7 Mile Grill

A pilgrimage to a Keys institution: the legendary 7 Mile Grill at 1240 Overseas Highway in Marathon, serving fresh seafood and good times since 1954. This cozy, no-frills, dockside gem, nestled next to a marina, is truly timeless — and it still delivers that classic, sun-kissed Keys vibe that keeps us coming back. Our history here started five years ago, when their Blackened Grouper and Blackened Mahi Mahi sandwiches converted a non-fish-eater into a true believer.

This time around, we started with an order of their iconic Conch Fritters, and these weren’t just fritters; they were works of art — deep golden brown on the outside, unbelievably soft and flavorful on the inside, each bite practically tasting of fresh ingredients. We followed with a simple, satisfying basket of fried shrimp: perfectly golden-brown, plump, and juicy, served with crispy, fresh-cut fries, washed down with two ice-cold, gigantic root beers. Pure bliss. And save room for the legendary, made-in-house Key Lime Pie — not overly sweet or overly tart, perfectly balanced, with a graham cracker crust that sings. They offer jet ski rentals and a hook-and-cook option, and a stone’s throw away you’ll find Shiver Me Timbers, their phenomenal ice cream shop. Plenty of parking, and a spot in our top five must-visit locations in the Keys.