Most of The Keys’ 72,000 residents are noticeably like-minded, lured here for sunny views and the region’s independent spirit. They’re also often more than willing to engage in conversation with a stranger. (That would be you.)

Mike Forster Resident since: 1984

Where you’ll find him:

At Mangrove Mike’s Cafe, the best breakfast spot in The Keys (try the crab eggs Benedict).
82200 Overseas Highway, Islamorada;
mangrovemikes.com or 305/664-8022

Tells visitors not to miss:

The Hurricane Memorial (Mile Marker 81.5), which honors those lost in the hurricane of 1935 and the devastation of The Keys as a whole. “The monument speaks to the spirit of The Keys. We’re hardy people.”

http://www.southernliving.com/travel/south-east/florida-keys-locals-00417000077210/

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.

Browse the breakfast or lunch menus, or view full menu and download it on pdf. 

View Google Map

Mangrove Mike’s Cafe on Urbanspoon

Breakfast Menu

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!

Mangrove Mike’s Cafe on Urbanspoon

Michelle ~ on staff, full service wedding planner and licensed wedding officiant.

Professional Hair & Makeup

Kiki’s Spa – “Best of the Keys” People’s Choice Award 2010

Wedding Cakes

Bobs Bunz ~ Islamorada Bakery Chef Robert Spencer specializes in cakes that taste as good as they look!

Publix ~ Key Largo

Wedding Cakes by Pauline Russell – 305-852-0380

Florists

Floral Fantasy Weddings ~ bridal bouquets, floral arrangements

Enchanted Florist ~ unique tropical floral arrangements for weddings and special occasions.
305-664-2021

Sam the DJ ~ 305-684-2209 www.danthedj.com

Pam Godfrey – DJ 305-794-7634

DJ Dave ~ Dave Levy a.k.a. DJ Dave on THE SUN 103 ”Classic Rock for the Keys”.