#MyHomeTownGuide: Top 5 Places to Eat & Drink in Jupiter, Florida

Partner Post - #myhometownguide by Fiji Water

I am guilty of a crime against food... snubbing local fare for the enticing siren song of the big city. I know. I'm embarrassed and ashamed.

It all began when I first started traveling to larger cities --  Atlanta, Chicago, New York... It's hard not to lust after the allure of the bustling food scene that is a part of city living. A new restaurant to try every day of the week. Neverending options of authentic ethnic cuisines in every neighborhood. Weekly foodie events and festivals.

But to be fair, I never looked at our precious little gem of a town through the eyes of a tourist.

As a part of Fiji Water's #myhometownguide campaign, whose focus is to prompt people nationwide to share tips about visiting their hometowns, I was asked to choose 5 of my favorite food spots where I live: Jupiter, Florida.

Terrible Instagram pic of the Jupiter Lighthouse before I got an iPhone. 

While we don't have as many famous chefs clammoring to open restaurants in our area as they are in the bustling metropolises around the U.S., our little city has plenty of fun dining experiences and even more seaside charm.

More Instagram goodness. 

{Do you have pride in your hometown? You can submit pictures via Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #myhometownguide to show of the best spots in your city! When you do, you'll be entered to win a getaway to any of the U.S. cities featured in Fiji Water's "Earth's Finest Guide." So get to snapping away!}

Whether your style is fine dining or you prefer to enjoy your meal while you're still in board shorts, Jupiter delivers... and even throws in a little quirkiness.

Breakfast Haven: Center Street Nook

Center Street Nook, lovingly known as "The Nook" to locals, is where you go to get feel-good, old fashioned love on a plate. From the moment you walk in, it's hard not to feel like you're visiting a neighbor or sitting down at your Nana's kitchen table. The warm smiles and genuine interaction from servers {I overheard lots of "How's so-and-so doing?" and "I can't believe the baby is so big already!"} goes beyond the common exchange.

With classic menu offerings like pancakes, French toast and omelets {I'm still kicking myself for not getting the Greek}, it's the perfect place to go if you're aiming to please all palates. But they also keep things interesting with playful items like Funky Monkey Panky-Doos {pancakes with chocolate & peanut butter chips and bananas}, The Billdozer {3 pancakes stacked & layered with sausage, cheddar, fried eggs & bacon} and "The Big Heap" {Home fries, cheddar, bacon, 2 fried eggs, more cheddar, topped with homemade sausage gravy}. While it's a popular spot for breakfast, they also have an extensive lunch menu featuring homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers and some fun hot dog options.

Tip: The wait gets LONG. Get there as early as possible for breakfast... otherwise, expect to hurry up and wait.

Down-to-Earth Seafood: Dune Dog Cafe

If you think of fine china and linen napkins {and prices to match} when you think of seafood in South Florida -- think again. Dune Dog is the polar opposite of that in the best possible way. Here, seafood is not about putting on airs... it's about dining open air, picnic-style with a beer in hand and a fresh catch on your plate.

Far left: A tree... growing in the restaurant. Top right: Blackened Mahi Sandwich. Bottom Left: Lobster Wrap. 

Touting the honor of being voted "Best Ribs" and "Best Hot Dog" in Palm Beach, Dune Dog does more than crab cakes & shrimp. Choose from 10 different styles of hot dogs from "The Dog House", or share a full slab of their "fall-off-the-bone tender" baby back ribs. My personal favorite is the Blackened Dolphin Sandwich with a side of waffle fries -- it's a craving that I just can't shake.

Get comfy at the bar.

It's good food and a great, family-friendly atmosphere done beach-bum style, just how we like it here in Jupiter.

Main "dining room."

Tip: Expect a line, especially during season. Grab a beer while you wait.

A Sip of Paradise: Guanabana's

Summer, year round.

We've all gone through it... playing host to out-of-towners & having to tote them around to lame tourist traps so they can get the true "feel" of the destination. Around here, we're lucky that we don't have to don mouse ears {just beachwear and sunscreen} if we're going to do a decent job of playing tour guide.

Is this paradise, or what?

Guanabana's is exactly what visitors to South Florida envision -- tropical drinks, waterfront views and a laid-back, casual style that screams "vacation." Their beautifully landscaped location gives the feel of a hidden island oasis, complete with water features and lush exotic greenery. Sit close to the dock to watch boats and kayakers disembark for lunch or drinks, or by the stage to watch live music several nights a week.

From wines to craft beers to signature cocktails like the "Cat 5" {an intoxicating blend of dark rum, passion fruit rum, 151 and tropical fruit juices}. Just be careful; your guests may decide they never want to leave!

Sensing a theme here with restaurants built around trees...

Tip: Guanabana's also has a full menu as well as bar bites. I rarely go for the food, but I applaud their passion for supporting Florida farms & fishermen!

Bonus: Looking to sip somewhere a little more rustic? Head just across the road and take a walk down Love Street where you'll find another spot to get your toes in the sand and a drink in your hand at The Square Grouper.

Don't Expect a Doggy Bag: Leftovers Cafe

Ask a local what restaurant they recommend for a delicious meal and expect to hear the name Leftovers over and over again. Though it may not sound like the epitome of delectable dining, I urge you not to be dissuaded to give it a try.

Offering a variety of innovate dishes, Leftovers has captured the heart of locals. From their Indoroni {Sriracha Mac & Cheese} to their creative fish dishes {choose from Sweet Potato Crusted, Yuca-Garlic Crusted, Red Beet & Almond Crusted or Butternut & Jack Cheese Crusted}, your head will be spinning with mouth-watering options.

Top Left: Bar area. Bottom Left: Avocado Crab Tostada. Right: Beet & Almond Crusted Fish.

The restaurant is one of a trio of well-known spots in the area {Food Shack & Maxi's Lineup make up the other two}, all featuring that signature Jupiter vibe -- relaxed, colorful and, most importantly, scrumptious. Leftovers is always a great choice... just don't expect to have actual leftovers to take home.

Tip: Leftovers is located in Abacoa, a subsection of Jupiter and the home of Roger Dean Stadium. Abacoa has monthly Food Truck Invasion in the Town Center every second Friday of the month, stop by if you're around at that time.

Buy Your Dinner AND Your Decor: Too Bizaare 

Yes, there is mannequin hanging from the ceiling.

The name says it all. Part bizarre {as in odd... in a good way} and part bazaare {as in marketplace}, this quirky and unique restaurant is exactly where you want to go if you're looking for something out of the ordinary.

Left: Portobello Napoleon. Top Right: Some of the wares for sale. Bottom Right: A cozy dining space.

Too Bizaare boasts an extensive menu {and wine bar} with options from sushi to steak in an eclectic atmosphere where your surroundings are all for sale! You'll find coffee tables and wing back chairs tucked into cozy little nooks and art as far as the eye can see. There's a surprise around every corner. {And sometimes hanging from the ceiling.}

The menu, which is composed of an elaborate list of tapas, specialties and a full sushi list, is just as curious. Though "Asian Fusion" is considered their main style, you'll find an interesting mix of delightful items like the Bizaare Burrito and the Portobello Napoleon, lending some flair from other cuisines to the mix.

Top lef: The Bizaare Burrito. Bottom Left: Complete with a fish tank. Right: Let's eat in the living room.

It's an experience you won't want to miss!

Tip: Want to look the part while visiting South Florida? Gretchen Scott Designs, located in the same plaza as Too Bizaare, has what you need like tunics, dresses and cover-ups to give you that signature Palm Beach style.

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I feel confident that you're now well-equipped with a beginner's guide to eating & drinking in Jupiter, so now it's time to visit! It was hard to choose just 5 spots with so many great options. {See? I've changed my ways!} Enjoy our little slice of paradise!

Show us your favorite spots to eat, stay and play in your hometown and win a getaway to any of the US cities featured in Earth’s Finest City Guide! To participate, just upload an image of your favorite spot in your hometown to Twitter or Instagram with hashtag #myhometownguide and tell us where you live and what makes the image special and you will be entered to win automatically.

Disclosure: I was selected for Fiji Water's #MyHomeTownGuide campaign through Honest Cooking. I have been compensated to write this post, however, I made the selections shown here without guidance. I have not been compensated by these restaurants. As always, all the opinions here are my own.