Alright, foodies! Buckle up, because Doris and I just had an experience that’s practically begging to be shouted from the rooftops (or, you know, shared with your closest friends). We ventured down to the Florida Keys, and let me tell you, we weren’t just looking for a meal, we were looking for an escape. And folks, we found it at Papa Joe’s Waterfront in Islamorada, located at 79786 Overseas Highway.
Picture this: the sun shimmering on the water, the salty breeze whispering through the palm trees, and the promise of pure, unadulterated deliciousness. That’s the vibe at Papa Joe’s, and it’s intoxicating.
First things first: the libations! Doris, being the tropical queen she is, went straight for the Frozen Piña Colada. I, on the other hand, opted for the Frozen Rum Runner. Both were absolute perfection – creamy, fruity, and the perfect cool-down on a sunny day. Now, for those who like to live on the edge, you can add a “floater” to your drink, which is essentially another shot of rum. I’m usually all for stronger, but honestly, these drinks were so well-balanced, the sweetness was just right. They were perfect as is!
But the real star of the show? The food, of course! We’d heard whispers, legends even, about their Wagyu Hot Dog, and let me tell you, the hype is real. This isn’t your average ballpark frank! This is a culinary masterpiece. We took a bite and were immediately transported to flavor town. We are serious about our hot dogs, and this one made it into the top three of my entire life! The caramelized onions were sweet and savory, the beer cheese sauce was rich and decadent, and the bacon bits added that perfect salty crunch. Seriously, I’m still dreaming about it.
The ambiance is just as fantastic as the food. Papa Joe’s has multiple seating areas – a dining room, a downstairs outside area, and the iconic upstairs Tiki Bar, which is where we decided to park ourselves. Perched above the action, overlooking the cornhole games and soaking in the views of the water, it was pure bliss. The energy is infectious, and the laid-back Key’s charm is palpable. It’s the kind of place where you can completely unwind and forget about the world.
We loved the location being right on the water. This is exactly why you come to the Keys and it delivers on every level!
The menu boasts something for everyone, and we can’t wait to go back and explore more of their offerings. We’re already plotting our return, specifically to try those tantalizing Coconut Shrimp Tacos we saw heading out to other tables. They looked absolutely divine, but we were so stuffed from our hot dogs (totally worth it!) that we couldn’t fit another bite. (Check out the full menu here: https://papajoeswaterfront.com/menu/)
So, my fellow food enthusiasts, run, don’t walk, to Papa Joe’s Waterfront. It’s a true gem in Islamorada, and a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a slice of paradise.
SoFloDining approved! #SoFloDining
