I’ve been to Islamorada quite a few times. And because good food is really important to me - the culinary capabilities throughout always lets me down. Pierre’s became nasty. The little restaurant next door is inedible. But - that’s not my focus. For today’s ‘Best of the Best,’ we are here to blow smoke up the A** of Square Grouper Bar & Grill. Recommended to us by the bartender at The Islander, on my drive back to Miami with EIC of Aventura Magazine, the beloved Jacquelynn Powers, we decided to give it a shot.
And thank god we did because IT WAS OUTSTANDING.
Once we checked in, we decided to sit outside under the overhang. Eavesdropping on the table next to us, this couple was telling the server that they often drive down from Miami just for lunch. I would soon understand why. As would Jacquelynn.
As fresh as it gets, the food was perfect. The scene was casual. The parking was a breeze. The beer was local. The fish came straight from the sea - on a boat to your plate. It’s no frills. So with my blessing, bon appetit and DM us if you head on down. We want to know what you think!
The Scene: Islamorada is casual. And that’s to be complimentary. It’s not an insult but it’s the charm of it all, indeed. Square Grouper can be compared to the OG late Miami favorite Shuckers. It’s half indoors, half dockside on a strange canal that boasts a marina. It’s lovely if you want to watch a sports game on their televisions while sipping on a beer. Or a fantastic option if you want to sit on the dock on the bay (cue the song), get some humid Florida air and chill.
What to Eat and Drink: It’s fair to say that every single thing we ate on the menu was DAMN GOOD. Starting off with their deep fried zucchini was the way to go. Extra crispy, it comes with two dipping sauces. Shortly thereafter, I would suggest their special of the day. We had a fresh catch - a Snapper which was also pan fried with panko, and came with a side of rice that had vibrant coconut essence. My girlfriend Jacquelynn ate the fried shrimp. And I may have stolen three from her plate. They also serve beer from the Islamorada Brewing Company across the street. The Iguana Bait has the essence of hibiscus. I purchased 12 to-go!
Don’t Miss: This restaurant. It’s really one of two good restaurants in Islamorada. But, I would say the daily special because its fresh off the boat!
Perfect For: Just drive down from Miami for the day. It’s really worth the gas - even in this horrible Trump priced economy! It’s great to go before you head out on a boat for the day, for a casual lunch, for a casual bar experience or for a simple - and simply fabulous meal.
Expect to Pay: $40 - $60 for an app to share, two entrees and a beer .
How’s the Parking: There is a lot right in front. They make the experience easy and flawless from A-Z.
@thesquaregrouper // 80460 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada,