Kay5

Looking for the New England equivalant to diner-style, low-key, where-the-locals-eat places (clam shacks) in the mid Florida Keys. The Hungry Tarpon sounds interesting, however I'ld love to hear of other favorite lunch & dinner seafood places.

Also any Off-the-beaten-track sites to visit? The bird rehabilitation center sounds interesting, and maybe the Fossil Reef State Park.

Thanks in advance!

Budman

I like the "Half-Shell Raw Bar" in Key West. Their motto is "Eat It Raw." They have great t-shirts also.

Budman

ttt.

Larry1

In the middle Keys, the 7 mile grill kind of fits your decription, except it isn't a "clam-shack" in the sense that a clam shack usually features fried seafood. The 7 mile grill has all types of food, but certainly is a "low-key, where-the-locals-eat place".

Kay5

Thanks! Seven Mile Grill sounds like it fits the bill. Just up the road I see the Cracked Conch Cafe (MM49.5) and Keys Fisheries - any comments on these?

Probably won't go to Key West this trip (been there done that), but thanks for the reply Budman. I regret that we never had our picture taken by the monument at the southern most point in the US, so we may do a quick diversion that way afterall.

bookhall

Though it's upper Keys (Key Largo,) I cannot pass up Mrs. Mac's Kitchen. It's about MM99.5. And several times a year, I start salivating, thinking about their onion rings. A serious local's shack. Get the fish basket with onion rings instead of the fries. You won't be sorry...

keysmom

For off the beaten track, feed the tarpon at Robbies (mm 77 - bayside) right behind the Hungry Tarpon. You buy a bucket of fish for $2 or so. These fish are prehistoric looking and vary large. Warning -- if it is very cold and windy, the fish may not come.

Kay5

Just returned and wanted to report that the 7 Mile Grill was great for what I was I looking for. Wonderful shrimp bisque (in a mushroom base) and conch fritters and fried oysters.

There had been a bad car accident right in front of Robbie's, so we couldnt feed the tarpon