Travel Host ~ Mangrove Mike
January 28, 2010 by Admin
Filed under Mangrove Mike's Cafe
The January/February 2010 issue of the Florida Keys/Key West Travel Host magazine features a special “Chair Chat” with owner Mike Forster, a.k.a. Mangrove Mike.
Mike reveals his secret passion for educating and preserving the History of the Conch’s. Having collected dozen’s of historic photos from the early pioneer days - most of the early fishing guides along with famous fans of Islamorada fishing including the late great Ted Williams – Mike offers a series of “Conch Life” t-shirts at his local establishments.
Mike, who has long been an involved member of the Upper Keys community, also had a hand in keeping “Betsy the Lobster” part of the Florida Keys scenic highway. After going into hiding upon the closure of Treasure Village, “Betsy” made the move across US 1 to the Rainbarrel Artisans Village where Mike is an investor and owner of “Wassup Dawg”, serving Nathan’s hotdogs and Edy’s icecream.
Eastman Kodak determined the giant detailed biologically accurate crustacean as the secondmost photographed icon of the Florida Keys behind Key West’s Southernmost Point.
In addition to the “Chair Chat” feature, Mike also appears on the Florida Keys “hot shots” page with Rhonda and Pam (center) as a celebrity client along with Lyndsey McGlasson, Steve Rubin and Sheila Tilman.
TravelHost is America’s #1 travel magazine featuring dining, shopping, area attractions and real estate for visitors to the Florida Keys. Each edition of TravelHost magazine is locally owned and managed and proudly displayed at finer lodgings in over 1.4 million guest rooms across the nation. To advertise locally, contact Rhonda or Pam at 305-295-6629.
Mangrove Mike’s Cafe
September 10, 2009 by Admin
Filed under Mangrove Mike's Cafe
Mangrove Mike’s Cafe is a family diner located bayside at Mile Marker 82.2 in Islamorada. With a long held the reputation as a ‘locals’ favorite establishment, it’s been voted “Islamorada’s Best Breakfast Place” since 1998. Mangrove Mike’s serves reasonably priced, hearty meals for breakfast and lunch. Open 7 days a week ~ 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. ~ breakfast served anytime. Fresh baked goods ~ available for takeout.
Browse the breakfast or lunch menus, or view full menu and download it on pdf.
Mangrove Mike’s Cafe – Lunch Menu
September 10, 2009 by Admin
Filed under Mangrove Mike's Cafe
Mangrove Mike’s Cafe is open daily serving lunch until 2:00 p.m. Browse the lunch menu below, or view full menu and download it on pdf.
Mangrove Mike’s Cafe – Breakfast Menu
September 10, 2009 by Admin
Filed under Mangrove Mike's Cafe
Mangrove Mike’s Cafe is open every day at 6:00 a.m., serving breakfast all day long. Browse the breakfast menu below, or view full menu and download it on pdf.
Breakfast Menu
Reviews on the Web
So… just how good IS Mangrove Mike’s Cafe? Check out these reviews from around the web!
Visit Florida
Read Barb Freda’s Blog Archive
Ready for one more stop in the Keys? Islamorada is about halfway to Key West for me — I live almost at the start of the Keys, so a stop in Islamorada (say it like the locals: eye-la-more-ah-da) to stretch my legs and to grab a bite to eat and a great cup of coffee is a natural.
We’ve checked out Mangrove Mike’s a couple of times now (Mile Marker 82 Bayside), and it’s the perfect stop for us. Casual, welcoming atmosphere (ask about the hats that make you look like Guy Fieri of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. (Yes, I bought one), good food (plenty of it), great coffee.
It’s obvious this is a favorite spot for locals, too, as people are greeting each other, trading stories at the counter or stopping by each other’s tables to chat.
We had French toast with chocolate and a great, loaded omelette. I want to go back for the eggs Benedict and the Mangrove Oscar, which includes spinach, poached eggs and blue crab. Guess I need to head for the Keys more often.
(Should you happen to be staying in Islamorada for an event, I’ve heard Mangrove Mike’s does a bang up job at catering events, too.)
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HollyEats.com - Great Food. Cheap.
”Excellent: 4 Grease Stains”
Mangrove Mike’s has to be Islamorada’s hottest breakfast spot. Long lines, but always a seat at the counter.
Good cookin’ going on. Banana bread french toast on top. Great use of banana bread. Upper right blue crab eggs benedict with home fries. To the right , corned beef hash, poached eggs, hash browns and raisin toast.
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Trip Advisor
Read All Reviews at Trip Advisor
“The ‘local’ place with great food!”
So this is obviously the place the locals go to, and I can see why. Great food and nice people. Don’t miss it!
“Great Breakfast Spot!”
Tucked away in a storefront it’s hard to miss but its worth the find. A locals place that serves a great breakfast fast. Price is very reasonable and the place fills up fast on weekends. I found Mike’s by word of mouth and highly recommend !
“Do not miss out on this bargain cafe”
Just ate there last Sunday for breakfast and loved it! The food was great and the portions were HUGE! If I remember correctly, my friend and I each paid less than $10 for our meal. Service was excellent even while it was super busy. Numerous locals were there so you know this place isn’t just another tourist trap. I only wish I had gotten the chance to go back for lunch!
“Great Food/Atmosphere”
My husband and I stopped here last March and had the most wonderful, HUGE breakfast. What I especially liked about this place were the locals. We sat up at the counter with them and had some pleasant conversation. NOT a tourist trap.
“Best Breakfast in the Keys”
This is our third year going to Islamorada. The first time we went to Islamorada we ate at several locations for breakfest. We wanted to try as many restaurants as possible. The second time we tried a few different places for breakfest but ate mostly at Mangrove Mikes. This time we learned that there is no better place. We ate at Mangrove Mikes every morning. It truely is that good. Trust me, if you want a great breakfest and you don’t want to be disappointed, go to Mangrove Mikes. The service is excellent and the food is great. The prices are very, very reasonable as well – I think all three of us plus tip was always under $30.
“Not Just a Great Breakfast…”
Mike’s catered our daughter’s beach wedding in January and did an absolutely fantastic job. His main Chef, Chris prepared great seafood dishes, was great with the guests, and stayed as long as we needed him to stay.
The Breakfasts at Mike’s, by the way, THE BEST IN THE ENTIRE US!!!!!!
“THE place for breakfast”
Nothing fancy, just classically crusty locals chowing down on delicious, cheap breakfast to fuel up for a day on the water. Fresh OJ and surprisingly good coffee. Service is friendly and fast and food is always just right. My only “every day” stop in Islamorada!
Wedding Resources
Wedding Planners & Officiants
Weddings by Michelle ~ “Simple Elegance at its Best” ~ full service wedding planner and licensed wedding officiant.
Susan Ashmore – 305-393-0214
floridakeysweddings.us
Professional Hair & Makeup
Kiki’s Spa – “Best of the Keys” People’s Choice Award 2010
Simply Beautiful ~ Shannon Biondoletti ~ On Location Professional Makeup Artistry and Hair Design
Wedding Cakes
Bobs Bunz ~ Islamorada Bakery Chef Robert Spencer specializes in cakes that taste as good as they look!
Publix ~ Key Largo
Florists
Floral Fantasy Weddings ~ bridal bouquets, floral arrangements
Enchanted Florist ~ unique tropical floral arrangements for weddings and special occasions.
305-664-2021
Musicians & DJs
David Feder ~ Hillbilly Flamenco-Jazz guitarist David Feder has been captivating audiences with his playfully sensual music for over 20 years. With a warm smile and a funny charismatic presence, this remarkable musician has earned a devoted following.
Micah ~ Drawing inspiration from reggae, bluegrass, pop, and folk artists such as Jimmy Buffett, Sublime, Dan Kicks and His Hot Licks, Keller Williams, Jack Johnson, John Prine, Todd Snider and the Grateful Dead…. Micah enjoys the freedom to blend these styles to create his own form of island music.
Pam Godfrey – DJ 305-794-7634
KeysDAN Live Entertainment & Disc Jockeys ~
Best Mobile Disc Jockey in Key Largo, Florida Keys, Miami, Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, South Florida, Parties, Weddings, Corporate, Reunions. Dance, Party with DJ KeysDAN. We also can Provide many Different kinds of Live Entertainment .
DJ Dave ~ Dave Levy a.k.a. DJ Dave on THE SUN 103 ”Classic Rock for the Keys”.
Black & White Ball – Photos
July 1, 2009 by Admin
Filed under Event Photos
The Black & White Ball ~ annual fundraiser for the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter.
Photos by Belinda Serata.
Black & White Ball
June 30, 2009 by Admin
Filed under Event Gallery
Event Photo Gallery ~ Featured: 2009 Florida Key’s Children’s Shelter 24th Annual Black and White Ball
~ Photography by Belinda Serata ~
This splendid event is the annual benefit fundraiser for the Florida Key’s Children’s Shelter.
Catering Services
June 29, 2009 by Admin
Filed under Mangrove Mike's Catering
~ Black & White Ball ~
We offer full service catering for small or large events ~ weddings, birthday parties, reunions, company picnics, holiday parties, in-home caterings and just about any other special occasion.
Pricing is per person and according to the number of anticipated guests ~ we can provide service from 30 to 300.
If you require rentals ~ tents, tables, chairs, linens ~ we can assist with any such needs to help make planning your event hassle and worry free.
In addition to our fabulous selection of foods, we provide beverage and butler service as you prefer: a full bar along with beer & wine, just mixers and condiments, or just servers if, that’s all you require.
Our friendly and courteous staff consists of experienced and professional servers from Mangrove Mike’s Cafe and other area establishments.
Please contact us for more information on rates, availability, to schedule your event, or if you should have any questions.