Islamorada Lifestyle

My first trip to Islamorada was much different from my most recent.  I would encourage visitors to observe the speed limit and comply with all of Islamorada PD's requests.  Once you break through the barrier of over-hyped, under-stimulated Isla police force, you will find yourself in the midst of a slow-motion, easy-goin, hand-made, tropical-fruited drink, house-made cocktail wonderland.  

A FEW PLACES TO AVOID:

Lazy Daze.

It's great for the view, but the food, ehhh we can find better.  Besides, WHO HAS A HAPPY HOUR THAT ONLY APPLIES TO THOSE SITTING AT THE 10 SEAT BAR-AREA?!  You read me right.  If you go for an early dinner, or room at the bar is scarce, NO HAPPY HOUR FOR YOU!  As I was told by the local inbred bar-keep, "if we didn't restrict happy hour to just the bar, the whole restaurant would fill up during happy hour."  Well, shit, that would just be horrible for business!  The food is sub-par, nothing fancy, too touristy.

LETS GET REAL

You want the goods?  When in Rome!  You want the best, freshest, straight off the boat STONE CRABS?  Go to Mr. Lobster.  Hell, once you pull up to the docks you'll probably want to add some Yellowfin and Snapper to the menu.  This place is a main importer for restaurants up and down the coast.  BUY LIKE THE WHOLESALERS DO!  Large Stone Crabs caught that day for $14/LB... yes, please.  Your welcome.

That's local livin', no BS tourist cuisine.  Freshest you could ask for.

If I'm in Miami I'll make the 4 hour round trip drive to give my friends the freshest, best tasting stone crab they could ask for... it's worth it... unless your friends are assholes.

Going out for dinner?

Islamorada Fish House.  $25 entrees, freshest fish (no shit) eat outside in a table on the sand, listenin to the live band.  Can't go wrong.

Breakfast after a long night.  Okay, here I stray, but I swear that ROBBIE'S is the best b'fast spot in the Isla.  Sit on the patio and watch Euro tourists feed the hundreds of Tarpons that gather around the docks... but know that the Eggs Benedict, and Corned Beef Hash are the real thing, made from love in a cramped trailer-for-a-kitchen.  MILE MARKER 76, check it out, try the mimosas and enjoy some delish b'fast specials!

Trust Me.