Wahoo’s At Whale Harbor

Big-ass seafood and boat dock complex in Islamorada.

What we had:

I had the grilled mahi sandwich–although my fish was burnt, the non-burnt parts tasted nice and the fillet hadn’t dried out too much. The bun was kinda wimpy (just a generic grocery store burger bun) and there was no dressing on the sandwich. Ok, now that I’m spelling it out, this wasn’t a great sandwich, but I was starving and it was chilly on the deck, so I wanted to choke it down and get out of there.

My DH had a burger, which he seemed to enjoy.

We took the NY escapee, and she liked her chicken ceasar salad and loved her cheese fries (whale fries on the menu).

Décor:

We sat on the back deck overlooking the boats. It was kinda windy & cold in the shade that day, and I was already aggravated.

Service:

So-so.

Overall impressions:

This place is huge. Wahoo’s itself is pretty large, with a good sized deck and a separate connector walkway/bar/seating area leading to the (2 stall only!!) bathroom. On the other end of the connector is a seafood buffet. Looks like a racuous place to grab a beer, but i’m not sure if i would like to stay long enough to pee. The food was serviceable but not special.

Rating:

3 out of 5 salamanders

Tom’s Harbor House

The main restaurant on Duck Key. The whole Key is basically Hawks Cay Resort (not my favorite place), this restaurant (which may or may not be affiliated), some tour boats & a pro shop/convenience store (affiliation also unknown).

What we had:

The meal started with hands-down the best conch fritters I’ve ever eaten. The perfectly-fried fritters had actual, discernable conch, nice flavor & a nice bite of spice.

I had the Mahi wrapped in banana leaves with Key lime butter, mixed veggies & coconut milk rice. OMG this dish was awesome. Almost regretted it, but I finished every bite. The fish was tender & perfect, the veggies were a nice mix that included vibrant red peppers, and the rice… The rice was fan-freaking-tabulous & I must make it at home.

My DH had the whole steamed w/crispy skin Yellowtail Snapper, which was also great (but not as great) and came served with veggies & rice.

Décor:

Non-obnoxious nautical with lots of honeyed wood.

Service:

Prompt & personable.

Overall impressions:

Mmmmmmmmmmm

Rating:

4 out of 5 salamanders

The Wreck & Galley

Sports-ish bar & grill right past Duck Key in the Florida Keys.

What we had:

I had the local-caught Grouper sandwich. The huge filet Grouper was delicate & flaky, the batter not overwhelming & the accompanying remoulade-reminescent sauce played a nice counterpoint.

My DH’s chicken sandwich was flavorful & juicy.

Décor:

Typical Keys bar with stapled dollar bill decor, light sports memoribilia & light nautical theme.

Service:

Friendly & prompt.

Overall impressions:

A great start to our vacation.

Rating:

3.5 out of 5 salamanders