Mile Marker 22.5 in the Florida Keys houses “The Square Grouper Bar & Grill” on Cudjoe Key, Florida. This restaurant and Bar could easily be passed by because this square non-descript building has no tropical flare from the outside. Only those who know the reputation of the food come from miles around to taste this wonderful cuisine.
I’ve been told about the Square Grouper on several trips to the keys, but this has been my first visit, and it was fantastic. My wife and two of our wonderful friends decided to dine at this establishment on a weeknight during the prime season. We arrived around 6:30 PM, and to our surprise, there was a half hour wait. We sat outside because it was a very comfortable evening, but after a few minutes of the “no-seeums” eating away at our skin, we decided to move inside. The Square Grouper had a lounge area in the back of the building that you could wait and have cocktails. This fun area offered games to occupy your time, so we sat and played a food trivia game called “Food Smarts”. After about five minutes, we had the whole room joining in. It was fun and made the time go by very fast.
We were seated just about a half hour after we arrived, and our waitress, Erin greeted us with a big smile and a great sense of humor. Erin brought us cocktails, and filled us in on the specials for the evening. Everyone but myself chose the Pasta with the Key Lime Butter sauce. This came with a choice of Shrimp, Scallops, or Grouper. Two chose the scallops, and one chose the shrimp. Not wanting to order the same thing, although I was tempted, I went with the appetizer special of Wild Mushroom Ravioli with a Tarragon Dijon Sauce and fresh Spinach. For my main course, I chose the chicken salad.
My appetizer was the best Mushroom Ravioli I’ve ever tasted. My chicken salad was good, but I wished I had gone with the majority. Everyone Uhmmd and Ahhd over the seafood with Key Lime Butter sauce over linguini. I was offered a taste, but that was it. I always know when my wife thoroughly enjoys her meal. I get offered one taste, but it stops there.
Our meal came with hot rolls and butter, and everything was wonderful. Our friends who stay in the Keys every year for several months recognized some of the other guests, so I assume that the regulars come to the Square Grouper for a fantastic meal. I will be back next year to try something new.
The Square Grouper, (which I learned is a not only a Florida fish, but also a nickname for a bale of marijuana), received the highest reviews from everyone at our table. We all had to pass on dessert, although my wife wanted us to get the Chocolate Fondu for four. As I said, this place could easily be passed by unless you have heard about the reputation. This is a “Must Eat At” restaurant along route 1.
The Square Grouper Bar & Grill
MM 22.5
Cudjoe Key, Florida
305-745-8880