The Square Grouper

Update: January 2016 - Square Grouper now has an upstairs lounge that opens at 4:20 p.m. Why 4:20 you ask. Well, April 20th (4/20) is embraced by pot smokers around the world as Weed Day. Need I say more? Need more info? Feel free to Google it. My New Joint is a cocktail lounge and tapas bar. They offer a raw bar (think fresh shucked oysters), specialty cocktails, wines by the glass and bottle, 15 draft beers, 170 bottled beers, and a full tapas menu including salads and fondues - cheese and chocolate! My New Joint also offers Daily Specials Tuesday - Friday and they always have some mellow performers playing softly in the background. Happy Hour is from 4:20 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 305-745-8880 My New Joint - "because two joints are better than one."


What can I say, The Square Grouper is, hands down, the best restaurant in the lower keys - bar none! If you ever have a chance to go there do so - you won't regret it. Owner-chef Lynn Bell turns out the freshest seafood, finest meats, and the most delicious homemade desserts on the planet.

Don't let the exterior fool you. While the building is simple in architecture and made of sturdy cinder block, the interior is cute and the decor "Keyse." But it's the food, ahhh, the food that will transform you. We went there recently with another couple and were all blown away by the service, the extensive wine list, and the friendly atmosphere. They only have a beer and wine license, so go with that in mind. The bar is small, but if you can find a spot, you can also order the entire menu at the bar.

I ordered the special of the day - Prime Rib - that was done to perfection. It came with perfectly-cooked asparagus (I like it with the slightest crunch) and the most delicious long grain and wild rice that I have ever consumed. Ray was happy as a clam when he saw meatloaf on the menu (he is an aficionado by the way), that was also served with asparagus (that he kindly off-loaded to my plate) and a mound of creamy mashed potatoes smothered with gravy. He was in heaven! One of our friends ordered lobster in a rice bowl and the other friend ordered lobster in a pasta bowl. They said they were simply fabulous. While the prices are a little higher than most restaurants in the lower keys, they really are pretty modest in relation to the amount and quality of food you get.

The Square Grouper Bar and Grill is located at 22658 Overseas Highway, Cudjoe Key, Florida 33042; squaregrouper@aol.com; 305.745-8880; www.squaregrouperbarandgrill.com. Closed Mondays, Lunch 11:30-2:30; Dinner 5:00-10:00. The Square Grouper is an environmentally friendly restaurant. All of their paper products and straws are made from corn.  The also have a kids menu so there is something for the whole family. They are always crowded and do not take reservations, so go prepared to wait. You can wait outside or you can go into their adorable backroom and enjoy a glass of wine or a beer.

Little Palm Island

Every year Ray and I treat ourselves to lunch on Little Palm Island. It's so luxurious and we are so pampered that we can't help but feel like celebrities. There is a dress code, so we take things up a notch and pretend, if only for a few hours, that we actually have some class!

The only way to get to Little Palm is by their private ferry that is located on Little Torch Key at the corner of Pirates Road and Overseas Highway at approximately MM 28.5. You must make a reservation and you must be on time because the ferry is on a strict schedule. The ride to the island takes less than 15 minutes. Or, you can really treat yourself and arrange for one of their seaplanes to pick you up.

The restaurant at Little Palm has several shaded porches, as well as indoor seating. There are tables out on the beach at the water's edge, but I understand it can get a little hot out there if the sun is shinning brightly. The Key Deer are prevalent and one couple we know had the bread swiped right off their table.  Please don't feed the Key Deer. They have a very delicate digestive system and you would be doing them a disservice.

Little Palm also has bungalows for rent. While we've never stayed there overnight, they look charming - the whole island does for that matter.  Whatever you decide to do there - lunch, partake in their elaborate and fabulous Saturday buffet, dine under the stars, or stay an entire week, be sure to take your check book and/or credit card - they are pricey indeed! Cell phones are permitted only if set on vibrate. To talk on it you are asked to move to a remote location.

Little Palm Island Resort and Spa is a Noble House property. Check out their website - it will make you salivate!  www.littlepalmisland.com, 800.343.8567

Islamorada Fish Company

Islamorada Fish Company is one of our favorite places to visit. There is so much to do there. It is home to Pro Bass, a beautiful retail store that sells not only every kind of fishing/boating item, but sells games, books, and clothing for the entire family. They're a little pricey, but their goods speak for themselves.

Upstairs is Zane Gray's, an upscale bar decorated with rich mahogany wood. They provide delicious Bloody Mary's and other upscale libations. Zane Grays is located on the 2nd floor of the store and offers seating either inside, or outside on the veranda. Ray is a margarita officienado and has given Zane Gray's a thumbs up.

Downstairs and across the lawn is the Islamorada Fish Company that consists of two outside bars and an outdoor restaurant that has seating under a shelter as well as seating on their man-made beach. All of this surrounds a man-made lagoon that is always filled with huge tarpon and barracuda. If you want to feed the fish you can buy a bag of bait shrimp from their fresh seafood market.  Our favorite food to order is the Grouper Reuben - it is yummy and plenty for two. We also recommend their red-skin potato salad. Yummy!

The name "Islamorada" means "Purple Isle".  The name was given by the early inhabitants of the Florida Keys in 1907.  The restaurant was first opened in 1948!

If you're looking to loose yourself for a couple of hours, this is the place to go.
81532 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida, 33036, MM 81.5; http://restaurants.basspro.com/fishcompany/