Place · 0.3 mi away
Overview
A bona fide Overseas Highway icon since 1947, Green Turtle Inn blends a Keys‑casual vibe with generous portions and a menu that swings from fresh seafood to stick‑to‑your‑ribs comfort food. The original building’s legacy stretches back to the 1935 hurricane era; today’s space was rebuilt on the same footprint in 2004 and nods to the Inn’s long lore while feeling current.
What to Expect
Expect a relaxed, polished Keys hangout with a full bar, table service, and an on‑site wine & spirits shop next door. It’s family‑friendly, locals mingle with travelers, and the staff keeps things moving. Outdoor seating is available, and takeout is an option if you’re pushing on down US‑1.
Menu Highlights
The kitchen covers breakfast, brunchy lunches, and dinner. Popular picks that regulars rave about include shrimp & grits, meatloaf (a TV‑famous staple), pork chops, conch chowder, crab omelettes at breakfast, and Key lime pie for dessert. If you like to graze, small plates and a solid cocktail and wine list make lingering at the bar easy.
A Note on History
Mid‑century Keys cuisine once featured sea‑turtle dishes here and across the islands; that era ended as protections took hold. Today, the Inn’s appeal is its modern seafood‑forward menu and classic Keys hospitality, not the old turtle trade.
Best Time to Visit
- Hours: Tue–Sat 7 AM–2 PM and 5–9 PM; Sun 7 AM–2 PM; closed Mon.
- Crowds: Breakfast is smoothest early (7–9 AM). Sunday late morning is the busiest window. Dinner rush tends to peak around 6–7 PM mid‑week and on Saturdays—book ahead if you’re aiming for prime time.
- If you’re road‑tripping, plan some buffer for US‑1 traffic; a late breakfast or early dinner often means easier parking and shorter waits.
Nature & Setting
You’re in Islamorada—mangroves, flats, and seabirds are the backdrop. Around dawn and dusk, it’s common to spot pelicans, herons, and ospreys working the nearby waters before or after your meal.
Etiquette & Vibe Tips
Dress is “Keys casual.” Think relaxed but presentable in the evenings, and you’ll fit right in.
Pros
- Keys‑casual landmark serving fresh seafood and classic comfort dishes
- Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner most days; reservations accepted
Cons
- Closed on Mondays
- Can be busy at peak meal times on weekends and holidays
Tips
- Closed Mondays and no Sunday dinner; plan meals accordingly.
- Reserve for weekend dinners and peak season to avoid long waits.
- Aim for early breakfast to beat crowds and US‑1 traffic.
- Ask the staff about the Inn’s hurricane‑era history if you enjoy local lore.
- There’s a dog‑friendly patio outdoors if you’re traveling with a pup.
