Pros & cons
PROS
- Front‑row views of 7 Mile Bridge sunsets
- Large oceanfront swimming pool for dining guests
- Lots of TVs with out‑of‑market NFL on Sundays
CONS
- Sunset rush brings long waits and slower service
- Food quality can be hit‑or‑miss, especially the sushi
- Specialty drinks can be pricey
Overview
Perched at Mile Marker 47 on Knights Key, this open‑air tiki hangout stares straight at the Seven Mile Bridge and the channel beyond. It’s a classic Keys scene: a sprawling deck, a big pool right by the water, and a crowd that spikes for golden hour. Come for the view first; the vibe is festive and family‑friendly with live music at times and a full bar.
What to Expect
The menu runs broad—seafood plates, sandwiches and burgers, plus a sushi section. Portions lean generous (ribs and mac get love), but feedback on sushi is mixed, and service can drag when the place is slammed. Prices are mid‑range for the Keys, and those souvenir‑style cocktails add up fast if you’re not paying attention.
Pool, Seating and Scene
Dining guests can use the large oceanfront pool, which makes this spot feel more resort than roadside. Know that poolside tables may lack shade, and the noise level fluctuates with how many kids are splashing. If the host stand quotes a long wait, check the bar—seats there often turn over faster and you can order the full menu.
Views and Photography
Sunset is the headliner. The sun drops on the far side of the bridge, but you still get that warm, Keys‑style glow and silhouettes from the balcony and pool deck. Aim for a table with a clean sightline toward the bridge for the best shots.
Hours and Crowds
Open daily roughly 8 a.m.–10 p.m. Peak crush is late afternoon through sunset, especially Fridays and Saturdays. Midday on weekdays is the calmest; early breakfast is typically relaxed, and early lunch right at opening is a smart play for parking and view tables.
Who Will Like It
- Families and groups who want a swim‑and‑sip stop with a view.
- Sports fans—Sundays bring wall‑to‑wall game coverage on a battery of TVs.
- Road‑trippers chasing a lively Keys atmosphere right at the foot of the bridge.
Best Time to Visit
For sunset seats, arrive 45–60 minutes early; weekends can be a zoo. If you’d rather avoid the crowds, target weekday late mornings or early lunch. Photographers get the prettiest light in the last hour before sunset; bring a polarizer if you’re shooting water and glass.
Where it is
24.7065, -81.1239Tips for Sunset Grille & Raw Bar
- 01Arrive 45–60 minutes before sunset to snag deck or balcony seats.
- 02If there’s a wait, check for open bar stools—full menu is available there.
- 03Bring swimsuits and a small towel if you want to use the pool while dining.
- 04On Sundays, expect a sports‑bar vibe with out‑of‑market NFL games on many TVs.
- 05Watch cocktail pricing and souvenir cups so the tab doesn’t surprise you.
Amenities
Near Sunset Grille & Raw Bar
All places →All trails →
0.1 mi awayOld Seven Mile Bridge WalkwayFlat, breezy ocean walk to Pigeon Key with big sky views.Easy · 4.4 mi · 1.8 hr
0.1 mi awaySeven Mile Bridge OverlookCar‑free bridge walk with wide‑open water views and wildlifePullout · Parking
0.9 mi awayCastaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi BarWaterfront sushi spot with lionfish and manatee cameosRestaurant · Food
0.9 mi awayCaptain Pip's Marina & HideawayWaterfront base with free kayaks and easy snorkel tripsLodging · Parking
1.3 mi awayTesla Supercharger - Courtyard by Marriott Marathon, 2146 Overseas HwySlow but handy hotel chargers; the real Supercharger is nearbyParking · Food
8.3 mi awayCurry Hammock Nature TrailShaded Keys jungle of caprock and palms with a quiet bay overlook.Easy · 1.3 mi · 1 hr
8.8 mi awaySilver Palm Nature TrailTiny loop through the Keys’ largest stand of silver palmsEasy · 0.6 mi · 12 min
10.9 mi awayOld Bahia Honda Bridge TrailShort climb to sweeping Keys views atop a historic railroad spanEasy · 0.4 mi · 30 min
