The Bashful Adventurer is always mentally prepared for the wackiness of Captiva, Fla.’s Bubble Room.
Photo credit: M. Ciavardini
On a trip to the west coast of Florida, the Brawny Sherpa and I are staying on Sanibel Island when we decide to take a little road trip to nearby Captiva. This is the most basic of vacations featuring beaches, a few family visits, and occasional field trips to make us feel our daily margaritas are justified. We haven’t ridden too far, though, before we come across some adorable weirdness: the Bubble Room restaurant.
Bubbling good times in Captiva, Fla.
Photo credit: M. Ciavardini
To me, it’s like an outlet for everyone’s crazy (and a little bit of a hoarder) grandma, mixing toys, old movies, things pink, and just the right amount of clutter. Why not stop in?
We do, and are quickly amused by the servers dressed as scouts. We count on them to lead us out of the craziness if it all becomes too much. We score a secluded booth, all the better for watching other diners and the “Bubble Scouts” in action.
Forget the tea party and have a cocktail at the Bubble Room on Captiva Island, Fla.
Photo credit: M. Ciavardini
I fill up too quickly on cheesy Bubble Bread (breaking the vegan code today) and sticky buns, meaning there will be no room for dessert after my salad. Still, we are amused.
Online, plenty of critics criticize the fare here. Be real. You’re not coming to a restaurant like this for the good eats; you’re stopping by because the place is sublime.
Note from the Brawny Sherpa: Is it bad that the lights in our at-home chandelier are from the Bubble Room gift shop?
—Lori Tripoli
Photo credit: L. Tripoli