528 Caribbean Dr, Key Largo, FL 33037

If I had to pick the most fun activity I participate in while vacationing in the Florida Keys, it would certainly be snorkeling. There was a fantastic snorkeling trip my family took far into the ocean where we were able to swim a myriad of fish including the rare sights of barracuda and pufferfish. Right when we docked. we were absolutely spent. It takes a good amount of work to be able to snorkel. It was great to see that right above the dock was Skippers Dockside, a simple, Tiki looking eatery that was exactly the right thing for our current state. Absolutely starved, we decided to give it a shot.

The dockside area was surprisingly not very loud. The atmosphere in general was very chill, as everyone seemed to be here for a similar purpose: to relax. If we were eating later, we might have been able to catch a live performance on the outside dock where we sat, and it no rock and roll, but rather some simple guitar and even ukulele performances. The view of the water and all the boats on a bright, sunny day, with the wind flowing slowly through the crisp air, freshening the scene and the experience. Once in a while a boat would pass down and the captain would wave to the customers. There is a charm to the siple, wooden design of the exterior with a straw roof up above. When we took our seats, we were seated on high chairs, and maybe it’s just me, but I am not a fan of high chairs. Nevertheless, it was actually more fitting for the outdoor setting, so I didn’t let it bother me.

• 

• 

The biggest mood ruiner for me was the music playing from the speakers. Before I even get to the food, I have to point out the awful music blasted from the speakers. If it wasn’t outdated, 2000s pop, it was distilled, toned down country and honky tonk. I would rather have, since the restaurant has a beautiful setting filled with the sounds of gulls and breeze, no music at all. If if had to be something, maybe some reggae, Caribbean Conch, or even some classical. Quite a disappointment.

But now back to the main purpose for why I’m writing, to review the food. I was in the mood for the most classic recipe to order in an area with fresh ingredients, fish and chips. Usually my choices are exotic and conventional, but I was in the mood for a simple, yet stunning dish. The fresh elements of a recipe that I can’t easily get at just any place should separate these fish and chips from the ones that are not by the coast. The twist that Skippers Dockside offers is a side of mango coleslaw.

The presentation is an A+ in all aspects. The fish looked perfect with the beer batter covering its entirety. When done incorrectly, the batter will look flat, and with no texture. These looked nice and airy and crisp, the sign of a perfectly cooked meal. The fries were spiced with Chesapeake Bay seasoning, but there was very little sprinkled upon them. At least there wasn’t enough to be noticable. The mango coleslaw though was terrific. The Keys are known for their phenomenal coleslaw recipes, and this may be my favorite of all time. The problem is that I think the coleslaw overshadowed the rest of the meal, and there was so little of it.

The fish did not really taste like all that much. Usually the beer flavor should pop off not just the batter but the fish as well. There was no such pop. If anything the fish was a little but floury, as if not all of it cooked all the way. To say more, the amount of fish, just two slabs, was a little bit less than expected, especially for a full price of $21. As I said before, there was no taste in on the fries except that Bay seasoning, but there was not enough. As firm and crusty they were, they were the kind of fries that needed to have ketchup. The meal was good. Not too special, but it was good. My dad’s sandwich was terrific to him, and was presented even better than mine, so I guess it really depends on what you order.

Price: $$

Service: 6/10

Setting: 7/10

Food: 6/10