08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Remember Jimbo's? Let's celebrate the beloved Miami fish shack in a few ways
Every year around his birthday on April 6, James 'Jimbo' Luznar threw a party at his famous fish shack Jimbo's Place on Virginia Key, where everyone and anyone could drink beer, eat fish dip and revel in being part of a Miami tradition.
From 1954 to 2012, when it was shut down by the city of Miami, Jimbo's was the place Miamians in the know gathered to hang out, play bocce and drink. The annual party drew thousands, from bikers to models to regulars and a famous face from time to time. The spot also became a backdrop for TV shows, including 'Flipper,' 'Gentle Ben,' 'Miami Vice' and 'Dexter,' and even made it to the big screen in movies like 'Porky's.'
A former Merchant Marine who worked the shrimp boats, Luzner died in 2016. But a new Virginia Key watering hole is committed to celebrating for his legacy.
From noon until 10 p.m. April 13, Gramps Getaway, sister bar to Gramps in Wynwood and located in the old Whiskey Joe's space next to the Rusty Pelican, will be honoring Jimbo and his legacy with a day-long free party. Expect live music from the Jack Shealy Band, a Jimbo's look-alike contest and limited editions Jimbo's hats and shirts from @sunandsons. You can eat your weight in fish dip and remember the good times, even if you weren't around to live them.
Let's go through the Miami Herald photo archives to see what Jimbo's looked like through the years:
