Geiger Key Marina: An ‘old Florida’ fish camp’
BY TERRY SCHMIDA
It’s one of the Lower Keys’ great hidden culinary treasures. The Geiger Key Marina, 5 Geiger Rd., on Geiger Key, has for decades been delighting diners with its famous Sunday barbecue, fresh fish dishes, and proximity to sweeping open water views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Since the mid-1990s, the restaurant and fish camp has been owned and operated by Key West entrepreneurs Bobby Mongelli – and his wife Michelle – and Paul Tripp. The trio have recently upgraded the end-of-the-road eatery, adding new tiki-themed décor, and a full liquor license, to enhance an already memorable feasting experience.
“Obviously we’re pretty well known for the Sunday barbecue,” Bobby Mongelli said. “That’s been one of our mainstays for a long time. But there’s also an emphasis on fresh fish. We’ll still cook your catch for you. You can pull up in your boat, filet your fish and hand them off to us, and we’ll take care of the rest.”
As good as the food is at Geiger Key, there’s no denying the role the atmosphere plays in creating an unforgettable Florida Keys eating experience. Diners sit just feet from a seawall with grand views of the setting sun, passing paddleboarders and fishermen, chugging by in their small boats.
On the wet side of the seawall, brilliantly colored fish teem, hoping to taste a bite or two of the delicacies being enjoyed turfside.
“I’d say the vibe at Geiger Key is more laid back than our other restaurants because it’s a fish camp,” said Mongelli, whose other holdings include the Hogfish Bar and Grill, and the Roostica pizza restaurant on Stock Island. “It really is the way the Keys used to be in earlier times. You can actually pull up to the bar in your boat and order a drink. There really isn’t anywhere else where you can do that.”
There are plenty of Keys’ favorites on the menu, and a few surprises besides. Killer Conch Fritters make a great starter, as do the Creamy Lobster Bisque, and the Flash-Fried Calamari Rings.
Mongelli recommends the fried, blackened, or grilled Mahi-Mahi, grouper, or hogfish sandwich, served with a heaping pile of seasoned French fries.
For big appetites, Geiger Key offers a Stuffed Key West Pink Shrimp Platter, with crab meat stuffing, rice and beans, and Pan-Fried Grouper Dinner, with rice and veggies.
And, of course, meat-lovers can order the Geiger Key Barbecue Rib Dinner, with fries and slaw, anytime.
Of course, people don’t live by food alone, and for those looking for a day-long adventure, there are plenty of water-based diversions, such as kayak and paddleboard rentals, available, for a quick splash in the water, before or after eating.
“A lot of the Keys are becoming more family oriented,” Mongelli said. “And Geiger Key is a good place for people to go an unwind with their families. It’s really got it all.”
Geiger Key Marina is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday; from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Take-out and catering is available.
For more information, call 305-296-3553, or visit http://www.geigerkeymarina.com/restaurant/
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