Island Grill
Island Grill: 85501 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
After a long weekend in Key West, the South Florida Eats team sought a local eatery on the way home. Lo and behold, we came across Island Grill in Islamorada, FL. We were getting pretty hungry, so we turned around, having passed it as we continued our drive back home. There is water access, and you can even tie up your boat if you prefer, rather than driving a car.
The Restaurant:
Island Grill is located right off of the Overseas Highway, as you head north. There is a good amount of parking, and the restaurant is a pretty good size. You have both inside dining in a small enclosed area and outdoor dining on the large covered patio. They claim to be the home of tuna nachos.
Once inside, you will notice a large number of tables for 4 with chairs. Outside, they occasionally have round tables and one large family-sized table under the trees. A small bar area is located at the back of the restaurant. There is another larger bar located indoors. Island Grill has live music several nights a week, mainly on weekends.
The indoor area has booths and tables for four. The decor has a very nautical feel, and the blue motif adds to this. We decided to sit outdoors as a nice breeze was passing through, making the day even more enjoyable.
Island Grill Menu:
The menus at Island Grill contain mostly seafood, but there is also a mix of pasta, land-loving dishes, and hand-helds. The appetizers begin with many seafood-based items, including Philly cheesesteak egg rolls and fondue. Fresh sushi is available, including large sushi boats. A mix of sandwiches, salads, and soups adorn the 2nd page of the menu.
Mike decided to start with the conch chowder. While it looked tasty, that didn’t follow through once he began to eat it. For being in the Keys, an area famous for its conch soups, this was a bit bland and not something he enjoyed eating. For the main meal, Mike went with the Island Tacos, made from Mahi-Mahi, shredded cabbage, guacamole, sour cream, pico de Gallo, rice, and beans. He ordered his blackened. This was a much better dish, although a bit messy while eating it.
I chose the grilled chicken sandwich, which you can also get crunchy or blackened. They add tomato, onions, and lettuce and serve it on a brioche bun. I opted out of the tomato and lettuce but did add American cheese along with my side of French fries. The fries were actually pretty good. The chicken had been marinated before being grilled and had a very good flavor to it. I could not have been happier with my meal and enjoyed every bite.
Pricing $$-$$$: Drinks will undoubtedly add to the price, but if you are looking for a quick bite on your way to or from the Florida Keys, you might want to check out Island Grill.
