Name: Hungry Tarpon
Address: 77522 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, Florida, 33036, United States
Telephone: (305) 664-0535

Profile

If you’re driving through the Florida Keys, there is one stop that defines the “Old Keys” spirit like no other: The Hungry Tarpon Restaurant. Located at the iconic Robbie’s Marina (Mile Marker 77.5), it’s a salt-dusted, open-air landmark where the coffee is hot, the fish is fresh, and the prehistoric tarpon are always waiting for a snack.

Quick Stats: The Hungry Tarpon

Location: 77522 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036 (Robbie’s Marina)
Vibe: Rustic, waterfront, and delightfully “shack-chic.”
Best For: Waterfront breakfast, “Cook Your Catch” lunches, and sunset cocktails.
Contact: (305) 664-0535 | hungrytarpon.com

The Atmosphere & History

Housed in a 1940s-era bait house from the original Starck Fishing Camp, The Hungry Tarpon is the heart of Robbie’s Marina. It’s an open-air pavilion where the Atlantic breeze carries the scent of salt air and fried conch.

The walls are famously papered with dollar bills, and the view is unparalleled—you’re literally feet away from the docks where massive “Silver Kings” (tarpon) congregate. It’s loud, lively, and exactly what a Keys restaurant should feel like.

The “Greatest Hits” Menu

Whether you’re fueling up for a day on the water or winding down after a long haul from the mainland, these are the local favorites:

Category	Must-Try Item	Why It’s Famous
Breakfast	Glazed Donut French Toast	Thick-cut donuts transformed into French toast. It’s a sugar rush in the best way.
The Drink	Trailer Trash Bloody Mary	A meal in a glass, loaded with garnishes and perfect for a slow Keys morning.
Lunch/Dinner	Lobster Nachos	Heaping portions of fresh lobster meat over crispy chips—pure indulgence.
Classic	Cracked Conch	Tenderized, lightly breaded, and served with a zesty dipping sauce.
Specialty	Cook Your Catch	If you’ve spent the day fishing, bring your cleaned fillets; they’ll grill, blacken, or fry them for you.

The Iconic Experience: Feeding the Tarpon

You can’t mention The Hungry Tarpon without the fish themselves. After your meal, head to the Robbie’s dock ($2 entry fee, plus a few dollars for a bucket of bait) to hand-feed the massive tarpon.

Pro Tip: Watch out for the pelicans! They are professional thieves and will try to snatch the bait right out of your hand before you can get it to the water.

Local Knowledge & Tips

Trivia Night: If you’re around on a Tuesday, they host a local trivia night from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
The “Scarface” Legacy: The tradition began in 1976 when the original owners rescued a tarpon with a broken jaw named Scarface. Today, over 100 tarpon visit the docks daily.
Timing: It gets very busy on weekends. If you want a waterfront table without the wait, aim for an early breakfast (they open at 6:30 AM) to watch the marina wake up.
Shopping: The “village” around the restaurant features local artisans and open-air shops—perfect for picking up a unique Florida souvenir that isn’t a plastic shell.