With three thriving restaurants in Paradise, Keys’ Restaurateur, Lynn Bell is “livin’ the dream” and ringing bells with food critics left and right.
So what’s with the name? Derived from the 1980s drug-running era, “Square Grouper” refers to the bales of marijuana that were often found floating off the coast of Florida. The name may be funny, but don’t be fooled. Square Grouper’s food is seriously good. So good that Lynn’s three hip roadside eateries always make the Keys Top 10 restaurant list.
Whether you go to the original Square Grouper on Cudjo Key, upstairs to “My New Joint,” Lynn’s swanky tapas and classic cocktail hang, or to her newest water-front addition, Square Grouper Islamorada, you can always expect the food to be consistently fantastic.
Menus for each location are a bit different but don’t be surprised to see particular local favorites pop up at all locations. Our personal preferences include the Ahi Tuna Avocado Egg Rolls, Flash-Fried Conch, Homemade Smoked Fish Dip, and the Jasmine Rice Bowls with sweet Thai chili butter sauce, spinach and chopped cash-ews, packed with your choice of seafood, chicken or portabella mushroom.
Lynn’s lineup of fresh local seafood, certified Angus steaks, and innovative daily creations always keep things interesting, but it’s those damn “Magical Brownies” with ice cream, chocolate sauce, and heath Bar crunches that will put you over the moon. It’s no wonder that the Square Grouper family is one of the Keys’ favorite joints!
Find the Original Square Grouper and the upstairs, “My New Joint “ at 22658 Overseas Hwy (MM 22, Oceanside) on Cudjoe Key. Info: 305-745-8880; squaregrouperbarandgrill.com. Square Grouper Islamorada is located on the Marina at 80460 Overseas Highway (MM 80.5, Bayside). Info: 786-901-5678; squaregrouperIslamorada.com.
