Marker 88

Right at Mile Marker 88 in Islamorada, Marker 88 pairs a private natural beach on Florida Bay with panoramic sunset views, swaying palms, and beachfront fire pits. It’s upscale yet relaxed and professionally run, accessible by land or sea with a large parking lot and plenty of moorage. The secret to its success is simple: take typical Keys fare and add really good twists that elevate the flavors all the way to awesome.

The non-negotiable order is the Crab Cake — loaded with lump crab meat, seasoned to perfection, made fresh to order, and served over Pommery mustard. It’s simply incredible, and we’d call it the best crab cake in the Keys. Start, too, with the Coconut Shrimp, freshly battered with an out-of-this-world mango chutney, or the Fried Calamari topped with Thai chili sauce. For entrées, the Grilled Mahi Caesar is loaded with freshly grilled mahi mahi, and the Alligator Reef Salad piles on lump crab and shrimp. Try the 88 Relaxer or a Blood Orange Margarita, catch the live music, and take a tip from seasoned diners: order the Cuban Sandwich to go — even hours later, it’s spot on.

Featured in our Florida Keys locals’ guide — We actually eat there.