Located at Mile Marker 80.4 Bay-side in the Islamorada Marina, The Square Grouper Islamorada is a renowned seafood restaurant known for its fresh, local seafood, crafted cocktails, and exquisite wine selection. The establishment is open from Wednesday to Sunday, serving both lunch and dinner with a first-come, first-served policy. Adding to its allure is the third-floor Sunset Lounge, an adults-only area that opens at 4:20 pm for Happy Hour. Despite the challenges of long waits and limited parking, the restaurant’s waterfront views and innovative culinary offerings make it an essential visit for those seeking a memorable dining experience in Islamorada.
Outside
You can look at the Square Grouper’s backyard river in Islamorada while you wait for your table. There are boats docked along the docks, ready for an adventure. There’s a convenient place to get gas before setting sail, and you can see boats parked off to the side, which shows that boaters like this spot. Cross the street and look at the building that faces the lake. People are probably talking about their day at sea. Also, keep an eye on the water. Pelicans may be able to be seen drifting elegantly or diving in for a snack. You can enjoy this little piece of life on the water before you eat.
Food
Portabella Fries @ Square Grouper: The Portabella Fries at the Square Grouper had a really unique flavor. The horseradish aioli was the perfect tangy kick, and the curry mango sauce added an exotic twist that I wasn’t expecting but totally loved. The breading was a touch darker than I would have liked, but it still had a satisfying crunch that contrasted nicely with the softness of the mushrooms. They were quite good, definitely something I’d recommend for a bit of a change from the usual appetizers. It’s the kind of dish that sticks in your memory, making you crave it until the next visit.
Fried Calamari @ Square Grouper: The fried calamari at The Square Grouper was golden and crispy, and each ring had a lot of Parmesan cheese on it. We dipped them in the marinara we made ourselves and enjoyed how well the rich, tangy tastes went with the cheese. Fresh herbs sprinkled on top gave the dish a splash of color and a burst of freshness. It was not only tasty, but also nice to look at. They were a great way to start our meal, and we liked them in a casual setting.
Marinated Olives Martini @ Square Grouper: Sipping on the Marinated Olives Martini at the Square Grouper was a highlight—Tito’s Vodka mingled with the briny depth of olive juice, while the blue cheese stuffed olives offered a rich and creamy surprise with each bite. The cocktail was expertly mixed, crystal-clear, and served chilled, just the way a great martini should be. It paired perfectly with the casual elegance of the waterside setting, making for a memorable part of the evening.
The Square Grouper’s silverware also caught my eye. It had a unique shine and a beautiful design that went well with the drink. The experience really stood out because of how much care was put into every little thing, from the chilled martini to the shiny silverware. Little things like these can make an ordinary meal into a special one.
Chicken Wings Lollipops @ Square Grouper: The wings are properly cooked to a golden brown, appearing juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. They’re neatly clipped for simple consumption, almost like savory candy on a stick. They are served with a Thai sweet chili sauce, which provides a great blend of sweet and spicy flavors that match the chicken well. The green onion garnish gives a sense of freshness to the dish, making it not only wonderful, but also an excellent pick for anyone looking for a fun twist on basic wings.
Sesame Seared Tuna @ Square Grouper Islamorada, FL: The tuna has been a delicious treat, with wonderfully seared edges coated in sesame seeds for a delicate crunch. The pink center of the tuna indicates that it was properly cooked, keeping the fish’s suppleness and flavor. This meal is both visually beautiful and likely to thrill the taste buds. It comes with a soy dipping sauce that adds umami depth to each slice and is topped with fresh green scallions for a little of sharpness and color. The curl of pickled cucumber provides a delicious touch to the platter, making it a complete appetizer.
Jumbo Lump Crab Salad @ Square Grouper Islamorada, FL: The Jumbo Lump Crab Salad at the Square Grouper in Islamorada must have been a hit, with fresh, premium jumbo lump crab taking center stage. The salad was served atop a bed of frisée lettuce, which added a pleasant, slightly bitter crunch, and was garnished with sweet, tart grapefruit segments that cut through the crab’s richness. Creamy avocado and crunchy Marcona almonds created a great texture contrast, and the lemon-shallot vinaigrette added a bright, zesty finish that pulled everything together well. It sounds like a wonderful and refreshing dish that was also tastefully presented.
Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream Sundae with Strawberries and Praline Pecans @ Square Grouper Islamorada, FL: The dessert was the perfect way to end a meal. Creamy vanilla ice cream, liberally topped with fresh strawberries and praline pecans, created a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The strawberries’ vivid, sweet juiciness complimented the thick, smooth ice cream, while the praline pecans added a caramelized crunch. The dish was finished with a swirl of whipped cream and a sprig of mint for a pleasant finish. It’s the kind of delightful pleasure that’s tough to pass up, especially in such a beautiful setting.
Salted Caramel Ice Cream with Chocolate Sauce @ Square Grouper Islamorada, FL: This swirl of rich salted caramel ice cream and rich chocolate sauce is a standard flavor combination that will take you to dessert heaven. Delicious, and the right amount of sweet and salty to satisfy both your sweet tooth and your desire for something different. Adding sea salt on top brings out the flavors of the chocolate and caramel even more, making each spoonful as tasty as the last.
Ice Cream, Salted Caramel Crunch & Bourbon Sauce @ Square Grouper Islamorada, FL
Menu
Menu date 03/28/2024
Square Groupe Islamorada Online Menu
Square Grouper in Islamorada provided an outstanding dining experience, flawlessly blending excellent cuisine with the natural splendor of the Florida Keys. The lunch began with interesting appetizers such as strongly flavored Portabella Fries with innovative sauces and crunchy Chicken Wing Lollipops. Freshness was the theme, as evidenced by the Sesame Seared Tuna, which danced on the taste senses, and the Jumbo Lump Crab Salad, which was a symphony of flavor and texture.
The indulgence continued with the main course, where each dish was carefully constructed and brimming with flavors that complemented the tropical surroundings. But it was the dessert that truly finished off the dinner – the Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream Sundae, with its juicy strawberries and praline pecans, and the tempting Salted Caramel Ice Cream covered with chocolate sauce, put a delicious finale to an unforgettable dining experience.
The evening culminated with a leisurely stroll around the harbor, where the relaxing sounds of the ocean and the calls of seagulls complemented the mellow hues of the sunset. When we arrived at a small place near the river, the sunset was breathtaking. The warm brightness of the sky faded into twilight, a peaceful moment that marked the end of an incredible trip at Square Grouper. It was more than simply a lunch; it was a moment in time when every sensation was satisfied and all expectations were exceeded.
Square Grouper is a place not to be missed: amazing food paired with stunning sunset views.
