A Long Time Ago...

The Square Grouper Tiki Bar and Castaways Marina site in Jupiter, Florida, dates back to the early 1890’s. Near the original roadbed of the Jupiter and Lake Worth Railroad, more famously known as The Celestial Railroad, a two-story hotel and saloon overlooked the wild and scenic waterway. Wealthy, fashionable tourists ventured south on the Indian River by steamer or aboard their own yachts. Some spent the night at the hotel near the Jupiter dock while others stopped by the saloon and then departed. President Cleveland and other dignitaries stopped by the hotel and saloon for dinner. The hotel dining room provided exquisite views of the water and hosted dances and entertainment of various kinds, including a community Christmas celebration. After the hotel was abandoned, the site became a frequent meeting place for friendship, dances and community events, much like Castaways is today.

In 1906, the area where Castaways, Schooners and The Crab House are now located was purchased for $2,500. This riverfront swampland known as Suni Sands was then filled in and exchanged owners several times in the early 1900’s. During the days of prohibition, the site was used by rum runners for the quiet delivery of contraband into this sleepy fishing village.

Years later, illegal activity would return again, eventually helping to give the current business its name. Square Groupers, the name reportedly given by members of the US Coast Guard to bales of marijuana thrown overboard or out of airplanes, would be found along the Jupiter Inlet. Around that time, the property was first developed into a marina and ironically given its liquor license soon thereafter.