Twenty-five years ago, it was just a small Mom & Pop ice cream shop scooping creamy cones on quiet Ramrod Key. But as tourism increased, so did the owners’ vision. Quickly realizing that the Lower Keys needed more than just ice cream, they expanded the menu to include sandwiches and later added beer and wine to the mix.
But it wasn’t until 2001 that the real transformation began.
That’s when a fellow named Lanny Gardner arrived on the scene. Despite the overgrown trees and broken tables covering the property, Lanny knew a diamond in the rough when he saw one. He recruited his dad, Larry, and colleague John to hop on the bandwagon. With Lanny’s vision, Larry’s back-breaking work ethic, and John’s restaurant expertise, the three amigos turned the former ice cream shop into one of the most popular stops on the Overseas Highway.
Today, Boondocks Grille & Draft House & Miniature Golf boasts having the largest Tiki Bar in the Keys. It has morphed into a landmark restaurant and entertainment destination.
Local restauranteurs Randy Kassewitz and Mark Vaster are now at the helm of the Ramrod juggernaut as the Boondocks’ legacy continues to grow, Boondocks’ renowned “Southern Cooking Keys-Style,” is just one reason why some locals spend five days a week dining in the expansive open-air restaurant. But another reason, and just as important, is the “friend factor.” Whenever a “Regular” is spotted pulling into the parking lot, the bartenders make sure to have their favorite libation waiting for them at their favorite barstool.
And let me tell you, these bartenders are damn good. If you’re looking for a pineapple upside-down shot, any foreign or domestic beer (including Boondocks’ own Amber bock house brew) or their patented Rum Runner (yes, it’s actually patented), you can be sure that it will always be consistently perfecto.
Best of all, you don’t have to be a Local to get the VIP treatment. The crew here is always friendly to everyone and more than accommodating to large parties.
And while you might not expect a Tiki Bar to have state-of-the-art sound and lighting fronted by live music by both local musicians and national acts, here you have it seven days a week. There are also over1,000 inches of 4K TV screens for catching sporting events from around the world.
And get this: Boondocks is home to the Keys’ Premiere Miniature Golf Course. This fun “cave-man” themed course boasts 18 holes of challenging greens with lush,tropical foliage, two giant waterfalls, four fountains, and lots of twists and turns. It’s even outfitted with a 19th “Watering” Hole where you can get frozen tropical cocktails, cold brews, and soft drinks.
BTW: If you’re around on Saturday, check out the weekly Open Air Market, which takes place from 9 am – 2 pm in the Boondocks Plaza parking lot. It’s a great place to shop for local art, handmade jewelry, one-of-a-kind creations, local produce, and fresh-cut flowers.
You can find all this and more at Boondocks Grille & Draft House, 27205 Overseas Highway on Ramrod Key. The restaurant and bar are open daily from 11am – 10 pm; Mini Golf is also open daily from 10 am – 10 pm. More info: 305-872-4094; boondocks.com.
