March 2026
12 Spots. No Tourist Traps.
By Seamus O'Brien
I grew up in Jupiter. I've watched places open, close, change hands, and sell out. These are the ones that stuck — the spots I actually go to, send friends to, and trust with my family on a random Tuesday.
No sponsored posts. No favors owed. Just a local's honest list.
Best Cold Brew — Bagel Boyz
Yeah, I'm starting with us. Our cold brew is roasted in Stuart, brewed in-house, and I'll put it against any shop in the county. Bold, smooth, no bitterness. If you're only coming in for bagels, you're missing half the experience.
Best Hot Coffee — Papa Kwans
When I want to sit down with a real cup of coffee, I go to Papa Kwans in Juno Beach. Neighborhood feel, no rush, and the coffee is consistently the best hot cup south of the bridge. The açaí bowls are solid too.
Best Beach Spot — South of the Juno Pier
I'm almost mad at myself for sharing this one. About three-quarters of a mile south of the Juno Beach Pier, past Seminole Golf Club, there's a beach access off Celestial Way. Showers, parking, and almost no one there. I used to take my daughters here when they were little. It's mostly locals and the occasional rental tourist. No crowds, no scene. Just the ocean.
Best Happy Hour — Papichulo Tacos
Outdoor seating right on US-1 in Tequesta. Cold margaritas, fish tacos, and that Florida breeze coming through while you watch a sea of Floridians day-drinking at a reasonable price. Happy hour runs every day until 6. All day on Tuesdays. Hard to beat.
Best Pizza — Willie's
Inside the Shell station on US-1 in Juno Beach. I know. But trust me. Willie's been making New York pies for 40-plus years — started in Little Italy in Manhattan. Dave Portnoy gave him an 8.1. You have to buy a full pie (no slices), but it's worth it every time. No tables. No nonsense. Just pizza.
Best Seafood — Cod & Capers
Fish market and café in North Palm Beach. Father-and-son owned since 1984 — Stephen Gyland started it as a commercial lobster diver, and his son Grant runs it now. They still work directly with local fishermen. It's not the cheapest, but we use Cod & Capers for our other restaurants because nobody matches them on freshness. Ranked #1 in North Palm Beach on Tripadvisor for a reason.
Best Sushi — Koon Manee
Thai and sushi at the Shoppes of Jonathan's Landing in Jupiter. Four styles of regional Thai plus specialty sushi that's made to order. It's our go-to when we want something different. Consistently good for years.
Best Ice Cream — Palm Beach Ice Cream
Over 30 years making ice cream the old-fashioned way. Everything is made locally. Creamy, rich, and the kind of place you just keep going back to. Try the cinnamon — it's my favorite. Locations in Jupiter and Tequesta.
Best Date Night — The Salty Zebra Bistro
My wife and I created The Salty Zebra because we wanted a date night spot that didn't exist yet — a chef-driven bistro where you didn't have to dress fancy, but the food was serious. Chef Michael Luth changes the menu with the seasons and works directly with Florida farms. Locally supported, zero pretense. It's exactly what we wanted and couldn't find.
Favorite Bar — The Locals Pub
Attached to The Salty Zebra Bistro on Tequesta Drive. $10 smash burgers on Tuesdays. Dollar wings on Wednesdays. Live music every Friday. DJs on Saturdays. Sports on the big screens. Cold beer, no attitude. It's the after-party for everyone — boat captains, chefs blowing off steam, and tourists who stumbled into something real.
Best Takeout Breakfast — Bagel Boyz
Come on. Not many places will crack fresh eggs for a custom-built omelet in 10 minutes, throw it on a real boiled-and-baked bagel with hash browns, and do it while churning out a thousand customers a day. We've been doing this since 2004. Walk in, grab a number. Next!
Best for Families — CoLab Kitchen, Stuart
I know it's in Stuart, but there's nothing else like it. Farm-to-table restaurant with a big fenced-in backyard, fire pits, cornhole, and a play area where the kids can run around while you actually finish a meal. Live music on weekends. Good food, real ingredients. Sunday afternoon there is hard to beat.
That's my list. 25 years of living here, raising my kids here, and running restaurants here. These are the spots that earned it.
If you've got one I missed, I want to hear it. I'm always looking.
— Seamus O'Brien
Owner, Bagel Boyz (since 2004)
