must haves:
iced tea, hushpuppies, key lime pie.
you're welcome
hungry, sunburnt and just off the boat (fishing for bugs all day)... we were in need of something that tasted good that wasn't going to be a disappointment. thanks to previous reviews in yelp, we decide to give this place a try. to our surprise it was extremely yummy and tasteful. very cute surroundings all open seating. and by open i mean just that there are no walls it is up on a deck overlooking the marina which is cute and quaint and doesn't reek of gasoline.
the name of the place looks to have belonged to the original owners that are/were here for many years. based on the size of the palm tree dedicated to "mr & mrs burdine" it's been there at least 50 years but then again i am not a tree expert.
we proceeded to seat ourselves.. which is the norm here. picnic tables and wooden stools at high tops is the norm don't expect cozy cushions. we sat down at a 6 top in a corner with a nice breeze. it is all outside there's no air conditioning but not to worry, the 500 fans keep the room cool that are continually spinning. and yes, they're the quiet ones they don't make any noise.
eventually our waitress came over and gave us our drinks which was ice tea (you must have it it's fantastic). it's so good (and they know it) they bring you a pitcher of it. personally they should just bring you the pitcher and a straw.
very family style type restaurant everything is paper plates and plastic cups. the menu was one page two sided with choices of everything from deep fried to fresh salads. go for the ahi. not just because it's fresh that because they actually know how to cook it here because they do it a lot. you can have all the good fish you want in the world but if they don't know how to cook it it's not worth the time. according to our unamused waitress, this place is famous for their chili burger. i passed. hushpuppies. ..just do it. if you don't like them, i'll reimburse you. get over yourself if your scared. live a little. does it really sound frightening with the name hush puppy? okay good talk.
the portions are more girl size** then big hungry man size** so make sure you order accordingly.
**girl size - i eat more than once a day sometimes in public. i'm not embarrassed to put away my entire meal in front of certain company but this place won't make me look like a pig if i clear my plate. most comfortable here with my brothers or someone i don't care to impress. i will be full when done.
**big hungry man size- approx 200 to 260lbs, has gone all day hasn't had anything to eat and starving. doesn't wanna wait. will clear his plate and yours, and if he could, that person at the table behind you.
all the food we had was good. nothing to rave about but a first choice in marathon. seasoned fine, a little greasy but overall it was satisfying and it was also inexpensive for the 2 of us. plenty of iced tea (free refills i think..didnt care) desert and even a couple appetizers we only spent about 50 bucks.
the wait staff has been here for a while. thdy weren't rude but they weren't overly excited to be there either. then again i probably wouldn't be too excited to be working in 90 degree heat with heavy humidity either but hey , its what i signed up for. i'd bet money that tourists irritate them so advice- don't act like one.
they (the staff ) all got along like siblings..when siblings are getting along, and didn't step on each others toes. they also seem to communicate and support one another whenever it got a little busy. then again i wouldnt be that joyful to be around either if i was outside all day sweating in 90 degree heat with awful humidity. so if you're willing to sit back and be casual, not in a hurry and have patience this is your place. if you don't like heat don't go here because you have no room to complain about it. in addition if you have kids that don't like the heat please do everybody a favor and don't bring them with you.
expect non chatty servers, good prices, decent food, great atmosphere, better view, and great key lime pie. you should check it out. we will be back.