Smell the mixture of salt and mangrove mud as you stare out at impossibly blue-green waters. When I go to Key West, Florida one of my favorite side trip, vacation ideas is visiting Islamorada, Florida. The vibe there is very tropical with lots of food choices and they are known for excellent charter fishing. I decided to stop in at the Islamorada Fish Company restaurant, since I had heard so much about it. I’m glad I did.

You can’t miss the location where the World Wide Sportsman building looms above the palms at MM 81.5. The front lot has a great fresh seafood market and its fun to watch them prep fresh fish behind the counter. When you wander down to the restaurant behind the building on the right, you are greeted with a beautiful Florida Keys water view complete with docks and pelicans. The day I was there was blustery and unusually cool but still comfortable to eat outside. The view is half the meal.

I started with conch chowder and then went with two of my favorites, scallops and cracked conch. The thing about conch is you have to really understand how to make it. It’s very similar to fixing gator tail. They both need tenderizing and proper seasoning. My food was fresh and beautifully cooked. The conch chowder was just right spicy and flavorful. I wish my conch steak was just a teeny bit less chewy but the scallops were perfect and the service was friendly and fast.

This is a good stop in Islamorada, Florida for fresh fish, a meal or a cocktail with a great view. Don’t forget to visit the Zane Grey Bar above World Wide Sportsman for some local color, too. Since they have over 175 outdoor seats, you can usually find a spot to call your own. When you travel to Key West, Florida put this one on your list. It’s not formal or fancy but that’s not why I go to the Keys. See you there. More photos here.

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