Top 5 Family-Style Restaurants in Marathon, Florida and near Swim with Dolphins

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Hungry and Want to Swim with Dolphins Too? Discover the Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Marathon, Florida!

Marathon, located in the heart of the Florida Keys, offers families a delightful combination of excellent dining experiences and unforgettable marine adventures. One of the most exciting activities in the area is the opportunity to swim with dolphins, providing a unique experience for visitors of all ages. Complementing these aquatic adventures are Marathon’s top family-style restaurants, each offering a welcoming atmosphere and delicious cuisine. Below are the top five family-friendly restaurants in Marathon, Florida.

Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House

Address: 3660 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
Phone: (305) 743-5516

Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House is a beloved family-owned restaurant known for its warm hospitality and outstanding cuisine. Conveniently located along the Overseas Highway, this eatery specializes in premium steaks and fresh lobster, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists. Their surf-and-turf options are particularly popular, offering a perfect balance of flavors from both land and sea.

The restaurant features a casual yet inviting ambiance, ideal for families looking for a relaxed dining experience. The attentive service ensures a pleasant visit, and the children’s menu offers a variety of kid-friendly options. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a night out, Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House delivers an exceptional meal in a welcoming setting.

Island Fish Company

Address: 12648 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
Phone: (305) 289-2065

Island Fish Company provides the ultimate Florida Keys dining experience with its waterfront location and open-air seating. Specializing in fresh seafood, the restaurant serves popular dishes like conch fritters, fish tacos, and a variety of locally caught fish prepared to perfection. The tiki bar adds to the tropical ambiance, making it a great spot for families to enjoy a meal while taking in the stunning sunset views.

Families will appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and the well-curated children’s menu designed to satisfy younger diners. The restaurant also features a gift shop, allowing visitors to take home a souvenir from their Keys vacation. With its combination of flavorful dishes, scenic views, and family-friendly environment, Island Fish Company is a must-visit in Marathon.

Herbie’s Bar & Chowder House

Address: 6350 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
Phone: (305) 743-6373

As one of the oldest eateries in Marathon, Herbie’s Bar & Chowder House combines history with incredible food. The restaurant is well known for its award-winning conch chowder and also serves a variety of seafood dishes, burgers, and salads. The rustic decor and casual setting make it an inviting spot for families seeking a laid-back meal.

Live music performances enhance the lively atmosphere, providing entertainment for all ages. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch or dinner, Herbie’s offers an authentic Keys dining experience with friendly service and great food.

Porky’s Bayside Restaurant and Marina

Address: 1410 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
Phone: (305) 289-2065

Porky’s Bayside blends the charm of a marina setting with the flavors of Southern barbecue and fresh seafood. Guests can dine outdoors under tiki huts while enjoying dishes like smoked ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, and freshly grilled fish. The restaurant’s location by the water allows diners to watch boats come and go, adding to its nautical appeal.

With a relaxed atmosphere and a diverse menu, Porky’s Bayside is perfect for families. Live music performances and excellent service contribute to its warm and inviting environment. Whether you’re craving seafood or barbecue, this restaurant is a fantastic option for a delicious meal in Marathon.

The Stuffed Pig

Address: 3520 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
Phone: (305) 743-4059

The Stuffed Pig is a favorite among locals and visitors for its hearty breakfast and lunch offerings. Known for its generous portions and homestyle cooking, this charming eatery serves breakfast favorites like fluffy pancakes, omelets, and the signature “Stuffed Pig” breakfast platter. For lunch, guests can enjoy sandwiches, salads, and daily seafood specials.

The casual outdoor seating area provides a comfortable setting for families to enjoy their meals. Quick service and friendly staff make it an excellent choice for those looking to start their day off right or enjoy a leisurely lunch. With its welcoming atmosphere and delicious menu, The Stuffed Pig is a staple of the Marathon dining scene.

Swim with Dolphins in Duck Key

No visit to Middle Keys is complete without a trip to the Swim with the Dolphins in Florida Keys located in Duck Key Florida. This renowned facility offers guests the chance to interact with dolphins through various programs, including dolphin swimming sessions and dolphin educational encounters. These programs are designed to teach visitors about dolphin behavior, marine conservation, and the importance of protecting ocean ecosystems.

Engaging with dolphins in their natural habitat is an enriching experience that combines education with fun. Whether you’re looking for a hands-on swim or a simple dockside interaction, the swim with the dolphins near Key West provides an unforgettable adventure for families and visitors of all ages.

Duck Key, Florida, offers a perfect mix of culinary delights and unique experiences, only 1 hours and 20 minutes from Key West, 20 minutes from Marathon, and 1 hour from Key Largo. Whether you’re enjoying a family meal at one of these top restaurants in Marathon or creating memories with dolphins, the island promises a vacation filled with unforgettable moments.

The Florida Keys Travel Corner

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What Our Customers Say

      
   Florida Keys Swim with Dolphin Tours and Tickets
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   Val Nakdimen 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. From the moment we arrived, the staff greeted us with such warmth and genuine friendliness, immediately making us feel welcome and eager to explore. Their helpfulness was evident throughout the park, and we greatly appreciated their assistance. We also noted how remarkably clean and well-maintained the entire facility was, which certainly contributed to a very pleasant atmosphere. The layout of the park and the thoughtful staggering of the show times were particularly impressive. This allowed us to enjoy all the presentations at a relaxed pace, without ever feeling rushed. As someone who has recently undergone two knee replacements, I was pleasantly surprised and very grateful for how accessible and manageable the park was to navigate. It was not at all strenuous, which allowed me to fully immerse myself in the experience without any discomfort. One of the absolute highlights of our day was the "Swim with the Dolphins" experience in the deeper water. The staff overseeing this program were incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and continued to be just as friendly and accommodating as everyone else we encountered. Again, I found this activity to be perfectly manageable despite my recent surgeries, which speaks volumes about its thoughtful execution. Beyond the fantastic guest experience, what truly resonated with us was the palpable kindness and care shown towards all the animals. It is evident that the well-being of your residents is a top priority. Learning about your commitment to rescue and rehabilitation for animals that cannot care for themselves further solidified our appreciation for Theater of the Sea's mission. Thank you once again for providing such an unforgettable and enjoyable day. We certainly look forward to sharing our positive experience online with friends and on review websites, and we sincerely hope to have the opportunity to visit you again very soon
  
 
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   j s 
 
 
 
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   Celeste Leap 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I visited Dolphin World last week with my husband. We had an amazing time.  The interaction and swimming with the dolphins was just so mesmerizing. I did not think twice, no hesitation at all.  The dolphin show was out of this world.  The trainers do an amazing job.  I'm my opinion the show surpassed Sea World. I came home and told my girlfriend all about and she wants to experience this also. I told her I do it again in a heartbeat.  Thank you so much for an amazing experience. Celeste Ferrell Virginia
  
 
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   Faith Scallion 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If I could give 50 stars I would. Every part of this experience was beyond amazing. I never thought I’d actually get to swim with dolphins! The trainers and the staff were exceptional. They went out of their way to make each and every person happy. This is something in your life you do not want to miss!
  
 
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   joshua droge 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mya and Indi were incredible dolphins. Greatest experience ever highly recommend.
  
 
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   Becky Leavell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Exhilarating! Such a wild high!
  
 
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   Cristina Lo Sardo 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My boyfriend and I drove 2 plus hrs for the dolphin deep swim experience and it was beyond worth it!!! We made such a great memory that will last a lifetime. I’ve swam with dolphins in the past and my experience in Florida definitely topped it! I recommend purchasing the pictures at the end of your visit:)
  
 
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   RABCAPT 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was a cool experience for the family. Relaxed and fun staff!
  
 
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   Kemberle Griffin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I chose the Royal package and it was absolutely GREAT! I had a blast with the dolphins and trainers. The people who work there truly love these dolphins. I read a couple of reviews before I booked because I wanted to make sure it would be worth it, it is. I had seen where someone had mentioned the time they got to spend with the dolphins, I can only assume they chose a different package than I chose because, we had plenty of time with them and each person in the group got a chance with them. The only issue I had was the gift shop. I wanted to get a sticker with the dolphins that I got to swim with, but unfortunately they are the popular dolphins and no stickers were available. If anyone on staff sees this, I'd pay for these stickers when they come in if it would be possible to send them to me (I can provide the dates I was there if that would help). 😊 Overall a great experience. I would recommend this to anyone; Adults & Kids (age appropriate of course). Bucket List: ✅