Broward County

This South Florida town vanished under a highway. It was an oasis for travelers

By Miami Herald Archives
A roadside for Andytown in Broward County.
A roadside for Andytown in Broward County. Miami Herald File

What happened to Andytown?

The rural roadside outpost disappeared in the late 1970s to clear the way for the construction of Interstate 75 ramps in West Broward. One driver figured that the new highway entrance ramp at U.S. 27 took him right through what used to be the men’s room of the Andytown bar.

Andytown wasn’t exactly a town. The oasis, founded in 1947 by Greek immigrant Andy Polous, was more like a pit stop, straddling State Road 84 and U.S. 27. Drivers, hunters and truckers heading across the state on Alligator Alley would fill their vehicles and their bellies here. The cafe was best known for its frog legs and the bar for its cold beer.

MORE: This Miami town was wiped off the map — but didn’t quite disappear

Let’s take a look at Andytown from the photo archives of the Miami Herald:

A landmark Andytown sign.
A landmark Andytown sign. Miami Herald File
Seen in 1978, Andytown, the bar, bait-and-tackle and gas station at the intersection of State Road 84 and U.S. 27 and razed for construction of I-75. Sign claims it has been in business "since 1947." This panoramic photo was created by the photographer piecing together several prints. It includes a Mercury Bobcat station wagon and a Saab Sonnett sports car.
Seen in 1978, Andytown, the bar, bait-and-tackle and gas station at the intersection of State Road 84 and U.S. 27 and razed for construction of I-75. Sign claims it has been in business "since 1947." This panoramic photo was created by the photographer piecing together several prints. It includes a Mercury Bobcat station wagon and a Saab Sonnett sports car. Bob Eighmie Miami Herald File

MORE: What’s the deal with Yeehaw Junction? Drivers know it as a pit stop, but there’s more

A 1975 aerial photo of Andytown, the bar, bait-and-tackle and gas station at the southeast corner of State Road 84 and U.S. 27. I was razed for the construction of I-75. Although it amounted to little, Andytown was an institution in Broward and a rare sign of civilization for motorists on Alligator Alley. It was marked on some maps of Florida. This view looks from the east toward the west.
A 1975 aerial photo of Andytown, the bar, bait-and-tackle and gas station at the southeast corner of State Road 84 and U.S. 27. I was razed for the construction of I-75. Although it amounted to little, Andytown was an institution in Broward and a rare sign of civilization for motorists on Alligator Alley. It was marked on some maps of Florida. This view looks from the east toward the west. Miami Herald File
The businesses at Andytown.
The businesses at Andytown. Miami Herald File
A 1950s photo shows Andy's Lounge and Liquor, owned by Sophia Tsanos. The bar was located at Andytown, a town started by her great uncle Andy Poulos.
A 1950s photo shows Andy's Lounge and Liquor, owned by Sophia Tsanos. The bar was located at Andytown, a town started by her great uncle Andy Poulos. Miami Herald File
Businesses and traffic in Andytown.
Businesses and traffic in Andytown. Miami Herald File
In 2007, the Andytown landmark on I-75 at U.S. 27 commemorates the South Florida landmark, a gas station, bar and bait shop.
In 2007, the Andytown landmark on I-75 at U.S. 27 commemorates the South Florida landmark, a gas station, bar and bait shop. Jared Lazarus Miami Herald File

This story was originally published April 7, 2026 at 5:56 AM.

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