense of wellness in the community and to keeping their customers stoked.

LITTLE MOIR'S FOOD SHACK

Jupiter does not have a shortage of staple restaurants and eateries that glint like jagged diamonds whenever hunger strikes. Therefore, selecting a place to eat is all but an easy decision for the Jupiter resident, and one of these places where locals can certainly be found is Little Moir’s Food Shack.

Tucked away inside the Jupiter Square shopping center and marked by a layout infused in colorful surfer art coupled with a laid-back feel and good eats, The Food Shack is certainly one of the most enticing dining options around. Any lover of fresh seafood with a taste for a “little something different” derived from globally distinct culinary possibilities can easily fall in love with the shack.

Think creamy, tangy sauces over shrimp pasta, think summer salads with a kick and some fresh grouper on top, think order after order of delectable fish taco wraps– an explosion within the taste buds for every visit. We can’t say for sure that is what chef “Little Moir” Mike Moir, the youngest of the Moir children and founder of The Food Shack, envisioned when he first opened the shack’s doors in 2002 – but such mouth-watering depictions are what today make the restaurant such a celebrated local spot and a must-eat-here destination for visitors. We can say that Moir’s dishes, inspired by numerous worldly cultures, have brought the Jupiter community to Food Shack’s door time and time again. As a matter of fact, following the success of The Food Shack, “Little Moir” opened up two more food joints in Jupiter: The Leftover’s Café and Maxi’s Lineup.

Moir says, “So many locals eat at Little Moir’s Food Shack because we are consistently fresh and have creative food with fun, professional, and attentive service. We have great value for the quality.”

Don’t be surprised if you have to wait in line for a table at the Shack during lunch or dinnertime since they do not take reservations, but consider that the wait will be worth it for the menu is constantly changing and the fare is as tasty as it is inventive.

DOUBLE ROADS TAVERN

“Live music is the cure for what ails ya’.” – Henry Rollins

Live music is an entirely crucial component to the Jupiter and South Florida lifestyle, albeit it doesn’t always involve Jimmy Buffett covers. Sometimes it involves an ambiance devoid of sunshine, but filled with bright lights in a closed-off tavern decorated with vinyl records on the walls, a glass of whiskey, and a mouthful of crab/spinach artichoke dip. If this doesn’t sound familiar, you haven’t been to Double Roads Tavern yet.

Double Roads Tavern is one of the only venues in Jupiter that features live music seven days a week – except Tuesdays during certain seasons. Therefore, Double Roads is where Jupiter locals gravitate in order to hear some of the best – both budding and veteran – local musical talent perform on any given day of the week. From hard rock to improvised jazz, from reggae to open jams, Double Roads extends an open invitation to music lovers from all walks of life to suit their respective inclinations. Patrons are often treated to two, three, or even four musical acts a night while they enjoy a dinner comprised of house-made specialties – including the famous artichoke crab dip and the D.R.T. burger voted best in Palm Beach County – and, of course, drinks.

The name Double Roads actually has a nostalgic connotation about a mythic hangout spot located in a stretch of road just north of Marcinski Road, right on the beach where gatherings consisting of bonfires, guitar playing and singing, fishing, surfing, etc. took place in the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s before the place was no more. Instead it was rekindled into a business by a few of those who partook in the epic gatherings, and is now immortalized by those who come to Double Roads, the establishment, to keep the good times rolling amidst a backdrop of live tunes.

“This is what inspired us to create our little hometown bar, Double Roads. We wanted to create a special environment and pay homage to the history of Jupiter, it’s residents, and it’s way of life,” says Double’s Road owner Vince Flora. “This is reflected in offering the best live music in Jupiter and food that celebrates Jupiter’s culture and South Florida history. For me, it was about doing what I’ve always done but for my family and myself. My wife and I had a goal to build a local music mecca with great food and world class music and we feel we are bringing some great culture to this area and are proud to be doing it. With all of the development going on in our town we wanted to make sure that the history of our town is not forgotten. With local recipes, using local produce and meats, and local live bands playing all your favorites.”

SQUARE GROUPER TIKI BAR

Sipping on your favorite drink while looking out at the ocean is a simple yet delightful concept that will die hard if Jupiterians have any say about it. While numerous options abound on where to do this, The Square Grouper Tiki Bar is undoubtedly at the top of the list. Because what can top unwinding with a cool drink while touched by a cool breeze surrounded by palm trees and tiki torches, all the while having a front seat view of the Jupiter Inlet and the Jupiter Lighthouse? Well, the view is merely one of the appealing factors of the Grouper; the drink list is certainly another.

With an extensive menu of copious signature drink selections, wines, and beers served by a friendly and lighthearted staff, the Square Grouper Tiki Bar lends itself to a relaxing afternoon. And did we mention it is open later on weekends than most waterfront businesses? And so, daytime or nighttime, you’re more than likely to find Jupiter locals mingling at the Grouper– but no one under 21. No infants, no children, and no pets – that’s the rules. In addition to their array of libations, the menu of the Square Grouper Tiki Bar includes a delectable comfort fare of appetizers, burgers and hot dogs, sandwiches, and more – so nobody has to drink on an empty stomach.

The Square Grouper has been a Jupiter favorite and one of the most famous watering holes in the United States since its inauguration on Superbowl Sunday back in 2003. Many music videos have reportedly been filmed there, of which Alan Jackson’s “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere” notably stands out. The Grouper even has its own marina – Castaways Marina – containing 19 slips that accommodate customers looking to stop by for a drink and a bite during or after a day out on the boat. In fact, the success and popularity of the Grouper allowed for its owners to establish a second location next to another inlet – the Ft Pierce Inlet.