Part of the magic of traveling is experiencing what you cannot back at home. What’s better than an authentic vacation with incredible days where you are immersed in a new location, embracing its culture and its people? When it comes to cuisine, this means avoiding chain restaurants and any other run-of-the mill establishments whose fare is no different from what you can find in your own home town.
We don’t always have friends or family with Florida Keys vacation homes, and wading through online reviews can be tiresome and are not always reliable, so here’s an easy break down of where the locals love to eat in Marathon FL restaurants—places that create amazing menus with fresh and local ingredients, and serve up savory dishes that their devoted clientele return to with a faithful regularity. To help you find these tasty restaurants, we’ve noted where they are found, on either the Atlantic ocean side or Gulf of Mexico side of the Marathon island chain.
BEST BREAKFAST SPOTS TO KICK-START YOUR MARATHON DAY!
The Island Fish Co.; 12648 Overseas Highway; MM54, Gulf; 305-743-4191
There’s an obvious reason why this popular restaurant is opened 365 days a year for lunch and dinner. Breakfast is offered mid-December through Labor Day. Locals and tourists gather by the bay as much for the stunning view as for the warm service and a culinary experience that enhances it all. It’s hard to choose, so consider sharing dishes—Key West Pink Shrimp and Grits, Made from Scratch Buttermilk Pancakes (plain, blueberry, banana pecan, chocolate chip, or hand-dipped French toast), or Homemade Jalapeno Corned Beef Hash-- just to name a few to give you delectable fuel for your beachy day.
If you return later in the day, you’ll want to sip on a frozen drink or chilled beer at the tiki bar before or after your satisfying meal in the open-air dining room. What are you craving--Gulf Oysters, Stone Crab Claws, a fresh Tuna Carpaccio Salad, or loaded Conch Chowder? You’ve found the right place!
Marathon Bagel; 11090 Overseas Highway; MM53, Gulf; 305-517-6393
Open every day but Monday for breakfast and lunch with over 12 bagel varieties--Everything, Plain, Salt, Asiago, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Garlic, Onion, Cinnamon Raisin, Sesame, Poppy Seed and daily specials: Tuesday-Cranberry; Wednesday-Jalapeno Cheddar; Thursday-Blueberry; Friday-Chocolate Chip; Saturday- Oreo, Sundried Tomato; Sunday-Egg, Egg Everything, Pumpernickel, and don’t forget their amazing selection of cream cheese—Savory flavors: Bacon Scallion, Jalapeno Cheddar, Chive, Sundried Tomato, Lox, Green Olive, and Vegetable; Sweet flavors: Strawberry, Honey Walnut, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Oreo and a vegan spread made with cashews. Cream Cheese is house made with no added sugar.
Stout's; 8349 Overseas Highway; MM51, Ocean; 305-743-6437
Folks have been frequenting Stout’s for home-style breakfast and lunch since 1964 when Irma was baking 30 sweet and fruity pies a day! You’ll find this establishment hopping the first half of every gorgeous day of the week. A breakfast at Stout’s will keep your engine running throughout your exhilarating day on the water or land. Some of Stout’s offerings: Hot Buttermilk Biscuits with Southern Style Gravy; Fluffy Homemade Pancake Stacks (fresh banana, chocolate chip, strawberry, blueberry; Thick and Crispy French Toast with a Slightly Sweet Batter; Breakfast Wraps with Stone Ground Grits; sides of Cheese Grits or Fresh Shredded Hash Browns; and Southern-style lunches that aim to please—Blue Hot Plates of your choice—Turkey, Roast Beef or Meatloaf with a Corn Muffin or Biscuit and two homemade sides like Ambrosia Salad, and Fried Okra; and Blue Cold Plates—Chicken or Tuna Salad Stuffed Tomato with fruit side, or a loaded Chef Salad with Fresh Greens, Turkey, Ham, Eggs, Swiss, Cheddar, and Croutons.
BEST WATERFRONT DINING IN THE MIDDLE KEYS
Havana Jack's Oceanside Restaurant and Bar; 401 E. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach; MM54, Oceanside; 305-743-4849
Whether your desire is dining inside with ambience, or outside by the water…Havana Jack’s will suit your tropical vacation mood and feel like a real treat. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, they offer a sure-to-make-you Happy Hour from 4-6 pm at their tiki bar that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and accompanied by a wide variety of tasteful entertainment; visit their liquor store with an awesome array of beer, wine and spirits--all reasonably-priced, or their cigar bar! Havana Jack’s is always hopping with a cool Caribbean vibe and a welcoming spirit. Fresh seafood and specialty fare are paired with craft beers, festive cocktails and wine. Some of the gratifying options: Calamari Fritos with banana peppers and Salsa Rossa dipping sauce; Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna Wantons; Gorgonzola Salad—a house favorite; Pollo Caribbean Sandwich; Peel-n-Eat Shrimp; Wasabi-Encrusted Tuna; Scampi Jumbo Scallops; Chicago-Style Pizza--Thin Crust; Sides--Crispy Roasted Fingerling Potatoes; Chive Mash Potatoes; Kick’ in Green Beans, House Jicama Corn Coleslaw; Seafood Paella. Some of their noteworthy events: Tuesday—Trivia Night; Wednesday—Boozy Bingo; Thursday—Mojito Salsa Night with live Salsa Band; Live Bands Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Burdines Waterfront; 1200 Oceanview Ave; MM47.5, Oceanside; 305-743-9204
This is the casual spot to kick back and relax Keys’ style, overlooking Boot Key Harbor. Dive into genuine Key fare—“food so good it’ll make your tongue slap your brains out!” Venture to Burdines by foot, bike or boat for some of this to-die for food: Hand-Cut Fries sprinkled with their famous fry dust; Sesame Tuna or BBQ Shrimp Wraps; their signature Green Chili Cheeseburger, or a slice of their sweet Key Lime Pie…and all this down-home food while sitting back on their harbor deck.
BEST EARLY BIRD DINNER DEAL IN MARATHON
Key Colony Inn; 700 Ocean Drive; MM54; Oceanside 305-743-0100
For those who arrive early, between 5-6 pm, you’ll be served up soup, salad and an entrée, accompanied by a glass of select wine and dessert. For nineteen years the Key Colony Inn has been making folks with Florida Keys vacation homes feel the relaxed vibe we all adore. No wonder they’ve been voted Best Overall Restaurant. Visit during Happy Hour seven days a week, and sample the happy hour food menu. If martinis are your drink of choice, there are plenty to sample alongside live music on Saturday nights. For those of you who spent the day out on the ocean, the chef will cook your catch—lobster or fish. Otherwise be sure to bring your appetite for some prime rib, fresh seafood, satisfying pastas, and if you arrive during lunchtime try their refreshing Blood Marys and Mimosas.
BEST HAPPY HOUR DEALS IN THE MIDDLE KEYS
Sparky's Landing; 13201 Overseas Highway, MM53.5; Oceanside 305-363-2959
“It’s real Keys and it’s real good!” Sparky’s aims to please with their fresh food and cocktails enhanced by a gorgeous water view. Located on the Key Colony Beach Marina Docks, this is the place to sip homemade Sangria, Coconut Margaritas, fresh Mojitos, Frozen Drinks, Rum Runners, Craft, Domestic and Imported Beer, White, Rose and Red Wines, and a fine selection of Bubbles. You should bring your appetite to the docks too for small plates: Conch Chowder; Pig Wings; Coconut Shrimp; hand helds: Frueben; Sparky Burger; Fish Tacos; or large plates: Asian Baby Backs; Flat Iron Steak or Bacon Wrapped Scallops. This is just a tease—there’s plenty more on the menu! Lunch, Brunch, Dinner and Happy Hour daily from 4-6 pm. Shrimp and chicken wings are just .30 cents each! Daily Specials—Fried Green Tomato BLT and Wood-Fired Pizzas. Signature Appetizer—Sparky Oysters; Signature Sandwich—Fish Tacos. Live Music Tuesday-Thursday.
Florida Keys Steak & Lobster House; 3660 Overseas Highway; MM48, Gulfside; 305-743-5516
There’s nothing like Happy Hour in the heart of the Florida Keys in a landmark restaurant—Diner’s Choice Award Winner 2018; Happy Hour every day 11:30-6 pm; Happy Hour Bites that the locals rave about—Peel and Eat KW Pink Shrimp; JB Salmon Roll or Calamari with Mango Habanero Sauce; Steaks from a stone grill and lobster tails are two of their specialties. They also serve fresh pasta, sushi, and a full salad bar for those vacationers hungry for a fabulous dinner in Marathon FL restaurants. Signature entrée is Bone-in Filet Mignon.
Overseas Pub and Grill; 3574 Overseas Highway; MM49, Gulfside; 305-290-4666
This is one of Marathon’s oldest historic landmarks for folks with Florida Keys vacation homes who long for an authentic experience. Sip your cocktail where Ernest Hemingway once sat and enjoyed a drink or two. Happy Hour is seven days a week from 3-6 pm. Voted Best Bar 3 Years in a row more than likely due to its “Be good or Be Gone” attitude. Of course you can’t overlook their family-friendly and full-service restaurant. Happy Hour beer is kept at a chilly 32 degrees; two full-liquor bars are situated both indoors and out with a bar top ice rail to keep your drink of choice nice and chilled; and for the sports’ fans there are 7 flat-screen tvs for your viewing pleasure. If you’re looking for some fabulous food after cocktails, check out some of these offerings: Bang Bang Shrimp; Fried Mushrooms; Chopped Broaster Chicken Salad; Bahamian Conch Chowder; Award-Winning Ribs—Winner Best Entrée 2016 Taste of the Islands; Seafood and Ravioli and so much more! Lunch, dinner and late-night menu.
BEST PLACES TO EAT & WATCH THE SUNSET
Sunset Grill and Raw Bar; 7 Knights Key Blvd; MM47, Oceanside; 305-396-7235
This is one of Marathon FL restaurants well-known local favorites with some of the most talked about water-front sunset opportunities going! Located on the eastern side of the historic Seven Mile Bridge, locals and vacationers gather for the vibrant and colorful display each evening sometimes sharing a super-sized drink for two or more like the Castaway Coconut. There are specialty drinks, draft and bottled beer, wine and sparkling wine. Also open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests often swim in the refreshing pool while sipping Caribbean drinks and listening to live music. Their signature entrée is Tuna Oscar. Other amazing fare: Award-Winning Chowders; Raw and Steam Bar; Seafood Baskets and fresh Sushi. There’s no better place to watch the sunset and catch a glimpse of the ‘green flash’.
Keys Fisheries; End of 35th St; MM49, Gulfside; 305-743-4353
Serves some of the freshest seafood in the Keys—local specialties, signature dishes, appetizers and entrees. “The Middle Keys' most popular restaurant, seafood market, and wholesale fishery!” Some of the most tried-and-true favorites—Seafood Paella; Bacon-Wrapped Scallops; Grilled Mahi-Mahi; Key West Shrimp; Whole Stuffed Lobster; Jumbo Stone Crab Claws. Keys Fisheries is centrally located and is the idyllic spot to watch the sun sink beyond the horizon of the serene bay. And at sunset, the bar serves a tropical shot to toast then end of another day in paradise. Be sure to check out their seafood market or enjoy the ease of their on-site marina for those of you coming by boat. You can also shop from the Keys’ Fisheries on-line store for friends and family.
Lazy Days South: 725 11th St; MM47, Oceanside; 305-289-0839
Locals adore kicking back, listening to music, sharing drinks and fishing stories while the sun sinks over the ocean. Known for their award-winning recipes for both lunch and dinner with homemade flair, Lazy Days South will become your go-to vacation spot too. You can bring in your own catch to be prepared, or feast on the fresh seafood the chefs provide. Some of the menu’s noteworthy selections: lunchtime—Lazy Clams; Steamers; Homemade Soup du Jour; Crab and Asparagus Salad; Fried Fisherman Platter; Baked Apple Pie a la Mode; and for dinner—Tuna Tartare; Escargot; Shrimp Scampi; Yellow Tail Gus. Locals rave about the Lazy Das Fish with Key Lime Butter.
FRESH SEAFOOD & SUSHI IN MARATHON FLORIDA
King’s Seafood & Market; 10925 Overseas Highway; MM52 Oceanside; 305-743-4132
The assortment of scrumptious seafood and sushi ensures the locals keep coming back to King’s. The prices are right, take out is available, and beer and wine are served of course! Appetizers like Stuffed Plaintains topped with Creole Shrimp; Homemade Blue Crab Cakes, and Conch Ceviche; Grouper Soup, Mahi Mahi Fish Bites; Shrimp Baskets; lunch time delivers authentic Cuban Sandwiches made from fresh pork, turkey, beef and ham. Sides like Yuca Fries and Tostones, and don’t even think about not trying their homemade Flan! King’s is famous for their Minuta Sandwich, made from snapper or yellowtail, as well as their chock-full of seafood Sopa Marinero. Be sure to check out their wine bar!
Castaway Waterfront Dining; 1406 Oceanview Ave; MM48, Oceanside; 305-743-6247
This is one of the spots for sushi, seafood and steaks, as well as 52 beers on tap and 40 craft beers…and has been for seven decades! The full bar and waterfront location make it a must on your vacation itinerary, especially if you’re looking for some festive entertainment--Castaway’s has awesome live music. Some of the mouth-watering fare available 7 days a week for scrumptious breakfast, lunch and dinner: Sombrero Reef Chopped Salad; Shrimp and Scallop Stuffing; Sautéed Gator; Asian Appetizers; Uramaki, and plenty of original cocktails to sip alongside your meal. Cracked Conch keeps the locals returning regularly.
BEST INTERNATIONAL DINING OPTIONS
Juice Paradise Cuban Café; 2603 Overseas Highway; MM48.5 Oceanside; 305-735-4051
The west end of Marathon is home to a popular spot where you can recharge and hydrate seven days a week, as well as treat yourself to some fresh and delicious fare. The locals appreciate this sweet café for its refreshing tropical juices and smoothies, Cuban breakfasts, pastries, and sandwiches, as well as the energizing espressos, café con leche and cortadito. Juice Paradise received a Certificate of Excellence in 2017 from Trip Advisor, which drew even more vacationers onto the café’s sunny veranda for a relaxing break. Their Cuban Steak Sandwich is the talk of the town; other sumptuous Cuban and Latin American dishes—Tortillas; Choripan, and the Sloppy Cuban, and for dessert—Empanadas, Flan and Galleta.
Frank’s Grill; 11400 Overseas Highway; MM53, Gulfside; 305-289-7772
For 27 years Frank has been Head Culinary Chef, creating Old World family recipes for his faithful local clientele. Frank’s Grill is a welcoming experience and a great place to enjoy your lunch and dinner in an intimate setting, every day but Sunday. This is Italian cuisine that makes you feel as though you’ve flown to Europe. Some of the authentic Italian selections for lunch: Mussels Fra Diablo; Eggplant Parmigiana Sub; Manicotti; and for dinner: Shrimp Scampi; Veal Marsala and Mini Biscotti for dessert. Frank’s most popular dishes: Penne with Vodka Sauce and Veal Chops.
BEST UPSCALE DINING IN MARATHON
Angler & Ale; 540 Duck Key Drive; MM61, Oceanside; 305-209-9991
Located on the docks at Hawks Cay Marina, this waterfront establishment is so popular you should make reservations! The full bar and waterfront location make Angler & Ale a favorite for the locals and a must for those passing through. Their food is raved about from breakfast to dinner, and plenty of folks bring their catch of the day to be prepared by the amazing kitchen. There are plenty of Florida Key’s specials to try; their most popular appetizer is Tuna Nachos; Whole Roasted Snapper for entrée and Duck Island Tea is the drink most swilled. Other savory options: Sweet and Stick Ribs; Bison Burgers and Broiled Florida Lobster Tail. Angler and Ale is winner of the Diners’ Choice 2016 Award.
Plaza Grill; 5101 Overseas Highway; MM49, Oceanside; 305-743-7874
If you’re longing for a treat, a little “white linen” treatment while you dine, this is the place. Locals choose the Plaza Grill for sumptuous celebrations and events because they can count on casual elegance, ambiance and exceptional cuisine. Trip Advisor declared the Grill “A new best restaurant in the Middle Florida Keys.” Chef William Hunt prepares, alongside his team, fresh local seafood, char-grilled steaks, and pasta, fresh seasonal salads. Some of the offerings: Charcuterie Board with assorted meats and cheeses; Flame-kissed Olives; Teppanyaki Stir Fry; Double Boned Pork Chop; Plaza’s Own Linguini, and a number of ever-changing sweet desserts. They do offer early bird dining options on occasion.
Lighthouse Grill at Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club; 1996 Overseas Highway; MM48.5, Gulfside; 305-743-9018
Locals know this is one sweet spot to sip a cocktail—the elegant veranda overlooks the water right beside the historic lighthouse. Whether you crave a happy hour with a stunning view, or an eclectic menu, make sure you put the charming Lighthouse Grill top on your list. You’ll find their doors open all day long, from 11 am to 11 pm, so the options for sipping, dining and relaxing are endless. Locals crave their Dock-to-Table Fish, and there’s so much more to consider: Shrimp Veracruz; Golden Raisin Polenta; Wild Mushrooms; Paella; Lobster Macaroni and Cheese. Key Lime Martinis are one of the fabulous and preferred cocktails to sip on the veranda. Lighthouse Grill has an excellent early bird dining menu. Be sure to check it out.
Now that we’ve got you hungry, get here quick! You’ll be amazed at the delicious restaurants in Marathon Florida.
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