The Coconut Grove Restaurant was built in 1927 by Carl and Sam Lupica. It was operated as a gas station at first. This was the time of prohibition when the sale of alcohol in the U.S. was outlawed. However, rumor has it that alcohol could be bought not only for the car but also for the driver. This was the time of Al Capone, Dutch Schultz, and many other bootleggers who were peddling illegal alcohol all the way from Canada to Miami. After repeal in 1933, The Coconut Grove started selling food along with the new legal beverages and soon became a popular dining establishment, famous for steaks and spaghetti. The short stature of the owners earned the nickname Shorty's, which has stayed with it to this day, though the official name is the Coconut Grove. In 1973 William Miller, an employee of the Lupica's, bought the restaurant and kept the Coconut Grove name. Now, the restaurant is under its 3rd generation of Miller ownership and continues the tradition of great food, spirits, and service
