Roadside Food Stops on Overseas Highway: A Culinary Journey from Miami to Key West
The Overseas Highway, stretching approximately 113 miles (181 kilometers) from Miami to Key West, is not just an engineering marvel linking the Florida Keys with the mainland—it’s also a paradise for food lovers. As you drive along US-1, hopping across bridges and tiny tropical islands, you’ll find an array of roadside food stops that serve fresh seafood, tropical fruit shakes, Cuban specialties, and quintessential Floridian treats like Key lime pie.
This article highlights some of the most iconic and must-try food spots along the Overseas Highway, organized in order from north (starting in Florida City) to south (ending in Key West).
1. Robert Is Here – Florida City
Location: Just before you officially start the Overseas Highway
Famous For: Fruit shakes, exotic fruits, local honey
Though not technically on the Keys, Robert Is Here is a legendary roadside fruit stand in Florida City and an essential first stop. Established in 1959, this spot is famed for its massive selection of tropical fruits like guanabana, mamey sapote, passionfruit, and starfruit. Their handmade fruit milkshakes, like mango-pineapple or key lime-banana, are the perfect start to your journey. The stand also sells local honey, jams, salsas, and even hot sauces.
2. Key Largo Fisheries Backyard Café – Key Largo
Location: Key Largo (Mile Marker 99)
Famous For: Lobster Reuben, fish tacos, conch fritters
Just as you enter Key Largo, stop by the Key Largo Fisheries Backyard Café, a hidden gem behind a working fish market. The setting is casual, with picnic tables and marina views, but the food is top-notch. Try their Lobster Reuben sandwich—an island twist on the deli classic—or their fish tacos made with the freshest catch of the day. This is also a good place to try conch fritters, a Keys specialty.
3. Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen – Key Largo
Location: Key Largo (Mile Marker 99.4)
Famous For: Homemade Key lime pie, burgers, breakfast
Another Key Largo institution, Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen has been a staple since the 1970s. It offers a quirky, retro diner-style vibe with license plates covering the walls. Their Key lime pie is widely considered one of the best in the Keys—creamy, tangy, and served chilled with whipped cream. Whether you stop for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’ll get hearty portions of comfort food with a tropical flair.
4. Islamorada Fish Company – Islamorada
Location: Islamorada (Mile Marker 81.5)
Famous For: Fresh seafood, oceanfront dining
Located at the World Wide Sportsman complex, the Islamorada Fish Company offers classic seafood dishes with stunning waterfront views. Dine dockside and watch tarpon swimming in the clear shallows. Their coconut shrimp, smoked fish dip, and mahi-mahi sandwiches are crowd-pleasers. It’s also a great spot for a sunset meal.
5. Midway Café – Islamorada
Location: Islamorada (Mile Marker 80.5)
Famous For: Breakfast, baked goods, smoothies
Midway Café is a cheerful and colorful roadside café that’s ideal for breakfast or a coffee break. Their menu includes fresh pastries, quiches, and sandwiches, and they cater well to vegetarians and gluten-free diners. Smoothies and espresso drinks are served with a smile, and there’s a lovely garden patio to relax in before you continue your drive.
6. The Hungry Tarpon – Robbie’s Marina, Islamorada
Location: Islamorada (Mile Marker 77.5)
Famous For: Breakfast tacos, dockside dining, feeding tarpon
The Hungry Tarpon is located within Robbie’s Marina, a must-visit roadside attraction famous for letting visitors hand-feed massive tarpon fish. Their dockside restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Go for the fish tacos or the “Trailer Trash Bloody Mary” complete with shrimp, olives, bacon, and jalapeños. Enjoy the breezy atmosphere and keep your camera ready—pelicans and tarpon always put on a show.
7. Keys Fisheries – Marathon
Location: Marathon (Mile Marker 49)
Famous For: Lobster Reuben, stone crab claws, sunset views
Right in the heart of the Keys, Keys Fisheries is another iconic seafood shack with marina-side seating. Their Lobster Reuben is so famous it’s often imitated across the region. You’ll also find perfectly chilled stone crab claws (in season) and tuna nachos. Try to time your visit for sunset; the view from the dock is unforgettable.
8. 7 Mile Grill – Marathon
Location: Just before the Seven Mile Bridge (Mile Marker 47)
Famous For: Breakfast, conch chowder, Key lime pie
Established in 1954, 7 Mile Grill is one of the oldest continually operating restaurants in the Keys. It’s a casual stop with a retro vibe and a large menu featuring conch chowder, grilled fish, and hearty breakfasts. Many travelers recommend their coconut cream pie as well.
9. No Name Pub – Big Pine Key
Location: Big Pine Key (Off US-1 on Watson Blvd)
Famous For: Pizza, burgers, dollar-bill-covered walls
A bit off the main road, No Name Pub is a quirky, historic dive bar and restaurant covered in thousands of dollar bills. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Big Pine Key, this hidden spot is perfect for those looking for something offbeat. Their pizza and fish sandwiches are local favorites, and you might spot the endangered Key deer on your way there.
10. Kiki’s Sandbar – Little Torch Key
Location: Little Torch Key (Mile Marker 28.5)
Famous For: Waterfront dining, fish tacos, tropical drinks
Kiki’s Sandbar is a beachfront tiki-style restaurant with an unbeatable laid-back vibe. Dine with your toes in the sand while enjoying Caribbean-style seafood, coconut rice, and frozen cocktails. It's a favorite for kayakers and paddleboarders who can pull up right to the beach.
11. El Siboney Restaurant – Key West
Location: Key West (Margaret St. & North Roosevelt Blvd)
Famous For: Authentic Cuban cuisine
Once you reach Key West, you'll find no shortage of restaurants, but El Siboney stands out for its affordable, authentic Cuban fare. Locals swear by the roast pork with black beans and rice, plantains, and the Cuban coffee. It’s an unpretentious spot, ideal for a hearty meal after your long drive.
12. Blue Heaven – Key West
Location: Petronia Street, Bahama Village
Famous For: Lobster Benedict, Key lime pie, garden seating
To cap off your journey, visit Blue Heaven, a whimsical open-air restaurant known for its funky vibe, chickens roaming the yard, and one of the best breakfasts in Key West. Their Key lime pie, piled with mile-high meringue, is iconic. It’s a perfect finale to your food-focused road trip.
Final Tips for the Road
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Timing is key: Many of these stops are best during daylight or early evening for the freshest food and views.
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Keep cash: A few smaller spots might prefer cash or have limited card service.
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Plan for traffic: Especially on weekends or holidays, traffic can slow you down. Make food stops a fun part of the delay!
Conclusion
The Overseas Highway isn’t just a drive—it’s a culinary adventure. Whether you’re savoring freshly caught lobster in Marathon, sipping a guava milkshake in Florida City, or indulging in Key lime pie at nearly every stop, the route offers a smorgasbord of roadside delights. With tropical flavors, waterfront views, and local charm, these food stops make the journey as rewarding as the destination. So pack your appetite and hit the road—the Florida Keys are waiting.
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