Best Fruit Shake at Robert Is Here Stand

 Best Fruit Shake at Robert Is Here Stand: A Must-Stop Refreshment on the Road to the Florida Keys

If you're planning a road trip to the Florida Keys via the famed Overseas Highway, there's a name you'll likely hear whispered by travelers, locals, and food lovers alike: Robert Is Here. Located in Florida City, right at the gateway to the Florida Keys, this colorful fruit stand has grown from a simple roadside stall into a full-blown tropical institution. One of the biggest reasons for its fame? The fruit shakes—refreshing, creamy, exotic, and made to order with fresh-picked ingredients.

Whether you're a returning visitor or discovering it for the first time, Robert Is Here is a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates authentic, farm-fresh flavors and the charm of old-school hospitality. But among its produce, jams, jellies, and honey, it’s the fruit shakes that have become legendary. So, what makes them so special, and which ones should you try?

A Brief History of Robert Is Here

Robert Is Here started humbly in 1959 when six-year-old Robert Moehling was set up by his father on the roadside to sell cucumbers from the family farm. To attract attention, a sign was placed reading “Robert Is Here.” Over the decades, the stand evolved, expanded, and gained fame far beyond South Florida. Today, it offers a vast selection of tropical fruits—many unfamiliar to the average visitor—like sapodilla, black sapote, guanabana, canistel, jackfruit, and mamey sapote.

The shake bar is one of the stand’s most popular attractions, and every fruit shake is made fresh to order using the fruit sold onsite. Customers can choose their own combinations or go with the staff’s recommendations.

Why Are the Fruit Shakes So Special?

The magic of Robert Is Here shakes lies in quality and freshness. Every fruit used is grown locally or on Robert’s own farm, and many of them are picked ripe, ensuring they deliver peak flavor. Shakes are blended with either milk or ice cream, resulting in a thick, creamy texture that’s perfect for sipping on a hot Florida day.

Another standout feature is the customization—you can mix and match fruits to your heart’s content. Want to blend mango with coconut? Go for it. Curious about how sapodilla tastes with strawberries? Just ask. The staff are knowledgeable and happy to help guide your choices.

The Best Fruit Shakes to Try

While almost any combination at Robert Is Here is delicious, some shakes have achieved cult status. Here are the standout favorites:

1. Mango & Coconut Shake

Flavor Profile: Tropical, smooth, sweet

This classic tropical pairing is a top-seller and a favorite for good reason. The rich, buttery sweetness of ripe mango perfectly complements the creamy, slightly nutty flavor of fresh coconut. It’s like sipping sunshine through a straw. Add vanilla ice cream and you’ve got a dessert-worthy treat that still tastes light and refreshing.

2. Guanabana (Soursop) Shake

Flavor Profile: Creamy, tangy, unique

Guanabana, also known as soursop, has a custardy texture and a flavor that’s a mix of strawberry and pineapple with creamy banana notes. Blended into a shake, guanabana is tart but smooth—an exotic, tropical escape in every sip. It’s one of the most requested single-fruit shakes.

3. Key Lime Shake

Flavor Profile: Tangy, sweet, creamy

Given its location near the Keys, it’s only fitting that Robert Is Here serves up a Key Lime shake that rivals any pie. This shake balances tartness with just enough sugar and creamy richness from ice cream or milk. It’s like having Key lime pie in drinkable form.

4. Mamey Sapote Shake

Flavor Profile: Earthy, sweet, with hints of almond and pumpkin

Mamey sapote is a dense, sweet fruit with a texture somewhere between a cooked sweet potato and avocado. Its flavor is rich, almost like sweet pumpkin pie with notes of almond and honey. When blended into a shake, it becomes smooth and indulgent—ideal for those who want something hearty and less conventional.

5. Passionfruit & Strawberry Shake

Flavor Profile: Bright, tangy, and fruity

Passionfruit adds a burst of tropical tang while strawberry offers sweetness and familiarity. Together, these two fruits create a shake that’s both energizing and comforting. It’s a popular choice for kids and adults alike.

6. Black Sapote (Chocolate Pudding Fruit) Shake

Flavor Profile: Mildly sweet, chocolate-like

If you’re curious about the mysterious “chocolate pudding fruit,” this shake is your safest and most delicious introduction. Black sapote has a soft, almost mousse-like consistency and is naturally dark brown when ripe. While it’s not overly sweet, when combined with banana or coconut, it creates a creamy, subtly chocolaty treat.

7. Papaya & Banana Shake

Flavor Profile: Mild, creamy, and comforting

This is a smooth, naturally sweet shake with a mellow flavor. It’s great for those who prefer less tang and more creaminess. Both papaya and banana have a buttery consistency that makes this shake thick, smooth, and soothing.

Pro Tips for Ordering Your Shake

• Customize Wisely: Some fruits are very sweet (like mango), while others are tart (like passionfruit or key lime). Ask staff for balance tips when combining.

• Add Ice Cream: For a richer, dessert-like shake, ask for a scoop of vanilla ice cream instead of milk.

• Go Seasonal: Some fruits are only available during certain times of the year. Try what’s fresh and in season for the best flavor.

• Take a Walk: While waiting for your shake, explore the grounds. There’s a mini-animal farm with goats, tortoises, parrots, and peacocks—a hit with kids and animal lovers.

More Than Just a Shake Stop

What makes Robert Is Here more than just a place to grab a drink is the overall experience. It’s a throwback to a simpler time, where produce is local, people are friendly, and everything is done with care. The outdoor vibe, live music on weekends, tropical atmosphere, and family-run business charm all contribute to making every stop here memorable.

In addition to shakes, visitors can browse homemade jams, fruit preserves, raw honey, hot sauces, and even pickled vegetables. Many products come with samples, so you can taste before you buy.

The Perfect Road Trip Tradition

Robert Is Here isn’t just a fruit stand—it’s become a rite of passage for travelers heading south to the Keys. Whether you're on your way to Key West, the Everglades, or just exploring southern Florida, stopping for a fruit shake here is a refreshing, satisfying tradition that you'll likely want to repeat on every future trip.

With a tropical breeze, colorful fruit displays, and a thick, delicious shake in hand, it’s hard not to feel like you’ve already arrived in paradise—even before reaching the islands.

Final Thoughts

The best fruit shake at Robert Is Here? That depends on your taste—but whether you go with the mango-coconut classic, the exotic guanabana, or craft your own unique blend, you’re in for a delicious experience that reflects the vibrant, flavorful spirit of South Florida. One visit is never enough, and each return brings the chance to discover a new favorite shake. Just be sure to stop, sip, and savor before you head down the highway to the Keys.