Bubble Room in Captiva Island, FL

Colorful and Curious 

It was about 2:00, when Don and I laid eyes on this colorful sign. 

The curious name of the restaurant was enough to lure us.

The Journey

​In April 2026, the 30-mile journey from Ft.Myers to Captiva Island took over an hour. That included a relaxing drive over the Sanibel Causeway. 

We passed through Sanibel Island before reaching the 3-mile island of Captiva. The lack of stoplights and high-rises made everything feel very retro and calm.

Bright!

My view during the drive was mostly green. Dense tropical vegetation, blocked views of luxury homes. Then we arrived and I spotted the restaurant with its brightly painted exterior. The whimsical vibe with carnival colors, did not have a calming effect, but it did have a fun one!

There were no sun-faded colors on the property. All looked fresh.

It was so quiet on a Wednesday afternoon, that I worried it might be closed.

We were lucky that it was open at all! We didn't know that it had reopened 9 months before, after a 3-year renovation, due to Hurricane Ian damage.

Since 1979

The Farquharson family opened Bubble Room in 1979. It was a private home first, back when there were more casual cottages than grand estates on the island.

Originally meals were served in a 24-seat space, in the front of the home.

​Today the restaurant serves on 3 stories, in 5 distinct dining areas.

They offer outside dining as well and weather was lovely... 

...but we'd read about the curious interior. We spent a little time wandering outside before heading in get a table.

The stripes on the bridge and awning were very circus-like. I sort of felt like I was walking on a giant Candyland board game.

Bubbles!

I wasn't sure how the business got its name, but I spotted bubbles painted on the fence.

I later learned that the business got its name from the retro bubble lights that can be found throughout the rooms.

Inside!

Once we stepped inside, it was time to start absorbing the wild and curious decor. Over 3,000 pieces of vintage memorabilia! BIG pieces!

A young woman standing near the desk greeted us with a big smile and a "Merry Christmas!"  I guess that must have startled me, since my photo looks a little shaky!

​She invited us to follow her and we did. We headed to the red stairs, near the camel.

We climbed a few stairs and enjoyed a better view, of Alice and her Wonderland friends.

At the top of the stairs we reached a cozy space, packed with whimsical toys that bordered on creepy.

And then we spotted the viewing terrace or whatever you want to call this quirky balcony. It offered a view of their most well known room.

Christmas!

It was quite an odd little display in the room below. No diners, no tourists, just characters and props.

I'm pretty sure that even the guests who don't celebrate Christmas, find this kitschy Christmas theme pretty fun.

The elves look a bit like aliens in my photo. My camera does not do this scene justice.

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

We followed our hostess past an impressive old school sea-diver! He stood next to a small trolley with a table inside. Maybe I should ask for the trolley table!

But as we stepped inside the Nautical Room, I figured it would be more fun to be surrounded by under-water-themed props and antiques. 

There were booths along the decorated wall. Framed vintage photos above and built in fish tanks, below. I believe the tanks were actually connected. 

Each table was set with red and green cloth napkins. There were endless curious objects displayed below the glass table tops. A little bit of Christmas for each table!

We were given a booth near a ship's wheel and beneath colorful, glass fishing floats.

Ordering

Our server arrived  wearing a boy scout shirt ( I guess) and Mickey Mouse ears. She had the perfect personality for the atmosphere. She seemed genuinely happy.

She handed us menus that were almost as entertaining as the vintage Christmas decor beneath the glass.

Fun Names & Flavors

The names and descriptions helped me work up an appetite.

I thought about Bing "Crab"sy Crab cakes or Bubble Burger. Great names! But when I saw the list of 10 desserts, I ordered less to leave room for dessert.

Onion Soup and Chicken Sandwich

We came for the entertaining atmosphere, but as it turns out my food was delish!

My soup featured a slow-cooked beef broth, with caramelized onions, homemade bread & melted Swiss. The topping of thinly sliced fried onions was almost dessert!

It was an added treat that my crock of soup was resting on a doily. It's been a while since I've been served food on a doily!

Don shared a little of his chicken sandwich with me. I love how the Christmas icicles glow beneath the red plate! 

Between lunch and dessert, I gave myself a little tour of the 3 dining levels. There were lots of surprises on the stairs. I passed a lurking Humphrey Bogart as I headed up.

And odd trio of marionettes amused me, as I was coming down!

More Tabletops

I paused in some empty dining rooms and studied the decor, for a little inspiration.

I honestly have so many crazy treasures at home, I could create a similar table!

​Bar Time

Bubble lights above the bar...

...red and green lights reflecting off the shiny ceiling!

​The SS Bubble looked quite festive, coming towards me from the Tunnel of Love.

I appreciated seeing characters like Howdy Doody, Betty Boop and Mickey Mouse, since they are actually older than me.

I feel really old, when I see kitschy vintage decor, that's actually from my kids' childhood! 

​After spotting some Wizard of Oz figures and a Shirley Temple movie poster, I headed back to the table.

It was time to settle down and order the food that the restaurant is known for.

Orange Crunch Cake

I had read a little about this massive three-tier cake before we arrived.

The moist yellow cake was layered with brown sugar almond crunch and orange cream cheese icing!

I took 1 bite and exclaimed, "Happy New Year!"

A perfect finish to our funny little lunch adventure!
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