Reviews: Cabbage Key Inn

Reviewed by: David Mann , Now or Never, on Jan 5, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 4.7'

Rating: 4

Fun stop at a very popular place. Great place for a meal and or drinks although it won't be inexpensive. The docks were damaged in the hurricane and are still being repaired. Not all have electrical available at this time. No water of any sort available at the docks. Remove your trash with you. Bartender and staff were very accommodating.

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Reviewed by: Tina Brown on Mar 25, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 32'
Draft: 11.6'

Rating: 5

We loved this stop! It was like stepping back in time. No frills, just a quiet place to stay with a few docks and cottages, a gift shop and a superb restaurant. They do provide a men and women's restroom w/ a shower and there was an old washer and dryer available. We found the staff to be very friendly and accommodating.

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Reviewed by: Jeff French on Jan 24, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 3.8'

Rating: 4

Enjoyed our stay despite the rude and short tempered dockmaster. This is a person with no patience for anything not done exactly how he commands. Time for Cabbage Key to hire someone else.

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Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 21, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Excellent restaurant with an atmosphere that is reminiscent of pre-air-conditioned Florida. The staff were very pleasant and the food great. We enjoyed our meal here more than we did the one at Collier Inn on Useppa (although, to be fair, they were both top-notch, and we didn't get anything extravagant at Collier).

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Reviewed by: David Hughes on Feb 9, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 2.6'

Rating: 5

Cheeseburger in Paradise…not much else to say. We came for lunch, good food great drinks and very busy.
The dockmaster was excellent. If you were patient and listened to his instructions, docking was easy.

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Reviewed by: John Moore , Claire, on Jan 30, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

We stopped here for our 45th wedding anniversary, with the previous visit for our 1st, so it's easy to do the math to see how long it's been between stops. Very nostalgic. The place has been lipsticked up a bit over the years. They've done a good job upgrading and still maintaining old Florida rustic. To the best of my memory, the docks are original location, just with new paint and electric. No water. Piles are uneven with short gangways, which helps to keep the old Florida ambiance. The channel is easy to follow from the ICW. Stay in it with anything other than a dinghy. Dockmasters were very respectful and nice. We got the same great attention as the mega yachts and trawlers. They had no trouble accommodating a 90+ foot yacht.

The old dollar bill grill has been spruced up, still collecting cash on walls of the bar and parts of the dining room. Other sections have a lodge look including a working fireplace. More of a restaurant than a grill now. Bone in prime rib, shrimp scampi, and grouper were top notch.

We stayed 3 nights in the inn, and two at the dock. Room 5 has a screened porch with water view, tiny bathroom, and dim lighting (bring a headlamp from the boat if you like to read old school at night). There are cottages with private docks available. Check draft when booking. Nature trails are pleasant walks. Met Speedy and Myrtle the turtles. Staff was pleasant. Was very nice to get away from the ICW zoo and back to lazy old Florida.

Personal notes:
Don't go with the wrong expectations. No pool, floating bar, beaches or bikinis. It's as far from Miami as one can get and still be on the water in Florida. There has been a clear effort to keep the old feel... back to the 1930's in some areas, and at the same time handle new crowds of 450 plus visitors a day. It's a tough job.
Restaurant and amenities are a bit expensive, but we got over it. Dinner for two with 4 adult drinks and tip was $170. Keep in mind everything goes on and off by ferry, including trash. Tap water is not drinkable unless you are in survival mode. Bring water or buy the bottles, and don't complain.
Weekend lunch is packed. It's parade of boats at midday. We sat east side of the ICW for 30 mins and waited for a call back on ch 11. Once you've checked in, you're on the dockmasters mental list, and he'll bring you in with a slip waiting. Seemed to me we were brought in ahead of those that wondered in without a call. The property was almost deserted after lunch.
Tipping well on the strong side, including dockmasters seems to be worthwhile. They treat everyone well, but the extra was noticed. It's the best way I can put it.
Overall our visit was a great experience. Brought back some great memories, and created wonderful new ones.

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Reviewed by: Rich Naples , Time Bandit, on Jul 13, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 33'
Draft: 2.0'

Rating: 4

Cabbage Key has a restaurant, very good food. They have cottages and you can also go on a hike.

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