Doris and I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Square Grouper Bar and Grill in Cudjoe Key, Florida. We were there to meet with Lynn Bell, the founder and owner, in preparation for an upcoming Who’s at The Chef’s Table segment and a video interview for a new series Doris is producing on Unstoppable Women Entrepreneurs. Our time spent at this iconic local gem was nothing short of memorable.

A Local’s Favorite in the Florida Keys

It is clear that Square Grouper is a true staple of the community. One of the best-kept secrets that keeps the locals coming back is the daily $14 Blue Plate special. Our service during this visit was provided by Jenny, whose genuine hospitality and attention to detail added a wonderful, personal touch to the experience.

A Fresh Start: Authentic Seafood

We were treated to several standout items from the menu, starting with something I had never encountered before: Flash Fried Conch with a Ponzu and Wasabi Drizzle. This had to be the most tender conch I have ever tasted in my life. It arrived resembling a delicate, thin chicken cutlet, but possessed an indescribably delicious flavor. Lynn explained that this signature dish has been a menu staple since day one, and I can say with confidence that it is a dish I will return for again and again.

We also sampled the House Smoked Fish Dip, served with jalapeños, red onion, and tomatoes. Crafted with in-house smoked mahi-mahi, the freshness of the fish was undeniable. The balance of flavors—the subtle heat of the jalapeño, the bite of the onion, and the brightness of the tomato—all melded together perfectly. It was a dish I simply could not get enough of, and it is also available at:

Mary Jane’s Closet  22864 Overseas Hwy, Cudjoe Key 305-741-7559

Entrées Done Right

Moving on to our entrees, Doris opted for the Blackened Fish Reuben Wrap, featuring blackened Wahoo, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and Thousand Island dressing. It was a pleasantly delicious surprise; while I expected it to be good, I was impressed by just how well-executed the combination was. Everything on the menu here seems purposefully curated to highlight fresh, local ingredients.

When I asked Lynn about the most popular lunch item, she pointed me toward the Pan Sautéed Fish topped with house onion rings and a Key Lime tartar sauce. One bite confirmed exactly why it is a fan favorite. The fish was fresh and moist, seasoned with precision. The crunch of the fried onions paired with the tartness of the sauce complemented the delicate fish perfectly.

A Sweet Finale

Despite being comfortably full, our server insisted we could not leave without sampling the homemade desserts. Everything is prepared in-house, and given our location in the Florida Keys, the choice was obvious: the famous Key Lime Pie. It is easy to see why locals rave about it. It offered a perfect proportion of sweet to tart, a delicious crust, and just the right amount of whipped cream.

The Verdict: Why It’s a Top Destination

After our meal, we took a walk around the building and I can tell you firsthand that the kitchens are impeccable. We also took a look upstairs at “My New Joint” lounge before it opened. It has a fantastic layout, and we plan to return to see it live and in action. The lounge features a great tapas-style menu, a selection of 15 beers on draft and over 170 bottled varieties, the same delicious desserts we enjoyed downstairs, and live music seven days a week.

Whether you are looking for the best seafood restaurants in the Florida Keys, traveling between Key West and Marathon, or just exploring Cudjoe Key, Square Grouper is truly a destination that captures the heart and flavor of the Keys.

Restaurant Information

  • Name: Square Grouper
  • Address: 22658 Overseas Hwy, Cudjoe Key, FL 33042
  • Phone Number: (305) 745-8880
  • Website: squaregrouper.com