Until a few years back, we always thought there was nothing like a great Maine lobster roll. Of course that was before we stumbled upon the Backyard Cafe on the docks behind Key Largo Fisheries and discovered their signature Lobster BLT.
Perfectly cooked, firm-tender lobster (not fried – Sacre Bleu!) is generously heaped on a buttery Croissant fused with crisp bacon, juicy ripe tomato slices, fresh Bibb lettuce and a healthy slather of spicy mayo.
This is a family-owned business that has been feeding customers fresh seafood since 2011 but the Fisheries itself has a history that goes all the way back to 1972 when Jack and Dottie Hill operated a small fishing ground where local fishermen sold their catches.
Four generations later, the Hill family still owns and operates Key Largo Fisheries. As a real, working dock and fishing ground, fishing boats pull to their docks and unload their catches right next to the popular waterfront Backyard Cafe. The boat-to-table seafood is then processed right on the premises before being served at the cafe, sold in their own retail market or shipped all over the country.
This is truly a great place where you can experience a working waterfront and literally buy seafood just off the boat. Best of all, it won’t break the bank. A family of four can get a terrific meal for less than a hundred bucks.
You can find the Backyard Cafe on the dock behind Keys Fisheries, 1313 Ocean Bay Drive, Key Largo 33037. Info: 305-451-3782; keylargofisheries.com.
