After a fun, restful beach day at Lido Key, my friends and I headed to Whitney’s on Longboat Key for lunch. After being easily influenced by a TikTok, I was sold on visiting Whitney’s. I happened to convince my friends, also influenced by TikTok.

After a short, 15-minute drive from Lido Key, we soon arrived at the restaurant, once a Chevron fuel station. The building was built in the 1950s, and Whitney’s has kept the nostalgia and charm throughout the restaurant. Inside you can find wooden benches, colorful wall tiles and old-school bar stools. One can find pops of color on the walls with light-up signs and various hanging plants. Everything follows the simple, 1950s, charming aesthetic with not a touch of modernity in sight. It was so refreshing to see a restaurant with this unique style. My friends and I absolutely loved it, and all agreed it followed a Palm Springs vibe.

After admiring the inside, we opted to sit outside in the shaded area, where the gas pumps used to be. The outside was surrounded with large palm trees and plant life, making it feel beachy and welcoming. My friends and I found the outdoor shower, where we rinsed off any excess sand on our legs. I was the most covered in sand, as always!

We then reviewed the menu, where classic entrées were found, from various sandwiches to salads. I enjoyed a tasty cheeseburger with a side of fries, fitting for the 1950s atmosphere.

If you are in the Longboat Key area looking for a place with an ultimate atmosphere and vibes, Whitney’s is your place. It is unique and charming, making it a must-try restaurant.

— Megan Gragg, account executive