Dolphin Bar and Shrimp House
1401 NE Indian River Drive (west side of Intracoastal)
Jensen Beach, Florida 34958
772-781-5136
Lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Open at 11:30 a.m.
By Jane Feehan
Dolphin Bar and Shrimp House maintains the same standards of excellence as its predecessor, Frances Langford’s Outrigger. The décor, food, and panoramic view of the Intracoastal and causeways justify a drive or a day’s outing here.
Fresh, local seafood dominates the menu but they also feature prime rib and other specialties for meat lovers. One of their desserts, Florida Orange cake made with orange custard and white chocolate chips earns high marks for a signature Florida dessert – better than Key Lime pie.
Entertainer Frances Langford opened her Outrigger restaurant and resort in the early 1960s. Jackie Gleason, Bob Hope and other celebs visited the Polynesian-themed locale, often staying at one of the bungalows on the property (still there but not used for guests). The property fell into disrepair over the years until Fred Ayres bought and restored the restaurant to its former stature. Frances Langford, who died in 2005, was on hand when the Dolphin Bar and Shrimp House opened in 2001.
Jensen Beach lies just north of Stuart. A sleepy, time-worn community, it’s located on an extremely wide expanse of the Intracoastal; one can barely see the east side of the waterway from the Dolphin Bar and Shrimp House. There’s a nice breeze on the deck in the summer but I’m looking forward to a return visit when the weather turns cool (indoor and outdoor seating available). Touted as “casually elegant,” Dolphin posts a dress code: no tank tops or sleeveless shirts for men, no flip flops or bathing attire. Moderately priced
© 2010 Jane Feehan. All rights reserved.
© 2010 Jane Feehan. All rights reserved.
Tags: Frances Langford’s Outrigger, scenic outdoor dining, Fred Ayres, Florida, Jensen Beach, Stuart dining, seafood restaurants,
