Every once in a while we head up the Florida Keys to visit with friends. And of course, going to new restaurants is always on my list of things to do. Well, the Green Turtle is not exactly new, but I had not eaten here for about twelve years, so I thought that it was about time to give it a try again when we found ourselves in Islamorada early one morning.
Started in the late 1940’s by Sid and Roxie Siderious, the original roadside cafe served turtle steaks, soups, and chowders to local fishermen and visitors to the area. Soon the Turtle became quite famous. It has had quite a makeover since the old days, and today it is an relaxed yet elegant eatery in the Upper Keys serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
My friends in the Upper Keys are always raving about how great the breakfast at The Green Turtle Inn is, so my husband and I decided to forgo our usual Islamorada breakfast haunts and try something different.
We ordered coffee to start, which I am sad to say was awful. I never even finished one cup.
My husband splurged and ordered pancakes which he enjoyed with warm maple syrup. I did taste these and they were fine, but I have to preface this information with the fact that I really do not care for pancakes. I am more of a crepes girl!
I was on the fence about ordering Shrimp and Grits, Captain’s French Toast or the Bimini Waffle, but I ended up going with the Shrimp and Grits and I think I made a great decision there. The shrimp were huge and cooked perfectly and melded great with the big bowl of creamy cheese grits. I was a bit annoyed that the chef left the tails on the shrimp which were difficult to remove as they were covered in grits.
Our waitress was friendly and bubbly, something that I have found to be unusual for the area. All in all we really enjoyed our breakfast and we would likely come back again. Next time I will order tea rather than coffee though!
Before deciding where you are going to eat while visiting Key West or the rest of the Florida Keys, be sure to read my other restaurant reviews too; check out our restaurant review section of this blog as well as our previous restaurant reviews.
And to see what is happening on Key West during your visit, check out our Key West Events Calendar to see other upcoming special events. For more information about the fun side of Key West… things to do and see in our island city, go to our Key West Web Site.
Feel free to Email Me if you have any questions about Key West!!
Island Genn
Key West Concierge
