For several years people have been telling me how good The Square Grouper is, but I have yet to make it there. Why? Well, generally speaking, once I am in Key West I see no good reason to drive another 22 miles north for a meal. I would stop on a drive south, but they are not dog friendly, so that does not work for Babka. But last week, I drove from Broward to Key West with my mom, and without my dog, so we stopped in for lunch.
The place is decorated with bright colors and clean lines. It is also fairly large, with three separate rooms. We arrived at nearly 2 PM, well after the regular lunch crowd, and there were still several tables occupied. The menu is huge. There are fresh fish options, seafood options, sliders, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and even a blue plate special (complete with free draft beer) that changes daily.
My mom and I ordered the exact same thing: salad with Gorgonzola and cashews, topped with grilled hogfish (blackened for mom), and honey mustard dressing. After about fifteen minutes our server came out to let us know that lunch was on its way. Another fifteen minutes (now half an hour since we ordered), she came back to let us know there was a “computer glitch” and the kitchen never received our order, but it would be out soon. Um, ok…
When the salads finally did arrive, they were very good. One was missing nuts, but overall they were good, and by that point it didn’t really matter, as I was ravenous. Would I go back? That is always the question. While the food was very good, the service was a bit lacking. If it were convenient, I would probably give it another shot. But, I am not in a rush.
The Square Grouper is located at mile marker 22.5 in Cudjoe Key, and is open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. During season, January through April, they are also open on Mondays.
One thought on “The Square Grouper, Cudjoe Key, FL”
We were there with another couple for dinner – place was crowded – late last year. The food was very good, as you reported, and we didn’t experience any alleged computer glitches. Sounds like the kitchen staff didn’t see the order! Yes, it’s out of the way, but we’ll be back when we’re up that way.