The iconic Sand Dune Café Jensen Beach, a beloved Treasure Coast landmark, was demolished following a devastating fire on New Year’s Day 2025. Located in Jensen Beach, this popular beachfront restaurant had served the community for over 40 years, becoming a cherished spot for locals and visitors alike.
Sand Dune Café Jensen Beach Destroyed by New Year’s Day Fire
On January 1, 2025, a fire severely damaged the Sand Dune Café, leading to its demolition shortly thereafter. The café, known for its oceanside dining experience and casual atmosphere, was a staple in Jensen Beach’s culinary landscape. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, as noted in the Port St. Lucie wildfire investigation.
Martin County Commissioner Eileen Vargas expressed both sadness and optimism regarding the café’s future. “While we bid farewell to a local treasure filled with decades of memories, we are incredibly excited about what’s to come,” Vargas stated in an email to TCPalm. “A brand new, bright and sunny café will soon rise in its place — bringing a fresh new energy to the heart of Jensen Beach.”
Plans for New Beachfront Café in Jensen Beach
The replacement for Sand Dune Café Jensen Beach is expected to cost approximately $4 million. Although the new establishment’s official name has not yet been announced, plans indicate it will offer a refreshed look and enhanced dining experience.
Local officials anticipate the new café will continue the tradition of beachfront dining, providing residents and tourists with a vibrant gathering place by the ocean. This optimism comes despite recent incidents like the fire incident at a cemetery north of Fort Pierce, which raised concerns in the community.
Alternative Beachfront Restaurants on the Treasure Coast
While awaiting the new café, residents and visitors can explore other nearby beachfront dining options across the Treasure Coast. Here are four popular alternatives:
Seaside Grill, Vero Beach
Located at 4200 Ocean Drive in Jaycee Park, Vero Beach, Seaside Grill serves breakfast and lunch with beachside favorites like grouper bites, coconut shrimp, chicken wings, and burgers.
Seaside Café, Stuart
Situated at 891 N.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart Beach, Seaside Café offers breakfast, lunch, bar bites, and alcoholic beverages. Popular menu items include Bahamian conch fritters, smoked mahi fish dip, and beignets.
Island Beach Bar & Restaurant, Fort Pierce
Located at 110 S. Ocean Drive in Jetty Park, Fort Pierce, this restaurant features diverse menu items such as Floribbean poke, lobster and shrimp pizza, peel-and-eat shrimp, and conch fritters. This area has recently seen some challenges, including a fire that destroyed a cemetery building nearby.
Surfside Grill and Adventures, Melbourne Beach
Found at 9502 S. Highway A1A in Sebastian Inlet State Park, just north of Indian River County, Surfside Grill provides casual handheld options like burgers, wraps, and grilled cheese sandwiches, as well as seafood dishes including mahi tacos and coconut shrimp.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sand Dune Café Jensen Beach
What happened to Sand Dune Café Jensen Beach?
Sand Dune Café Jensen Beach was demolished after a fire on New Year’s Day 2025. The fire caused significant damage, leading to the decision to rebuild the café.
Are there other beachfront restaurants near Jensen Beach?
Yes, several beachfront dining options are available nearby, including Seaside Grill in Vero Beach, Seaside Café in Stuart, Island Beach Bar & Restaurant in Fort Pierce, and Surfside Grill in Melbourne Beach.
How much will the new café replacing Sand Dune Café Jensen Beach cost?
The new café planned to replace Sand Dune Café Jensen Beach is expected to cost around $4 million. It will feature a modern design and improved dining experience.
Can you still dine near the original Sand Dune Café Jensen Beach location?
Although Sand Dune Café Jensen Beach has been demolished, visitors can enjoy dining at other nearby beachfront restaurants such as Seaside Café in Stuart and Island Beach Bar & Restaurant in Fort Pierce.
Where are the best beachfront restaurants on the Treasure Coast?
Popular beachfront restaurants on the Treasure Coast include Seaside Grill in Vero Beach, Seaside Café in Stuart, Island Beach Bar & Restaurant in Fort Pierce, and Surfside Grill and Adventures in Melbourne Beach.
Curious about dining and activities in Jensen Beach and the Treasure Coast? Download our FREE guide .
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