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Remember Jimbo’s? Let’s celebrate the beloved Miami fish shack in a few ways

By Connie Ogle
Jimbo’s on Virginia Key.
Jimbo’s on Virginia Key. Walter Michot Miami Herald File/2012

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, Gramps Getaway, celebrated his legacy with a party on April 13.

Let’s go through the Miami Herald photo archives to see what Jimbo’s looked like through the years:

Jimbo’s
Jimbo’s Miami Herald Staff
Brian Dumars 22, Stu Banks 24 and Tony Carlyle 36 enjoy the spirits and atmosphere of Jimbo’s.
Brian Dumars 22, Stu Banks 24 and Tony Carlyle 36 enjoy the spirits and atmosphere of Jimbo’s. PATRICK FARRELL Miami Herald File
Jimbo’s on Virginia Key.
Jimbo’s on Virginia Key. PATRICK FARRELL Miami Herald
Jimbo’s
Jimbo’s Miami Herald Staff
In 1999, James Luznar of Jimbo’s.
In 1999, James Luznar of Jimbo’s. Al Diaz Miami Herald File
2/29/00--PHOTO BY JON KRAL--STREET--JIMBO’S ON VIRGINIA KEY-- In 2000, Jim ”Jimbo” Luznar Sr., with his trademark big cigar, shows his form with the bocce ball.
2/29/00--PHOTO BY JON KRAL--STREET--JIMBO’S ON VIRGINIA KEY-- In 2000, Jim ”Jimbo” Luznar Sr., with his trademark big cigar, shows his form with the bocce ball. JON KRAL Miami Herald File
In 2003, Jim Luznar Sr., owner of Jimbo’s, a Virginia Key institution that offers cold beverages and smoked fish, savors a stogie at the outdoor table where he cuts and trims fish before it’s smoked on the premises. A sampling of Luznar’s smoked salmon, foreground, and smoked
In 2003, Jim Luznar Sr., owner of Jimbo’s, a Virginia Key institution that offers cold beverages and smoked fish, savors a stogie at the outdoor table where he cuts and trims fish before it’s smoked on the premises. A sampling of Luznar’s smoked salmon, foreground, and smoked MARSHA HALPER Miami Herald File
In 2009, after a fire in one of the trailers at Jimbo’s.
In 2009, after a fire in one of the trailers at Jimbo’s. Peter Andrew Bosch Miami Herald File
2/29/00--PHOTO BY JON KRAL--STREET--JIMBO’S ON VIRGINIA KEY-- In 2000, Cathy Lisanti measures the ball.
2/29/00--PHOTO BY JON KRAL--STREET--JIMBO’S ON VIRGINIA KEY-- In 2000, Cathy Lisanti measures the ball. JON KRAL Miami Herald File
In 2000, Jack Hunt watches the ball roll down the court.
In 2000, Jack Hunt watches the ball roll down the court. JON KRAL Miami Herald File
In 2000, Cathy Lisanti gives Jim “Jimbo” Luznar Sr. a big hug after beating him in bocce ball.
In 2000, Cathy Lisanti gives Jim “Jimbo” Luznar Sr. a big hug after beating him in bocce ball. JON KRAL Miami Herald File
In 2000, Jack Hunt moves in to change the score on the bocce ball scoreboard.
In 2000, Jack Hunt moves in to change the score on the bocce ball scoreboard. JON KRAL Miami Herald File
Jimbo Luzner enjoys a game of bocce in 1993 at his Jimbo’s Bait Shop.
Jimbo Luzner enjoys a game of bocce in 1993 at his Jimbo’s Bait Shop. Patrick Farrell Miami Herald File

This story was originally published April 8, 2025 at 5:00 AM.

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