Mel-O-Dee Restaurant (Gone) Sarasota, FL Photo courtesy Georg Balandran
The colorful roadside marquee made Mel-O-Dee Restaurant a familiar sight for anyone traveling U.S. 41 through Sarasota. Depending on which postcard you picked up, the sign even seemed to come in different colors, adding a little extra fun to this longtime roadside favorite.
The Mel-O-Dee opened in the 1950s and quickly became known for hearty surf-and-turf dinners served in a distinctive Polynesian-inspired building. Inside, diners found an unusual touch for the era: lazy Susans filled with relishes, spiced apple rings, and candied watermelon rind waiting at every table. It was the kind of place where families gathered for Sunday dinner and vacationers stopped after a day on Florida's Gulf Coast.
After closing in 2003, the restaurant sat vacant for years while its vintage neon sign remained standing as a reminder of Sarasota's roadside past. Sadly, that landmark disappeared in 2021 when it was destroyed after being struck by a vehicle, leaving only the empty building behind.
Mel-O-Dee Restaurant Sarasota, FL Photo courtesy Georg Balandran
Even in its quiet state, the Mel-O-Dee remains one of Sarasota's most recognizable lost restaurants. It was memorable enough to inspire the fictional Mel-O-Dee restaurant in the novel A Map of Days, proving that some roadside places continue to live on long after the last meal has been served.
UPDATE: The restaurant remains vacant, and the famous roadside sign was destroyed in 2021. 07-26
Aunt Fannie's Restaurant (Closed)
Ocala, FL Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The old diamond-shaped marquee is the first clue that Aunt Fannie's Restaurant had an earlier life. From the road, it looks like an ordinary family diner, but longtime fast-food fans might recognize the sign as one of the classic Burger Chef designs from the late 1960s.
The building opened as a Burger Chef in 1968 before becoming Aunt Fannie's around 1980. While the menu changed from burgers and fries to home-style cooking, the familiar roadside sign stayed behind, simply wearing a new face. It became a favorite stop for locals looking for breakfast, lunch, or a hearty Southern meal.
Aunt Fannie's closed in 2019, but the building didn't stay empty for long. Today it's home to Darrell's Dog Gone Good Diner, and the old Burger Chef sign frame still stands out front. Although its original lettering is long gone, it's a fun reminder that a little piece of roadside history is still hiding in plain sight.
It's nice to see that the old building is still serving hungry customers after all these years. First Aunt Fannie's and now Darrell's Dog Gone Good Diner, the location has remained a familiar roadside stop for generations. Better yet, the old Burger Chef sign frame continues to stand out front, quietly carrying on a little piece of fast-food history.
UPDATE: Aunt Fannie's closed in 2019. The building now operates as Darrell's Dog Gone Good Diner, while the vintage Burger Chef sign structure remains in use. 07-26
Howley's Restaurant
West Palm Beach, FL Photo courtesy Kevin O'Sullivan
Howley's Restaurant was built either in the late 40's or early
50's. It has been serving customers for over 50 years at this same location
here at 4700 South Dixie Hwy ( US 1) in West Palm Beach. Many thanks to Kevin O'Sullivan for info.
Howley's opened in 1950 as a 24-hour eatery serving everyone from truck drivers to local families. Its familiar slogan, "Cooked in Sight, Must Be Right," is still fitting today, with the open kitchen letting customers watch their meals being prepared. Inside, the terrazzo floors, vintage counter stools, and colorful booths help preserve the diner's mid-century charm.
A careful restoration in 2004 brought new life to the restaurant while keeping its classic look intact. The old neon sign still shines out front, reminding passing motorists that some roadside traditions are worth holding onto.
UPDATE: Howley's was opened in 1950. "Cooked in sight must be right" is its motto. Many thanks to Jessica Hill for update. 02-08
UPDATE: Howley's Restaurant remains open and continues serving customers beneath its restored vintage neon sign. 07-26
Licata's Steakhouse (Demolished)
Tampa, FL Photo courtesy John V Cinchett
Downtown Tampa is, or at least was, home to Licata's Steakhouse. This photo taken in 1965 shows the unique sign out front. Many thanks to Kevin O'Sullivan for info. 11-08
The towering neon sign made Licata's Steakhouse one of downtown Tampa's best-known landmarks. It was the kind of place that looked special before you even walked through the front door.
Opened in 1950, the restaurant became famous for serving steaks on a flaming sword, turning an ordinary dinner into an unforgettable experience. The unique presentation helped make Licata's a favorite spot for celebrations and earned it the later name, Licata's Flaming Sword Restaurant.
Downtown redevelopment brought the restaurant's run to an end in 1982. The building was demolished, and the famous neon sign disappeared along with it. Today, only old photographs recall one of Tampa's most memorable roadside restaurant signs.
Alonzo & Berlin's (A & B) Lobster House Restaurant
Key West, FL Photo courtesy Paul Bauke
The giant red neon arrow is hard to miss as you stroll along Key West's historic waterfront. Pointing the way to A & B Lobster House Restaurant, it's been drawing hungry visitors toward fresh seafood for generations. 01-09
Founded in 1947 by local fishermen Alonzo Cothron and Berlin Felton, the restaurant began as a true waterfront fish house where fishing boats unloaded their daily catch right at the dock. Today, diners still come for fresh seafood while enjoying views of the harbor, and the famous red arrow remains one of the most recognizable signs in the Historic Seaport.
Over the years, the waterfront buildings have been updated, but the character of the place hasn't changed much. Whether you're stopping in for lobster, oysters, or simply admiring the vintage neon, A&B remains one of Key West's classic roadside and waterfront landmarks.
UPDATE: A&B Lobster House remains open, and its famous red neon arrow continues pointing the way to the waterfront. 07-26
Mel-O-Dee Restaurant (Gone)
Mel-O-Dee Restaurant
Aunt Fannie's Restaurant (Closed)
Howley's Restaurant
Licata's Steakhouse (Demolished)
