fbpx

Best Lobster Roll South of Newport

Story and photos by Karen F. Buchsbaum

You don’t have to drive 24 hours north for a lobster roll, and you don’t have to pay a small fortune.

The Mango Café, right in your backyard, is waiting to serve up a basket with chips and a pair of delicious Florida lobster rolls for less than $10. Unquestionably the most popular item on the menu, guests have said they didn’t know Florida lobster could taste so good.

Located in the Redland Historic District, the café is part of Miami-Dade’s Fruit and Spice Park, a spot worth visiting for many reasons. Plant and garden fans will love the 37 acres arranged by tropical geographic regions (for the scientific-minded, this type of botanical garden layout is called ethnobotanical).

History buffs will enjoy learning more about the area’s turn-of-the-century buildings. One of those, the Bauer-Neill-Mitchell House, which is home to The Mango Café, dates back to 1902. This typical Redland pioneer home was painstakingly moved 8 miles to the park in 1982, only to be destroyed by Hurricane Andrew 10 years later. The current building is a reconstruction, paid for by post-Andrew FEMA funds.

The cute gift shop at the park entrance offers some retail therapy and a lot of unique items and information.

Although it would be a shame to miss the park, the café can be enjoyed without entry. It is open from 11:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., seven days a week. Park hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

After 4 p.m., the café serves only smoothies or shakes and pie. Smoothie and shake flavors include passion fruit, strawberry, mango, lemon and banana.

Other favorite menu items include panini-style sandwiches, like the Cuban sandwich made with smoked pork and a grilled chicken sandwich with mozzarella.

Enjoy!

24801 SW 187th Ave., Homestead;
305.245.5727; fruitandspicepark.org
Park admission is $8 for adults; $2 for kids 6-11;
free for children under 6. Guided tours are offered daily at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

You May Also Like

Café-Smood and Mimi Yoga Craft Mimi Yoga Smoothie

It is ideal for anyone looking for a nutritious pre- or post-yoga class beverage or a snack between meals.

Tacocraft Taqueria & Tequila Bar Unveils New Offerings

The popular eatery has locations in South Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and Plantation.

The Dish: South Bar & Kitchen

Discover five things to know about Pompano Beach’s newest southern comfort food destination.

El Bagel Prepares for Opening of Second Location in Coconut Grove

The local hotspot will serve hand-rolled bagels.

Other Posts

Chug’s Diner in Coconut Grove Introduces New Menu and Beverage Program

The restaurant was first launched as an idiosyncratic pop-up in 2019.

Sushi by Bou in Boca Raton Launches New Outdoor Dining Menu

The modern speakeasy-inspired concept is known for its innovative take on the omakase experience.

LoLa 41 in Palm Beach Hosts Prix Fixe Meal on Thanksgiving

The three-course menu will be served for lunch and dinner all day at 11 a.m.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar Offers Three-Course Menu on Thanksgiving

The options also include a special children’s menu.