Sunset Grill & Raw Bar

There is so much to do at Sunset Grill. First, the view is great, the sunsets divine. You can come by boat or find parking in their spacious lot. There is also on-street parking. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and it's a fine place for happy hour. They have a full sushi menu as well as happy hour fare. If you're coming for sunset get there early because all the good seats go fast. Be sure to bring your camera. This is what it actually looks like on some days.

Second, they have a pool and it's heated. I love ordering an umbrella drink and sitting on the ledge in the pool sipping to my heart's content. Lots of people come there as families so it can get crowded, but it's a great place to people-watch.

Third - Sunday Funday. Not necessarily my cup of tea - it gets teaming with kids and teens and can be kind of loud, but if you have the courage, give it a try. There is also corn hole and other games to keep everyone busy.

Fourth - they have live music every evening and all day on Sunday.

Fifth - Tiki Bar not your style. They have a beautiful restaurant that offers more choices than the tiki bar does.

Bathrooms are located inside the restaurant and are nice. Sunset is located at the foot of the world-famous Seven-Mile Bridge; 7 Knights Key Blvd., Marathon, MM 47; 305.396-7235

Burdines Bar & Grill

Burdines is such a fun place to go. It overlooks Boot Key Harbor's beautiful waterway so while your waiting for your food you can sit and watch boats coming and going. It's also a maria so dockage, bait, tackle, ice cold beer, snacks and ice are available. They monitor Channel 16 so if you're coming by boat you might want to call ahead. Marina hours are 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

I always get the same thing at Burdines - a blackened fish sandwich with sautéed onions, but Ray has tried various things and each was as delicious as the next. Their tag line is, "food so good it'll make your tongue slap your brains out." Their fries are very different from any other place because, according to the menu, they're sprinkled with fairy dust. They are string cut and deep fried to perfection, but watch out, the portion is huge so order one for the table to share. Burdines waitresses and bartenders work really hard to make your dining experience a pleasurable one. They are super friendly and do a great job cranking out made to order food.

Burdens is located at 1200 Oceanview Avenue at the end of 15th Street, MM 47.5. 304.743-9204. burdineswaterfront@gmail.com. They don't really have a website - at least not one that tells you anything more than you will find right here, and they don't take reservations. They are open between 11:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. daily. The often have live music but you're have to check the schedule. Ladies - the bathrooms are very clean, but sometimes you have to stand in line because there is only one. Burdines is wheel chair accessible too.

Keys Fishery

This is one of my favorite places to go for lunch, Happy Hour or to watch sunset. The view is pretty phenomenal. They offer an extensive menu, but my favorite thing to do there is chow down on their stone crab claws. They are fresh, plentiful and pretty inexpensive, at least compared to other places. In January and February 2016 we paid $2.50 apiece for mediums. Their raw bar also offers clams, oysters, Key West Pink Shrimp and tuna. They can also pack and ship your catch.

If you need something more substantial to eat, go downstairs and order anything from soups and salads to whole stuffed lobster. They boast a beer, wine and full liquor bar. The bartenders are always super nice and very accommodating. Every year this bar hosts a name the bar contest. I hear it's quite a ta do. The name for 2016 is Claws and Straws. Keys Fisheries, Market and Marina is a working marina so you'll see boats coming and going all day long. Perhaps bringing in those yummy stone crab claws. They also have a carry out seafood market. Girls - there are two bathroom locations, both downstairs. One is inside the restaurant and the other is across the parking lot in an out building. Not the greatest, but they are clean.

Keys Fisheries is located on the Gulf, at the end of 35th Street at the south end of Marathon. Turn towards the Gulf at The Stuffed Pig. They are open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. 305.743.4353; www.keysfisheries.com
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Dockside Tropical Cafe

Oh my goodness, Ray and I took such a walk down memory lane the other day. We stopped by Dockside in Marathon to have a look around. It's been several years since we've been there, but thought we needed to re-visit some old stomping grounds and a place that our good friend owned for a couple of years. We were happy to see that little had changed although the bathrooms are exactly the same (not sure that is a good thing), as they were 10 years ago. The bar and restaurant has taken on a cleaner, more cared for look but that seemed like a nature progression of things too. In the old days, Dockside was a rustic bar, where musicians sometimes showed up and sometimes they didn't. It was a stop-over for cruisers heading to or from the Caribbean. On any given day you could talk to someone from Barbados or St. Johns and share a drink or two. While the marina is still full with many cruisers, I'm not sure the vibe is the same, (just this writer's biased observation). Now keep in mind, we stopped there mid-day. There were just a few people eating lunch or having a beverage - we only had drinks. We got to talking to a couple that have lived nearby for many years and they talked of the old days and had the same memories that we did, yet they still said the place was hopping and full of fun.

I was so happy to see though, The Table of Knowledge. When we first visited Dockside The Table of Knowledge was a big deal. That was where the cruisers and live-boards sat and drank and discussed and talked about all things that mattered and all things that didn't matter. While it's smaller in size now it is a tradition at Dockside and it made me happy to see it was still around.

Dockside Tropical Cafe has music most nights. It is located at 35 Sombrero Blvd. in Marathon. Visit their website at docksidetropicalcafe.com for entertainment information and directions.

Looe Key Tiki Bar

Looe Key is one of the last hold outs for a true Florida Keys experience. Lots of locals frequent the joint and some even sit on the same bar stool everyday smoking their cigarettes and drinking their beer. Ray and I go in there quite often because it's close to our rental home. As a matter of fact, we've gotten to know a number of those locals and they are all hard working guys and gals that just want to relax and have a good time. Tuesday night seems to be the best time to be there - It's jam night. That means that locals come and bring their instruments and simply jam. The place is always packed and there is plenty of room to dance to your favorite tunes.

Looe Key also has one of the best happy hours around. It runs from 3:00 - 7:00 and you can't beat the prices. They also offer some discounted bar food, like wings and fries - that kind of thing. My favorite thing on their regular menu is the BLT - good bread and lots of bacon. Bathrooms were new last year although if it's raining you have to dash across the driveway to get to them.

Looe Key Tiki is definitely and experience and I urge you to visit there - it's a blast.
27340 Oversees Highway, Ramrod Key, FL 33042. Visit their website at www.looekeytikibar.com to read about the other entities offered at Looe Key - diving, snorkeling, motel rooms, etc.

Geiger Key Marina and Smokehouse

Geiger Key Smokehouse is a hidden gem off the main drag of Oversea's Highway. It is located to the south of, and abridged to, Big Coppitt Key. Ray discovered it years ago and we still make a point to visit there at least once or twice every year. On our 2016 visit, we were pleasantly surprised to see that some improvements had been made all while keeping it's uniqueness and "keysey" feeling. The views from their outside restaurant and bar are spectacular. You can watch boats come and go, see fish swimming just below, and watch a parade of birds doing their dance all while eating great food.  They have music almost every night, but check out they website to be sure www.geigerkeymarina.com. They are open everyday for lunch and dinner and open for breakfast on the weekends. Do yourself a favor and visit Geiger Key Marina and Smokehouse. It's a wonderful Keys experience that you'll soon not forget.

If you have an opportunity, sample their Sunday barbecue - it starts at 4:00 p.m. Is a great time to get down with the locals. 

To get there turn on Boca Chia Road at approximately at MM 11 (oceanside) and follow the road a mile or so to Geiger Road - turn left. From there you can follow the signs. Geiger Key is also home to a marina and trailer park.

5 Geiger Road,

Key West,FL

(305) 296-3553

Half Shell Raw Bar and

Half Shell Raw Bar is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. Ray and I have spent many an afternoon eating oysters and socializing with people from all over the world. With a tag line of "East it Raw," doesn't it make sense to see what it's all about?  It's fun, it's casual and it's conveniently located on the Waterfront in Key West. There is plenty of paid parking nearby. There is a fish market on the premises - see below. Be sure to bring a license plate to tack on the wall for posterity.

From their website: Half Shell Fish Market is a neighborhood seafood market in Old Town Key West, located inside the Half Shell Raw Bar, at the foot of Margaret Street, along the Historic Seaport.

Half Shell Fish Market
(Located inside Half Shell Raw Bar)
(305) 294-7496
231 Margaret Street
Key West, Florida 33040
Map It | Facebook

Half Shell Fish Market Now Open

While Half Shell Fish Market is now open to everyone, we were born out of necessity. There was a need for a centralized source of outstanding Key West seafood for the five restaurants within the Pat Croce & Co. family. Half Shell Fish Market makes sure that items like Rum Barrel’s Yellow Tail Snapper Rubens, Island Dogs’ fish tacos, Turtle Kraals’ ceviche, and, of course, your favorites at Half Shell Raw Bar, are the freshest around and are provided at a great value. We do this by cultivating long-standing partnerships with local commercial fishing captains. You are invited to step in to Half Shell Fish Market any day between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. so we can introduce ourselves and meet you while you’re picking out your favorite daily and seasonal specials like snapper, stone crab, Key West pink shrimp, lobster, hogfish and more. www.halfshellrawbar.com

La Nina Restaurant

La Nina Restaurant is one of those places that you might drive by and say to yourself, "There is no way I'm stopping there," which means you're going to have to take my word for it when I tell you to do just the opposite. Their Cuban Mix sandwich is hands down, the best tasting sandwich of it's kind. We think we even like it better than 5 Brothers down at MM 26 and we thought they were the bomb. It is big, it's warm, it's just the right combination of mayo and mustard and it's loaded with pulled pork. It's just plain yummy. One sandwich is enough for 2 people to share and they always cut it in half for you. It looks like they have some tables inside, but I've never seen anyone coming or going. We always get ours carry-out.

They don't have a website and the phone number on the signage is incorrect, but don't pass this place up just because of it's appearance. You won't be disappointed. Call ahead to order if you're in a hurry to get to the beach -- deliciousness takes time!  305.517-6226; MM 48.5 in Marathon.

Hurricane Hole

Update February 2016 - Have been back to the Hurricane Hole a couple time already this year. Their food is consistently good. The owners just opened a second location call Fish at about MM 15. Will write more on our visit there under that name.

We had an occasion to visit the Hurricane Hole just the other day with some friends and we were mighty happy we did. We had a very pleasant time watching all the fishing charters come and go with their daily haul, but there was also paddle boarders and barflies to keep us entertained. While we've been there before, we had only indulged in adult beverages. This time we had lunch and let me tell you, it was tasty indeed. Our party ordered a variety of items, one more plentiful than the other. I ordered the smoked fish dip and while it was very tasty, it reminded me more of plain ole tuna fish - it wasn't very smokey and I personally like a little more spice. Since I can't consume dairy products, I'm always happy to find a place that makes their fish dip without cream cheese. Some other things that our party ordered were Cobb Salad with blackened shrimp, fish tacos and pulled pork nachos. Everybody was happy with their choices. Our bartender was attentive and kept us lavished in extra cold beer. While the bathrooms aren't great, they are very acceptable. You can also go out of here on water sport excursions and fishing charters. Check out their website for details.

The Hurricane Hole can be found at 5130 U.S. Highway 1 at College Road. 305.294-0200. I think their Happy Hour is from 5 p.m. -7 p.m. and 10p.m.-2 a.m. daily, but check out their website at www.hurricanholekeywest.com. Their are lots of shady places to sit as well as some umbrellas, but take your sunscreen - you might end up having to sit in the sun for part of the time.

Solo American Bistro

Update: January 2016 - This restaurant is closed. Too bad, they had a kick-ass Happy Hour.

Touted as a "New American Restaurant," Solo is one of the many upscale bistros in Key West. The ambiance is strong and sleek, boasting a long dark mahogany bar and New York style decor.  Colorful comfy cushions adorn the booth/chair style tables while romantic lighting makes you feel like a grown-up. It's certainly not a place that screams "Key West," but that is one of the reasons why I like it so much. It's different and trendy and you can actually get a great glass of wine in a real glass! It's large windows are almost always thrown open to the beautiful weather beyond their door step. If you prefer, there are several tables on the porch that await.

We were there for Happy Hour recently, but I understand they have great weekend lunch specials for $7, $5 Mimosas and $6 Bloody Mary's. Happy Hour features half price wine, draft beer and cocktails from 4-7 p.m. and about 5 or 6 half price appetizers that are prepared perfectly--from simple gourmet-style flatbreads to tuna tartare. Many other goodies are there for the choosing. You can't get all this many other places.

It's a great casual location with great service away from the more touristy places. It's a nice change of pace. Sole is located at 610 Green Street. They have a Facebook page, but do not have a website yet. They can be reached at 305.296-2033 or at solokeywest@gmail.com.

Bayside Grille

Bayside Grille is new to Key Largo, so January 2014 was our first time there at the recommendation of the the desk clerk at the Dove Creek Inn. The place is huge and provides a large dinning area and bar on the first level, bayside (hence the name). They have music and ample seats at the bar.

Since it was rainy and cold the day we visited, we opted for the restaurant upstairs. There they offer a small bar and dining tables inside and some out on the porch with sliding doors that open and close according to the weather. Thankfully, they were closed the day we were there.

COME & ENJOY THE BEST SUNSETS IN KEY LARGO... HOME OF KEYRIBBEAN KOOKING & KOCKTAILS®

We enjoyed a couple of cocktails while we were there and I ordered what I thought was an interesting appetizer: Plantains, Keyribbean Style. They were delicious and I plan on trying to replicate them at home: guava juice, lime juice and MoJo Sauce.  I would like to go back sometime and have an entire meal and enjoy a beautiful Keys sunset. You can also arrive by boat if you so desire.

Bayside Grille is located right behind DiGiorgio's Cafe Largo at MM 99.5, bayside in Key Largo; 99530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida, 33037, 305-451-3380; www.keylargo-baysidegrill.com

Harriette's Restaurant

Specializing in breakfast and lunch, Harriette's Restaurant is a cute little yellow place located on the highway, bay side at MM 95.7. Their portions are huge - I guess that's why they charge extra for sharing! Voted "Best Breakfast in the Upper Keys," Harriette's is celebrating it's 30th year in 2015.

Their menu consists of omelets, eggs, creamed chipped beef, homemade muffins and an assortment of side items. Ray and I had breakfast there and it was yummy. Ray ordered a ham and cheese omelet that came with a huge biscuit and jam. He also treated himself to a hash brown that was fried to golden perfection. I ordered a veggie omelet that boasted an abundance of red and green peppers, tomatoes and onions, as well as fresh baby spinach - it was truly delicious. We had our choice of white, wheat, rye or raisin bread. We haven't eaten lunch there, but have been told that their conch chowder is famous around town.

The staff was very friendly and efficient considering the smallness of the place. We liked it and didn't mind that the closest table was within the stretch of an arm. It feels like a locals joint. 305-852-8689. There is ample parking to the read and side of the building.

No Name Pub

Update: January 14, 2016. No name pub remains the same - no nonsense, delicious food, and very decent bathrooms.

You've probably seen plenty of T-shirts with No Name Pub emblazoned on the back. It seems everyone who goes there buys some sort of Tee. And why wouldn't they, the No Name Pub is a happening place and the oldest bar in Florida. It's unique, friendly and very, very popular so don't be fooled by their slogan, "It's a nice place to visit.....if you can find it." Hey, there was a day when no one knew where it was, but as the years have past, everyone knows where it is.

The first thing that will strike you about the place is that there is always a line waiting to get it. It doesn't matter if it's 11:00 am or 7:00 pm, there is always a wait. Fortunately, they have picnic tables outside under umbrellas where you can sit and drink a couple of brews while you pass the time.

The second thing that will get your attention once you get inside is that the walls and ceiling are covered with dollar bills!  Yep, that's right from floor to ceiling! We've heard that every once in a while, the owners remove some of the money and donate it to a local charity, but that could just be local folk lore. If you opt to sit at the bar you'll notice that one side of the bar has very short bar stools and the other side has very tall bar stools - so tall that they are difficult to climb up on. Like I said, it's a unique place!

We've been there many times over the years, but I personally haven't been there since 2011. All of the food has always been consistently good. They specialize in pizzas (there isn't one on the menu that isn't amazing) - and they are plenty big enough to share. Ray particularly likes the Cuban and I love the white pizza. If I remember correctly they only have a wine and beer license so don't be surprised if you get there and you can't order a mixed drink.

The bathrooms used to god-awful, but they have since improved greatly in the last few years.

No Name Pub is located on North Watson Blvd. (1 1/2 mile north of US 1) on Big Pine Key, Florida, 33043; 305.872-9115; Directions: turn at the traffic light on Big Pine and stay to the right of the vee;  drive past the entrance to the Winn Dixie. Continue to the first street on the left. Follow that street around the curve and continue for a mile of so. No Name Pub is on the left. Keep your eyes peeled for Key Deer when driving there - they are usually around trying to find food, but remember, it's against the law to feed them. Their website leaves a lot to be desired, but its www.nonamepub.com.

The Conch Republic

The Conch Republic is located in the historic seaport district in Key West, overlooking the KW Harbor and Marina. It is a large 80 ft. bar and resteraunt known for their many varieties of rum (quantity-80) - the biggest between Cuba and Miami. Their food is pretty good overall and that's why they're always busy. You might have to wait for a table, but there are usually seats at the bar. They have some outside seating that are high-top tables with large market-style umbrellas overhead. While the expansive garage-style doors are always left open, they are air conditioned. Their happy hour runs from 4:00-6:00 (I think) and it's two-for-one wine, rail drinks and beer, (may not include wine). When we order food it's usually a hamburger or a salad with blackened fish on top so I can't really comment knowledgeably on their food except to say that whatever we've ordered there has been tasty. I can vouch for their Conch Chowder though - it's good! They offer an eccletic Carribean inspired menu. Every afternoon they feature live island-type music. The Conch Republic Seafood Company also boasts an impressive Raw Bar with Oysters, Clams, Stone Crab, chilled Key West Pink Shrimp and succulent Royal Red Shrimp. Of course, they also have certified Black Angus steaks, tender pork chops, mouthwatering chicken entrees, succulent ribs, tempting pasta dishes, and an exciting variety of surf and turf options. We find the adjacent metered parking lot a great place to park because it's central to much of the Key West that we like to visit. If that lot is full, there is parking next door in the dirt lot for an-all-day parking fee.

Conch Republic Seafood Company®
631 Greene Street
Key West, FL 33040
305.294.4403
info@conchrepublicseafood.com

Caroline's

Voted Best Lunch Place by USA Travel, Caroline's on Duval in Key West is a really sweet open-air restaurant with a large offering of salads and sandwiches for lunch and more hearty plates for dinner. Regardless, each meal is prepared well and presented beautifully. Ray and I have eaten there many times and have always enjoyed great service and excellent meals. Our friends, who live on Stock Island, visit Caroline's frequently and always rave about their food. Yes, their burgers really do look like this - plentiful and moist - hard to beat.

The first time we ate there was for lunch. I had a salad with blackened shrimp on top and Ray had a fish sandwich. Both of our choices were plentiful and flavorful. The second time we ate there it was for dinner. Ray ordered a blackened chicken pasta that was extra cheesy and yummy, and I ordered blackened chicken with black beans, rice and plantains. The chicken was moist and cooked to perfection.  The black beans, rice and plantains were authentically pleasing.

The ambiance is purely Key West style. The wait staff are super friendly and the service is fast. We love sitting outside on the shaded patio for lunch or under the stars for dinner watching the passersby on Duval Street. The whole patio is mostly shaded with large market-style umbrellas and is rather large. They also have a small bar that overlooks Duval Street so it's a great place to people-watch. Ladies - the bathroom is not the greatest, but is not the worst I've seen either. Since there is only one women's toilet you might imagine that its not always the tidiest and there is usually a short line of one or two.

Carolines is located in the heart of Key West at 310 Duval Street; 305.294-7511. Their website says they have free delivery within Old Key West. www.carolineskeywest.com.

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/

Porky's Barbecue Seaside

I have to admit, when I first visited Porky's and took a look at the menu I was skeptical. It seemed like everything was going to either be smoothered in barbecue sauce - of which I am not a real fan - or it was going to be fried - of which I am also not a fan. For that reason I opted for a plain ole burger. Ray choose a blackened fish sandwich. I'm happy to report, we were both pleasantly surprised.

I ordered my burger medium well with bacon and sauteed onions. It was done perfectly and was absolutely huge - the menu says it's 1/4 pound, but I swear it was even bigger than that. It was served on a soft kaiser roll with lettuce, tomato, cole slaw and a pickle spear on the side. Yummy!  Ray said his fish sandwich was good too. Ray had 2 beers and I had an unsweetened iced tea and our bill was $28.00 w/o tip.

Porky's is located bayside in Marathon at MM 47.5 next to Captain Pip's. It is a funky open-air place with all kinds of interesting paraphernalia hanging from the walls and ceiling along with scribbled messages from former patrons. Country music waffles quietly in the background.The two waitresses that were working the day we were there were friendly and attentive. While the ladies room was kinda small and dingy, with a door that barely closed, it was clean and fully efficient.

305.289-2065. Happy Hour 3-6 p.m., Live Music Nightly from 6:30-9:30 p.m. porkeysbaysidebbq.com

Turtle Kraals

Turtle Kraals Tower Bar, located at 231 Margaret Street in the seaport area of Key West, is probably one of the least expensive happy hours that we've ever experienced.  From the outer end of the bar where we were sitting on this spectacular day, we had a great view of the beautiful Key West Harbor and all the boat comings and goings. If we looked just a little the other way we were able to enjoy another Key West sunset. Happy Hour is everyday from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. They offer a bucket of bones (barbecued spare ribs, $5); Chicken wings (melt in your mouth tender and tasty, $5.75); a black bean and cheese quesadilla and one or two other things - not sure of those prices, but remember them as being cheap. They have their own smoker there and their HH food is really good.

Ray had a couple of Miller Lite bottles that were $1.88 each. I had a Mount Gay and Diet Coke that was $3.00, plus a glass of white wine that was only $3.50. Where else can you go and find prices like that? The bartenders, while busy serving the tables and tending the bar, were friendly and on-the-ball.

The only drawback of the tower bar is that the modern, clean bathrooms are downstairs on the first floor all the way around the bar near the front door. It's a bit of pain, but the prices and the view will keep us going back.

Music Friday and Saturday from 5:00-9:00 p.m., 305.294-2640, www.turtlekraals.com. If you visit their website I think you can print out a coupon for a free margarita.

The Wharf Bar and Grill

Update - February 2016. The Wharf is under new ownership, but I think that is a good thing. The fresh seafood market and produce stand is gone, but a brand new tiki hut roof has been installed over the bar making this a great place for an outdoor Happy Hour even if it's raining.The place has really been cleaned up yet still has a good island vibe and their food is still as good as ever. 

We have eaten at The Wharf Bar and Grill on several occasions.  While I wasn't particularly impressed the first time I went there, I am extremely impressed now. The place has gone from a sterile atmosphere to a real Keys kick-ass establishment. This is our go-to place now because it's close, the servers and bartenders are friendly, there are always locals on-hand, and it just has a great Florida Keys vibe.

The last time we were there we had six very hungry eaters in our party. While three ordered fish po boys and two ordered cheeseburgers, I opted for a fresh salad with blackened fish on top, accompanied by a homemade tomatoe puree vinegrette and feta cheese.  All of us were very pleased with our selections. All the sandwiches came with homemade veggie chips. For an upcharge of $1.75 you can order french fries. We sat on the patio by the water's edge, but there is plenty of seating inside if you're so inclined.

The Wharf Bar and Grill is accessible by boat. The entrance is a little precarious so be certain to navigate carefully through the make-shift channel. Go between the white poles and pilings (and I use that term loosely). There is limited room to tie up to the bulk head, but boating there makes for a fun afternoon.

 Located at 25163 Overseas Highway (MM 25); Summerland Key, Florida 33042; 305-745-3322.

The Crab Shack

Update: March 2016 - It appears that The Crab Shack is closed. I have not stopped by, but when driving past I never see any cars in the parking lot and the lights are never on.

The Crab Shack, located on Summerland Key, is a real find. As a Marylander I was enormously happy to hear that a fellow crab lover from my home state had opened a restaurant in the Florida Keys. The menu, which is very straight forward and moderately priced, includes some appetizers, a yummy crab cake sandwich or a soft crab sandwich, four types of fish sandwiches, a meatball sub, Maryland crab soup, a couple of fish Po Boys, a steak sub, and a tasty cheeseburger done to perfection. Along with each sandwich came our choice of coleslaw, pasta salad, chips, egg or regular potato salad, macaroni shrimp salad or the veggie of the day, all available for eating-in or carry-out.

House specialties include steamed Maryland Blue Crabs, Steamed Shrimp, Beer Battered Fried Cod and one or two specialty desserts. They owner/chef is also willing to work with special eaters such as vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions.

Just opened in late 2011, the owner is friendly and anxious to please.  Right now there are less than 10 tables and no liquor liscense, but customers can bring their own libation. If you perfer a non-alcoholic beverage, there are bottled drinks or fountain sodas and brewed iced tea - all self-serve. While you're waiting for your food you can peruse the many and varied hot sauces and spreads that are available for purchase. I see that they are now opened for an all-you-can-eat breakfast.

The atmosphere is super casual and laid-back and a real gem as far as this writer is concerned.  The Crab Shack is located at 24580 Overseas Highway, Summerland Key, Florida, 33042; 305-745-2244; next to Murray's Food Mart.