We are heading down the the keys for the first time. We will be staying on Key Largo, but will be driving down to Key West as well. I'm looking for some great seafood in a casual setting along the way. Anyone have any favorite restaurants in the keys?

The square Grouper on Cudjoe Key.

In Key West, we love Seven Fish, Schooner's Wharf, B.O. Fish wagon, Pepe's and Blue Heaven.

Schooner's Wharf is more of an outside bar than a restaurant but they do serve good food in a casual setting.

Have a great time!

Ditto the recommendation for Schooner's Wharf and Blue Heaven, the latter being my fave. In Key Largo, we stopped at a place called the Conch House--I thought their fish tacos were excellent.

I like Lazy Days in Islamorada. The Lorelei in Islamorada is an historic tiki bar with fish sandwiches and casual fare.

In Marathon, the 7 Mile Grill is another landmark casual outdoor cafe at the E end of the bridge.

Mangrove Mamas at MM 21 is a great setting in the mangrove trees. Indoor and outdoor seating. Very good food.

They all sound terrific. I'm looking for laid back and a view would be a bonus. Thanks.

Morada Bay in Islamorada - tables on the beach, excellent food, great service and atmosphere, music, very casual. No reservations.

El Siboney for Cuban food in Key West, lots of locals, very cheap, residential neighborhood so a bit out of the way.

I guess every post needs a naysayer, so I'll volunteer.

In Key West, El Siboney is great, but in my opinion Schooner Wharf Bar should stick to drinks and forget the food. We've tried eating there off and on over the years and finally threw in the towel. Key West is FILLED with really good restaurants, both casual and fine - Schooner Wharf Bar is not one of them.

That's great you will love the Keys!

Two great restaurants in Islamorada are Squid Row Restaurant and Marker 88. Squid Row is a casual place that concentrates on seafood, as the name suggests. There is also indoor and outdoor seating for which ever one you prefer.

Marker 88 is also a great place to dine on seafood and take in the great views of the Florida Bay.

I'm looking forward to checking out as many of these places as possible! Thanks.

ttt

I thought I'd give an update after our trip. Unfortunately, due to a family member ending up in the hosp, the trip had to be cut short, and thus, Key West was eliminated. We were able to get to several of the recommended restaurants, all of which we were very happy with. We enjoyed sitting in a glider [with table] at water's edge, at Marker 88, and enjoyed our seafood dishes. The setting was a perfect way to kick off our time there. We loved Morada Bay with the beautiful scenery, tables at water's edge, very good food, and great service. We also got to the Conch House, and had wonderful service, and loved the laid back charm of the place. Our time in the keys went way too fast. What a great place to unwind!