81901 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Looking for a quick spot to eat after a long, skin-burning day at the beach? Nearby the many locations for tanning under a palm tree in Islamorada is the famous Shrimp Shack. It’s not just famous because Guy Fieri said it was, but it’s the hot spot where all the locals go to chill out and eat some fried treats from the sea. A family run business going strong since 2011, serving only the most classic food from Keys, their menu is one uncomparable from the rest of the nearby islands.

When my family and I had arrived, it was very crowded, full of cheerful men and women of all ages, but people who seemed to be as much of locals as tourists. It was late when I walked through the doors of the restaurant, and it was soon to close. The waitress up front was delighted to say that it was not going to be an issue if we were to stay over closing time. She led us through a weird baby blue colored wooden hallway into the main dining room. The room was dimly lit by red lanterns above the bordered tables. Since it was late in the day, the portholes of windows decorated with cartoony sea creatures gave out no light. It was a clever theme choice, to have it mimic the interior of a ship. Lots of decoration around the entrance as you first walk in, renaissance style ships, but the baby blue seems off. It doesn’t look like the sky or the sea, so it just feels out of place.

The waiters and waitresses were fabulous to talk to and be around. They seemed passionate about the restaurant, always smiling with a great sense of humor. It felt as if they truly enjoyed where they worked. Our table’s waitress knew the menu down to every martini and cocktail, and even knew where all the main ingredients came from. She was very helpful even with giving us information of the hot spots of the island, such as the best spots for snorkeling, hiking, and even fishing.

Now, time for the food. I ordered something that I have never had in my life, alligator. Farm raised and butchered, the Po Boys Gator Sandwich was an experience I will probably always remember. I took the opportunity of vacationing in the state of the Everglades to eat one of its many beasts. As a side, I ordered hush puppies; that as well is a first for me.

Quite the hearty portion of meat for one sandwich. It was impossible to fold the bun and eat it as one normally would consume a sandwich, and it was a little bit sad that I had to cut it up with a knife and fork, but I shouldn’t complain as the amount of meat for $11.99 is an effusive deal. My first bite was the hush puppies, and as my teeth sunk into the warm, moist ball of cornmeal, it was like melted gold. The gator was quite the interesting meat. It was not in the slightest bit gaimy, and it would seem rude if I said it tasted like chicken. The best way to compare the flavor of gator is of conch (or like calamari) and pork.

Together the meal was phenomenal. Usually, eating large amounts of deep fried food creates an uncomfortable, bloated feeling in my stomach, but not the gator. There was not a lot of oil used, and it relied in the seasoning and the natural feel of alligator. The contrast of the crispy crust and the soft, interior matched well with a soothing tartar sauce. Everything was cooked in a balanced harmony. To add on, as an extra on the great quality of the place, my dad got a coconut fried fish sandwich with pina colada sauce, and that was a melodious recipe. For the rather inexpensive prices of the food, the quality and the service is unmatched by other surrounding restaurants in Islamorada.

Price: $—$$

Service: 9/10

Setting: 7/10

Food: 8/10