Mangrove Mike’s Cafe Review

Our last morning in the Keys, we had picked a spot nearby for breakfast, but when we got there, we did not like the looks of the place. We decided to wait on breakfast until we got to Mangrove Mike’s Café in Islamorada. We walked into the busy café, where we received a friendly greeting and instructions to pick a table. When we asked about outdoor seating, the hostess directed us to the covered patio. We were happy to see that while the café was packed, there were only two other tables on the patio.

We ordered coffee while we perused the menu. Chris was quick with his decision. He almost always gets country-fried steak when he sees it on a menu. I needed a little more guidance.

Mangrove Mike’s Café’s claim to fame seems to be their tater tot towers. I was tempted to order one but was also interested in eggs Benedict and the biscuits & gravy. I finally settled on Craig’s Hangover Helper, home fries topped with sausage, gravy, and eggs. The server asked if I would like to trade out the fries for tots to make it a tower. I was unsure, so I asked her which she thought would be better. She immediately backed off and said the home fries were good, so I went with the dish as it is on the menu.

I wish I had gone with the tater tots. I was not impressed with the home fries at all. A few browned, crunchy pieces were tasty, but the rest of the potatoes were flaccid and flavorless. The perfectly cooked, over-medium eggs were delicious, as were the sausage and gravy. Most of the potatoes I left.

Chris enjoyed his country-fried steak topped with sausage gravy. I was jealous when I saw his pile of crispy hash browns and even managed to steal a couple of bites. The beautifully cooked eggs and tasty rye toast made his breakfast complete.

We enjoyed the atmosphere on the patio, with palm trees swaying in the breeze next to us. I particularly enjoyed the murals on the walls depicting an undersea restaurant with octopus servers juggling duties with their many arms and sharks as the customers. I wonder how many customers pick up on what the walls depict.

Cost for two cups of coffee and two entrees $27.76.