Looking for coffee, seafood, and a view? You’re looking for Marathon in the Florida Keys! We loved it so much and can’t wait to go back one day soon. Here are our favorite places to eat, along with photos. I hope you brought your appetite!
Curly’s Coffee
Don’t miss this little roadside stand! It may look small, but it’s popular with both tourists and locals in Marathon. They only sell coffee and smoothies, so it’s not going to be your prime breakfast spot, but they’re open daily, and the sisters who work here are so friendly!
I got their iced raspberry mocha, which was exactly the pick-me-up I needed after the drive from Islamorada and a hike through a nature trail. Steve wanted me to surprise him, so I got him a caramel frappe! We were both pleased.
Cracked Conch Cafe
You know what I like about some of the restaurants in the Keys? The ones that do breakfast serve it all day! This diner is a casual, seat yourself place with a nice porch-bar they call the Flying Lizard. Steve got the House Salad with Conch and Bleu Cheese dressing, but I went all in for their conch and white cheddar omelette with fresh fruit for my lunch.
Burdine’s Waterfront
We got takeout from here, but I highly recommend dining in to enjoy their views! When I called to place our order the hostess was so nice, and when I arrived to pick it up, she checked to see if my order was ready. When she came back, she told me the chef said to tell me hi. I told her that was so nice, and she smiled as she explained, “That means your food’s not ready. Have a seat, dear!” I thought that was hilarious, and I was more than happy to sit and enjoy their large, open-air dining area. A few minutes later, she brought out the food, and I was on my way.
The Shrimp Burger was very flavorful and heavy on the shrimp, light on the filler. Steve’s Mahi Reuben was a unique, seaside twist on the favorite—I might have had a bite myself! FYI, their sandwiches do not come with fries, but you can order a generous-sized side of them if you like. Don’t worry, though, you won’t end your meal hungry, even without the fries!
But you should end your meal with their version of Key Lime Pie! It’s of the whipped variety, so it’s almost lighter than air. Their crust is a melt-in-your-mouth complement to the filling, and I’m pretty sure I could eat one of those every day for the rest of my life and never get tired of it.
Another whipped version can be found at Lorelei’s in Islamorada!
7 Mile Grill
This was a great breakfast spot right before we drove over the 7 Mile Bridge! If you’re looking for a breakfast with seafood, look elsewhere, but if you want a great breakfast sandwich or a hearty Monte Cristo, this is the place for you! Service was friendly, the whole place was open-air, and did I mention the food was delicious?
Food for Thought
I liked this place, and I’m not even vegan! It’s a health food store in a little shopping center, but when I saw they had acai bowls, they went to the top of my “to do” list! Oh, and they’re within walking distance of the Crane Point Museum and Nature Center. It was the perfect place for a late lunch after our hike!
TJ’s Tiki Bar at Tranquility Bay
We got lazy on our last day in Marathon and ordered take out from the hotel’s tiki bar! We thought it might be sub-par, since they have a captive audience of hotel guests after all, but everything was tasty! The pizza was extra cheesy, the coconut shrimp was flavorful, and while the key line pie didn’t travel well, it tasted good!
Sunset Grille
Despite it’s name this place was amazing for breakfast! The views of the Atlantic and the 7-mile bridge can’t be beat, and the service was friendly and quick. Steve got the Greek omelette, which included spinach, feta and tomatoes, along with tasty potatoes and toast. Their Florida Seafood omelette came with large pieces of lobster, shrimp, and crab, giving my tummy all the seaside Florida vibes. It’s all open-air, and they have a pool and tiki bar out back, too. Pretty unique!
Want more? Check out my World Foods Page for all the best food adventures, and my United States Page for everything you need to know to plan your trip to the Keys!
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