Our historic building’s roots began in 1922s as a bank. Today, The Vault Bar & Restaurant’s whispers tales of a bustling past. Come celebrate this legacy with good food and unforgettable experiences.
The place that feels familiar to escape to. The place where food & drinks are made with care & passion. The place with personalized service, and a deep sense of community, because it is our community too.
An escape from your normal routine.
An escape from “the norm” food and drinks.
An escape from your day to day.
An escape to the past.
Pompano Beach’s heartbeat started ticking in the early 1900s near Lettuce Lake. But with the arrival of the FEC railway depot, the action shifted east of Dixie Highway and north of Atlantic Boulevard. This soon-to-be downtown area, known as Old Town today, became the center of the city’s early economic boom.
Serving the growing community, businesses sprung up along these streets, including a crucial one – a bank. Today, the building at 61 NE 1st Street holds the distinction of being Pompano Beach’s oldest commercial structure. Back in 1922, it proudly housed the First Bank of Pompano.
On September 12th, 1924, the infamous John Ashley and his accomplice, Lynn Middleton, strolled into the bank at 2:30 pm. With a dramatic “hands up!” and armed with pistols and an automatic rifle, they relieved the bank of $5,000 in cash and $18,000 in securities. Adding insult to injury, Ashley left a bullet for Sheriff Baker with a taunting message before making a grand escape, reportedly waving a bottle of liquor and shouting their victory, “We got it all.” Despite over a decade of bank robbery, bootlegging, escapes from Raiford, piracy, and suspected murder John Ashley, his girlfriend Laura Upthegrove, and his gang were seen as local folk-heroes by many.
The Notorious John Ashley Gang
Despite the brazen bank robbery, the First Bank persevered. It even underwent a name change, becoming the Farmer’s Bank of Pompano in 1934. However, the Great Depression eventually took its toll, and the bank closed its doors.
Thankfully, in 2006, when demolition loomed, local citizens rallied to preserve this historic landmark along with the neighboring Bailey Hotel. Today, The Vault proudly occupies the space lovingly referred to by locals as “The Old Bank Building,” carrying the torch of its rich history. The Bailey Hotel is now The Bailey Contemporary Arts Center.
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Open Seven Days a Week
Mon-Thu 11:30am – 10:00pm
Fri-Sat 11:30am – 11:00pm
Sundays 4:00-9:0pm
Happy Hour
Mon-Fri 4-7pm
Enter your email below to stay connected to the latest at the Vault.
Open 7 Days a Week
Mon-Thu 11:30am – 10:00pm
Fri-Sat 11:30am – 11:00pm
Sundays 4:00-9:0pm
Happy Hour
Mon-Fri 4-7pm
