Ok Ok, so it’s not Jersey history, but it is historic. The Mr. Local History Team usually shuts down in February and reconnects with some hot, nasty speed down at the Daytona Motor Speedway. If you love it, take a look at the spots. We also have a few stories about the history. And if you’re not a motorsports fan…. we have over 400 other researched stories to choose from.
Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines.
Want to go to the Rolex 24, Daytona 500 Speedweeks or the Coke Zero 400 week and feel like you know where to go? Here’s 20 years of experience all in one place where we’ve highlighted the top 20 Daytona area spots to hit during your raceweek. We’ve loaded THE BEST, proven race fan-approved that you must go to every year during Speedweeks. We’ve been to them all. We’ve eaten at them all. And we’ve certainly drank at them all. So let’s do this!
There’s at least another dozen spots that you can check out. They’re typically not on our list to hit every year, but they should be seen at least once if you hit Speedweeks.
Bookmark this page and save it to your phone so when you’re on the go, you have all the great spots right on the phone.
Bookmark this page and save it to your phone so when you’re on the go, you have all the great spots right on the phone.
Get supplies – see a few drivers. Get a few autographs. Get some “cheaper than at the track” swag. Check the newspaper as they typically bring in a few cars and a few drivers during the first part of the week before the 500.
Ok, we start with what has been an area favorite, and during speed weeks, you really need a reservation. Well, we didn’t, and we wanted to go. It was cold, but we took the spot outside—big mistake. The cold overwhelmed the food. But we must admit, if you want some good local food, Aunt Catfish makes everyone’s local list. So we started off here. Keep in mind and tell us what you think.
If you like Harleys, you have to come see this Harleytown.
#Daytona500 before and includes the day after for some post-race picking.
Great beer – Great food – Great atmosphere. Valet parking. Solid burger.
A great place to eat on the Halifax River. It’s not a far drive. Good food – great atmosphere.
Crabby Joe’s Deck & Grill at 3701 S Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118 is open daily from 8 AM–8 PM. Breakfast is served from 8–11 AM, and lunch and dinner are served from 11 AM–8 PM. Great food – On the pier – In the ocean! Bloody Mary’s are excellent. The food is very solid – great fish specials. Indoor and outdoor. Outdoor picnic tables are hard to get.
If you’re in Daytona for over a few days, get in touch to see what’s happening at the “grass roots tracks.”
New Smyrna Speedway is at 3939 Clyde Hart Hwy 44New Smyrna Beach opens in early February with the World Series: 59th Annual Opening Night including Super Late Model 59, Pro Late Model 59, Florida Modified 50 & Sportsman series thru to and past the Daytona 500. A full week on down and dirty racing.
Volusia Speedway is where you get it on at the dirt track. In fact, they call it the “greatest show on dirt.” Located between Orlando and Daytona Beach, the West Volusia County Region encompasses 14 distinct communities along the St. Johns River, I-4 and US-17/17-92. Join in to the Dirt Car Nationals.
The DIRTcar Nationals from Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Florida.
Racing’s North Turn, the exact location where the first NASCAR-sanctioned stock car and motorcycle racing took place from 1948-58
Exhibits – Driver Trailers – Pay the extra $99 for the bracelets. Limited availability. Gets you into the bar, stage area, and garage deck. We have to admit that when the fans lost the mom-and-pop trailers to Fanatics, it was a cold and corporate change. We miss the trailers, but so goes the souvenirs to the corporate culture.
Go for the intercoastal view, stay for the food! For 20 years, the Deck Down Under team has created a waterfront dining experience for locals and travelers alike. Located under the Dunlawton Bridge in Port Orange, we offer consistently tasty, generous portions of seafood, ribs, burgers, and house-made specialties.
Best Ribs and Crab Legs around. Favorite of race teams and crews. Cold tap beer. Big line out the door – always. On what’s known as The Strip – you get the beach directly to the East. Not sure why we love it, but we just love it. You will too.
One of our favorites – Outdoor patio – great Halifax River view – great bar and music. If the temp is nice – this is a must place. Great food too. Not expensive. This waitress even honored us with the Jersey bird (totally unintentional so she says)
The legendary Brickyard burger! Once you have one, you might go back a few times during your visit. By far this is the best burger we’ve had in the Daytona area. Grab a seat at the bar and just watch the mastery on the flat top and enjoy the racing atmosphere. Full bar too. A MUST STOP. Heck, go there before the track, then go back after! Jeromie and Annette Allan are the new owners, as the couple purchased the NASCAR-themed burger joint in September 2023. The restaurant underwent renovations, including new air conditioning, kitchen equipment, and bathroom fixtures renovating the 62-year-old standalone A-frame building.
Better here than across the street (the graveyard) is the Boot Hill Saloon saying. Ride up, rental car up. Just a great staple. Beer deals – can smoke cigars. It’s just a great hangout. Only about 10-15 minutes from the track. While there, take a stroll down Main Street and see why Daytona Beach was the place to be for decades. As ground Zero for Daytona Bike Week, race fans can get a feel for what it’s like: outdoor venue, music, and a great historical atmosphere. But the race fans are secondary to the bikers. While we’re guests, they own the joint!
Reopened in January 2018, the original hotel opened in 1940, as the Streamline was a popular refuge for celebrities, race car drivers and even moonshine gangsters. Now, fully restored with Art Deco style and elegance, its presence pays homage to a rich history and storied past. If our peppercorn-colored walls could talk, their most famous account would be in 1947 when Bill France Sr., numerous race car drivers, officials and promoters gathered at our rooftop bar to discuss rules, payments and various issues affecting the sport of stock car racing. After libations and deliberations, the meeting adjourned with a signed formation of what is now known as NASCAR, and the Birthplace of Stock Car Racing was forever cemented into our foundation.
It goes without say – you have to drive on the famed Daytona Beach! Watch out for the pedestrians (kidding – picture was staged).
What more can we say. With the new “stadium” and Daytona Rising completion, this is the #1 racing venue in the world…guaranteed. From the pre-race concerts, to signing your name on the start/finish line, to walking the infield and the infamous flyover. #daytona500 is a true bucket list event. Make sure you get to one!
Now that you’re ready like a veteran, also look to the map and the Honorable Mentions.
For at least a couple of days you may want to bring a sandwich. This place does it right.
Sandwiches – Phone or online order – Fast, Cheap, Tastes Great – Good chicken fingers too!
3044 S Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118 – Order Online
The map is interactive. Click it. Navigate it.
Bookmark it on your phone, and you’ll know where to go!
Got something we need to know about?
If you have one you think is worthy, let us know. We’ll check it out and get back to you.
UPDATED: February 2, 2025
Original Post: 2006
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