Can’t Miss Restaurants in the Upper Keys
No Florida Keys vacation would be complete without at least a few visits to local restaurants to explore some of the flavors for which the Keys have become so well-known. At Mangrove Marina, we are always happy to recommend our personal favorites as well as some top local hot spots. Be sure to check out these five can’t miss restaurants the next time you visit the Upper Keys.
1. Key Largo Fisheries Backyard Cafe
Here at the KLF Backyard Cafe, you can enjoy some of the freshest seafood that you can find anywhere. This local fish market is known for catching, processing, and serving its own fresh seafood, making it the ideal place for you and your family to enjoy top-quality Florida lobster rolls, conch fritters, and Mahi fingers along with fun appetizers and refreshing drinks. The atmosphere is laid-back and Florida Keys-casual, and there’s a little something for everyone. The cafe opens at 11 a.m. and is located at 1313 Ocean Bay Drive, Key Largo, FL.
Mrs. Mac’s is a classic Keys’ favorite. Breakfast is served from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m., and includes everything from traditional eggs and omelets to grits and fish and crab cake benedict. The full menu starts at 11 a.m., and you can choose from a variety of tasty Keys treats, such as conch salad, alligator tenders, and plenty of fish, burgers, and chicken. Don’t forget to finish your meal off with a slice of cool key lime pie! You can find the kitschy Mrs. Mac’s at 99336 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL.
3. Harriette’s
Harriette’s is a local legend. Located on the Overseas Highway, Harriette’s has a warm, family feeling. While the restaurant has a nice menu filled with family-friendly favorites, such as pancakes, steak-and-eggs, and biscuits-and-gravy, what really keeps people coming back are their muffins. Freshly baked and absolutely enormous, Harriette’s muffins are positively legendary with fresh Florida Keys’ flavors such as key lime and coconut as well as more exotic flavors, such as bacon maple and guava cream cheese. Whether you come for breakfast or dinner, be sure to take some muffins back to your Mangrove Marina houseboat rental for a snack later. Find Harriette’s at 95710 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL.
4. Dillon’s Pub
Dillon’s offers a relaxed hangout for family-friendly dining and laid-back sporting events. Here, you can find a variety of favorites, such as Thai Grouper and coconut-crusted shrimp while watching your favorite teams on one of nine HDTVs or the 116-inch projector screen. Before you go, check out the full-service bar and liquor store. Find Dillon’s Pub at 91200 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL.
5. Ballyhoo’s
Add a little kick to your vacation at Ballyhoo’s, which serves up great food with a Cajun flair. Here, you can try New Orleans BBQ shrimp, Cajun pasta, or a sweet potato burger with jalapeno jelly. Remember to add some boiled peanuts for a just-spicy-enough appetizer and finish your meal with bourbon pecan pie or some cool key lime pie. Find Ballyhoo’s at 97860 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL.
Whether you are visiting for a day or longer, Mangrove Marina makes a great home base. Our top-rated houseboats are perfect for a weekend stay or longer while our marina has everything you need for fishing, boating, or other outdoor activities. Visit Mangrove Marina today to start planning your next Florida Keys vacation.
