What: The Morada Bay Beach Cafe & Bar, 81600 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida 33036
Why: I’ve never been so in love with an outdoor space (although, “Shuckers” in North Bay Village is a close second.) The Morada Bay Beach Cafe & Bar is the perfect place to have an adult beverage and watch Paradise slowly, beautifully and hypnotically fall asleep.
Its sandy outdoor area, which faces west, overlooks the sparkling blue waters of Islamorada. Its a view that lets you watch Mother Nature show off in all of her splendid glory. My visit to the restaurant wasn’t planned, per se, but it was arranged at the last minute by “The Moorings Village & Spa,” where my crew and I were shooting a “Shireen’s Favorite Things” fashion blog.
After a hard day’s work, we drove a short distance South on the Overseas Highway and ended up at the cool and colorful cafe. We quickly ordered cocktails, chatted, laughed and fully fell in love with the crazy-good view. Just before the golden glow of the sun sunk below the horizon, we took an obscene amount of selfies (light like that is hard to come by) and then proceeded to order every plate on the menu, which has a Caribbean flair.
The yummiest were the Mayu Coconut Shrimp and Mahi Fish Tacos, but the absolute standout was the Morada Bay Crab Cakes. In the middle of dinner, though, we were interrupted by gusty winds and a major drop in temperature. The super friendly wait staff quickly and efficiently moved us to their covered patio area, where we finished the night with Cosmos (for the non-drivers) and coffee. It was such a fun experience, we all vowed to return ASAP.
Where: Islamorada is located in the Florida Keys and is only a couple of hours away from Miami. It’s a great getaway, especially if you’re longing for some rest and relaxation but don’t wanna schlep all the way to Key West. You’ll find a plethora of little shops, restaurants and great places to stay there.
The Beach Cafe sits right off of Mile Marker 81.6 and is situated next to Pierre’s, a famous two-story plantation house adorned with bright blue shutters that was converted into a French Cuisine restaurant back in 1999.
When: The cafe & bar are open 7 days a week until 11:30pm (sometimes later, depending on your enthusiasm or the spirit of your party.) That’s just how they roll in the Florida Keys.
The cafe doesn’t take reservations.
www.moradabay.com
Facebook: Morada Bay Seafood Restaurant
Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Photo: t4two photography
Producer: Shireen Sandoval & Moorings Village
Writer: Shireen Sandoval ”
I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each.” T.S. Eliot Now, go be fabulous!