At the end of a dirt road on Virginia Key (Key Biscayne) lies Jimbo’s Place, named after ex-shrimp boat captain Jimbo Luznar (The Friendliest Man on Earth). The area of Key Biscayne that surrounds the property contains some of Miami’s most lavish and pricey real estate, a dramatic contrast to the elements comprising Jimbo’s: a rickety dock, graffiti-covered trailers and school bus, and small village of shanty-shacks.

The story goes that many years ago Jimbo acquired a lifetime lease on the property from the City of Miami through a concept almost identical to that of squatter’s rights. Since then Jimbo’s shrimp shack has been selling cheap beer and famous, yet questionable, fish spread.

The shacks scattered about the property are remains of movie, television and music video sets, built with the lure of a natural, scenic landscape as the background. Some bigger name productions include Ace Ventura, Wild Things, Flipper, CSI Miami and Burn Notice. Jimbo’s Place is also a popular location for photoshoots; lucky visitors in the past have caught glimpses of Heidi Klum, Mariah Carey and Naomi Campbell.

The trailers are owned by a few “domicile-challenged” characters as Jimbo describes them, with whom he has an interesting, symbiotic relationship: they can stay if they help keep the place clean.

It’s also the home to some of our furrier friends—you will see many cats, dogs, and even a few roosters roaming about the place.

The thing we dig most about Jimbo’s is that it’s a hangout suitable for everyone. Locals, tourists and celebrities alike stop by via boat or car to check out this whacky place, which is, literally, off the beaten path. Once there, they can share a beer and round of bocce ball with Jimbo himself; although, legend has it, Jimbo has never lost.

Words and photos by Emily Risi