The Coconut Grove restaurant was built by Carl and Sam Lupica in 1927.  This was the time of Model T Fords and Charles Lindbergh’s flight across the Atlantic in The Spirit of St. Louis.  The restaurant was named in homage to the popular, mid-1900’s Hollywood nightclub, The Cocoanut Grove, which over time was frequented by the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Lucille Ball, John Wayne, and hosted famed musical acts such as Frank Sinatra and Benny Goodman.

 

Initially, The Coconut Grove here in Fentonville, New York was operated as a gas station.  However, this was the era of prohibition, when Al Capone, Dutch Schultz, and many other bootleggers were peddling illegal booze all the way from Canada to Miami.  Rumor has it that some of the alcohol these bootleggers brought to New York and Pennsylvania could be purchased right here, along with fuel for the car. 

 

In 1933, prohibition was repealed and the Coconut Grove began serving food along with the now legal beverages.  It soon became a popular dining spot, famous for steaks and spaghetti. 

           

In 1973, a longtime employee of the Lupicas, Bill Miller, bought the Coconut Grove

(nicknamed Shorty’s due to the short stature of the Lupicas)

and renamed it: Miller’s Coconut Grove.  Over time, “The Grove” transitioned from a local watering hole to a favorite local restaurant.  Steaks and spaghetti remain favorites, while burgers and a variety of grilled seafood have also become trademarks. 

 

After his passing in 2010, Bill’s wife and children continued to run the business.  In 2014, Bill’s grandsons, Alex and Tyler Miller, bought the restaurant and continued to operate in the same tradition as Bill and the Lupicas had for previous generations until May of 2023 when they decided to step away from the business to spend more time with their young families.

 

The Grove began hosting private events in the Fall of 2023.  The venue offers a unique experience for parties, reunions, meetings, showers, and other special events. 

Please see our rental rate and FAQ pages for more information. 

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Book via: millerscoconutgrove@gmail.com