Island Fish Co. Restaurant & Tiki Bar // Marathon, Florida Keys
Island Fish Co.
On our dive trip to the Florida Keys, we planned a stop for lunch at the Island Fish Co. on Marathon. We were working on a plastic-free vacation, and had a few hiccups here, but we really enjoyed the food. Conch salad, fish tacos, a mojito, rum punch, and fried Key Lime pie!
Waterfront Location
Located on the water, the Island Fish Co. on Marathon Key has wonderful views toward the Northwest, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
Across from the restaurant is a marina that had several empty dock slips. We wondered if everyone was out fishing or diving!
While dining, we sat by the water and watched fish swimming right by our table. A few birds flew by; seagulls and pelicans.
There is a bar area where you could order food. Smoking is allowed at the bar. There also are tables next to the water under awnings or tables and booths further from the water under roof.
Yummy Food!
Traditionally, conch salad has conch, tomato, onion, and green pepper. This one was served with tortilla chips and lemon. It was nice and spicy!
So, here’s a Bahamian trick for you – sometimes, in even the nicest outside venues, flies come by your table. A dab of hot sauce at North, South, East, and West – or any direction you prefer – will keep flies at bay.
Fish tacos with lime, black beans and rice. Mmmmm! Sitting waterside, watching the birds and boats come and go; we felt officially “in the Keys” and like our vacation had begun.
Refreshing Tropical Drinks
For this trip, Bill contemplated sampling the mojitos at each stop. That didn’t actually happen, but when this tall one arrived in a frosty glass, we were pleased. Also, we were a bit confused. We had thought that in the Florida Keys, surrounded by ocean and reefs, we wouldn’t see any plastic straws. Even though we said, “No straws!” there was one provided anyway.
I usually opt for something sweeter; a daiquiri or pina colada. This pina colada came with a bit of nutmeg on top! That’s how I love them!
However, strangely, it arrived in a plastic cup with another straw. The restaurant was not packed full, so we’re not sure why the switch to plastic.
Dessert
Fried Key Lime Pie – oh, wow! I had never heard of this culinary delight. Well, anything fried has to be good, right?
This piece is the size of a pear – quite enough for two to share.
Interesting – Helo Pad
At the end of the Island Fish Co. parking lot, past this adorable cottage, there was a helo pad. We took note of that in case… well, in case someone famous arrived by helicopter, we would know where they were landing!
So, that means you can reach the restaurant by land, sea, or air! In case you need it – here’s the FAA Information on The Island Fish Co Heliport. It was in active use beginning September, 1987, and permission is required prior to landing. Call (305) 393-2595 or (305) 743-4191. It’s first come, first served, information here, FDOT Registered. SkyVector for 2FD5.
If you prefer, there is room for float planes at the dock as well.
We Failed Our Plastic-Free Goal
On a quest for a single-use plastic-free vacation, we neglected to ask enough questions and observe enough people’s plates and glasses. We took another photo like this without the straws, but, this was our reality.
If we had paid more attention, we could have asked that all condiments be put directly on our plates. We didn’t realize they would not be in a dispenser brought to the table, but would be presented in multiple plastic cups with lids.
Drat! Blindsided by plastic. Later we realized that even if we had asked for the condiments to be put directly on our plates, probably someone would have dumped them out of the cups in the back and they would have ended up in the trash either way.
Does anyone know why they do this? Is it so they are not sitting in a common-use dispenser sitting out in the heat? Is it to same time? Please let me know!
What to Read Next:
Attempting a Plastic-Free Vacation in the Florida Keys
Something you can do right now: to eliminate the single-use plastic in your life and on vacations
Bring your own toiletries when you travel. Make sure they are in biodegradable containers. Avoid the hotel minis if there is any questions of recycle-ability.
This Reef Sentinel Kit has everything you need for travel; sunscreen, shampoo/bodywash, leave-in conditioner, and sting relief. Perfect sizes and the tubes are made of sugar cane resin; completely biodegradable.
Stream2Sea has generously given me a discount code “KimW” for you to use at the checkout at checkout to save 10%. Using my link does not increase your price. You actually get a discount, and I receive a small portion of the sale. This allows me to buy more sunscreen for myself and my vacation crew.
Updated August 25, 2019.
