We'd decided to stay at Hawk's Cay but want to go off site for the most part for meals. Any recommendations for Duck Key, Marathon, Islamorada? We'll also venture north and then south to Key West so I'll take recommendations for any place along the way! We're anxious to explore as we've never been to the Keys.

I like the Islamorada Fish Company and the restaurant/ bar overlooking the marina at the Bass Sportsman store.

I used the following website in planning. This link takes you to the Marathon area restaurants -
http://www.fla-keys.com/listing.cfm?id=145

We enjoyed going out with Capt. Anne Baxter for a private snorkel trip.

"Morada Bay" on Islmorada...MM81 just north of the Islamorada Fish Company...has a great sunset beach celebration....sandy beach, adirondack chairs, tiki torches, Light "live" music...etc..

No Name Pub....big Pine Key, on the way towards Key West.

Islamorada there is a buffet "Whale Harbor Inn and Marina". The buffet is dinner only and not that great. However, there is a restaurant upstairs next door - overlooking the water and marine. They have a great salad bar with good conch chowder and clam chowder. They have a "Fish and Chips" that is like no other. Tons of food and very reasonable - under $10. Nice views too !

Barracuda Grill in Marathon is great!
You are smart to go off site for meals when staying at Hawk's Cay: the resort is nice but the restaurants aren't the best.

I agree with the No Name Pub on No Name Key, but as the name implies it can be hard to find, so ask a local when you get to Big Pine. The pizza is great.

I second Morada Bay. We spent a week in Islamorada a while back and once we found it, we stopped eating at other places. Food was great and the atmosphere is pure Keys.