The Restaurant That Looks Like a Funhouse- The Bubble Room Captiva Florida

The Bubble Room is a local favorite in Captiva, Florida. Not only does this restaurant serve fantastic cakes, but it also has a very unique layout. For a while I wanted to visit the place but due to the unfortunate events of Hurricane Ian and the fact I lived out of state I put the story on hold till it was open again. Finally I was able to visit the restaurant in March 2026 when I was down in Florida. 

History and Layout

Before opening as a restaurant in 1979, it was a private residence.Its owners are the  Farquharson family.It opened around Christmas time and since then, the Christmas decorations have been left up. There is one room that is completely filled with life size Christmas caroller figures and a tree. 

The name Bubble Room comes from the bubble lights seen throughout the house. 3000 Antiques and memorabilia from the 1930’s to 1950s are also decorated through the room. 

One dining room has a streetcar and fish tanks lined up. The staff are also dressed in Scout uniforms and wear silly hats.

Reason for Scout Uniforms?

Well, the owner thought they look cool and the servers are allowed to customize with their own patches. There is a lore that the owner had more of a sentimental reason for scout uniforms according to some online forms, but really he just liked the look. So a lot of information about that online is false.

Outside the home, it is painted like a fun house with colors and additional adornments.  

They also have a gift shop, the Emporium and their cake shop, Boops.

Hurricane Ian

In 2022 Hurricane Ian hit Florida and Captiva was no exception. Due to damages the restaurant would not reopen its doors till 2025. That was three years of repairs! Now back open it is serving cake to locals with a strong sweet tooth. 

The Emporium

The Emporium is the Bubble Room’s quirky gift shop across the street like the restaurant also has antiques and memorabilia. You can also purchase Bubble Room merch and your very own bubble lights. 

Boops Ice Cream Parlor & Cafe 

Next to the restaurant is the Ice Cream shop Boops where the cakes are also sold. As the name suggests they have their mascot as Betty Boop and a small statue of her is in the shop. 

After Hurricane Ian while Bubble Room was still getting repaired, Boops was not able to open sooner than the restaurant but they also made income selling cake at a local theater in Fort Myers. 

So if you’re ever on Captiva, I recommend Bubble Room and their signature cake the Orange Crunch Cake. Do not worry if you love cake but live far away they can also ship it to you if you order from their website! 

Special thanks to our server Camryn! She shared a lot of Bubble Room lore. 

Website

https://bubbleroomrestaurant.com/emporium/#