A no-frills waterfront seafood shack where you order at a counter and eat on picnic tables overlooking the Gulf — exactly the kind of authentic Keys experience worth building into a road trip. The lobster Reuben sandwich is famous and genuinely kid-crowd-pleasing; fish nuggets and chowder are safe bets for picky eaters. Tarpon hang around the dock and will eat right from your hand if you buy bait pellets for a dollar or two, which kids absolutely love. Expect a wait at lunch on weekends; the line moves fast and the outdoor seating area is large. Most mains run $15-25 and portions are big enough to split with a younger child.

Address: 3390 Gulfview Ave, Marathon, FL 33050

Google Maps: Click here for directions

Cost: Paid $$