If you’re driving through the Florida Keys and searching for the best burger in Islamorada, do yourself a favor—don’t miss MEAT Eatery & Taproom. Tucked off the Overseas Highway, this hidden gem serves up handcrafted burgers, housemade chorizo, duck fat fries, and small-batch sodas without a drop of high-fructose corn syrup in sight.
Quick Info: MEAT Eatery & Taproom
MEAT Eatery & Taproom
Address: 88005 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL
Phone: (305) 852-3833
Website: meateatery.com
Instagram: @meateaterykeys
Hours:
Mon–Thu: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Fri–Sat: 11:00 am – 9:30 pm
Sun: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
First Impressions at MEAT Eatery
From the outside, MEAT Eatery doesn’t scream “destination burger spot,” but once you walk in, it’s a different story. The setup is casual—grab a menu near the entrance, pick your seat, and order at the counter. There’s a rotating tap list of over ten beers, plus standouts like Abita Root Beer on draft and old-school-style sodas in flavors like birch beer, cherry cola, and microbrewed cola.
The vibe? Relaxed, with serious attention to quality ingredients and big flavors.
What to Order at MEAT Eatery
Please start with the fresh pork rinds, which are still popping when they hit the table. These chicharrones are crispy, light, and best dipped in their tangy lime-cilantro aioli—far from the greasy versions you’ll find elsewhere.
The Nancy Pants Burger
What about the Nancy Pants Burger, a 5oz patty with maple-cured cherry wood-smoked bacon…it’s a standout. Ordered medium and cooked exactly to spec, this burger checks all the boxes: a toasted bun, melted American cheese, and just the right amount of seasoning. Topped with a gherkin pickle and branded with “MEAT” on the bun, it’s a flavorful, no-nonsense burger worth the drive alone.
Chorizo Patti Sandwich (RETIRED)
Don’t skip the Chorizo Patti Sandwich, made with MEAT’s housemade chorizo sausage formed into a burger patty. Topped with melted white American cheese and their chimichurri aioli, it packs a punch with a smoky, spicy flavor. Think of it as the Florida Keys’ answer to a sausage burger—but elevated.
Duck Fat Fries & Housemade Ketchup
Yes, they’ve got duck-fat fried French fries, and yes, they’re good—crispy, golden, and perfect for dunking in their mango chipotle ketchup. Honestly, they should bottle the stuff (and they do).
Save Room for Dessert
If they’ve got the Nutella and Banana Bread Pudding, order it. Creamy, rich, and worth the calories. Desserts rotate, so you might find something else equally indulgent waiting for you.
The Final Verdict
MEAT Eatery & Taproom in Islamorada isn’t just one of the best places to eat in the Florida Keys—it’s a destination for burger fanatics, chorizo heads, and anyone who appreciates craft food done right. From the housemade toppings to duck fat fries and small-batch sodas, it’s the real deal.
I rarely leave a burger joint saying, “Wow!”—but MEAT earned it.
