Keep it easy - this place is awesome. Very laid back and we always make sure to take a trip here every Keys trip. Food, service, ambience - all fantastic. read more

Herbie's Bar & Chowder House in Marathon has been operating under that name since 1963, with roots going back to the 1940s as Maggie's Chowder House and later Fishnet's. It's legitimately one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in the Florida Keys, which gives it a lot of built-in credibility before you even sit down. Walking up to it, you feel that history. The exterior, the gravel lot, the signage--it's pure roadside Keys. Inside, it leans into that "local bar meets tourist stop" vibe: long wooden bar, TVs, stickers everywhere, taps lined up. Then you open the menu and it pivots in every direction--New England chowder house, BBQ joint, burger shack, seafood spot. It's not clear what it wants to be, and that lack of focus carries straight through to the food. We started with both chowders. The clam chowder looks right at first glance, but the texture tells you everything--thick, almost gluey, clearly roux-heavy. The flavor leans aggressively fatty, closer to margarine than butter, with very little clam presence. No briny backbone, no pepper, no lift. We ended up dumping in black pepper and hot sauce just to make it remotely acceptable--but even then, that heavy fat note kept pushing through. Nothing about it reads as New England. The conch chowder fares a bit better. You can actually see a decent amount of conch, and there's a peppery edge that helps. But the broth is thin and lacks the chunky, stewed tomato depth you expect from a proper Keys-style conch chowder. After having it done right earlier at Key Largo Fisheries, the difference was obvious. Then there are the Texas Twinkies--and the photo really says it all. On paper, this should work: jalapeños wrapped in bacon, stuffed with brisket, pulled pork, cheeses, and sauce. In execution, it's just too much. Too much cream cheese, too many competing sauces, meats chopped into a soft, indistinct filling. It collapses into a heavy, muddy bite that feels more overwhelming than satisfying. Looking back at the menu, the simpler move--burger, ribs, even wings--probably would have been the right call. Instead, we ordered straight into the identity crisis. And that theory held up. We went back and grabbed a burger later--cooked a proper medium rare, with well-done, crispy fries--and it was easily the best thing we had from them. I wanted to like Herbie's. There's history, personality, and clearly a loyal following. But between the confused concept and uneven execution, the move here is simple: stick to the basics. read more

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Conch fritters, burnt. Onion rings incredibly greasey to the point that I could not eat them. Service, sub standard. Unexplained 3.5% surcharge on bill. Gave 2*s rather than 1 because my wife liked the Conch chowder. I will not be going back. read more

Such a cool spot. Lots of character and the food was great. Good prices and the service was fast. Got the grouper po' boy and it was so much food in the best way. The seasoned fries were also fantastic! read more

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Hard to find a seat because the food is so good. They only had one waitstaff for the entire place. She was working really hard and told us up front she wouldn't be able to get to us for 20 minutes. They had a large group seated right before we arrived. The QR code on the menu to see all the drink (beer and wine) didn't work for us. The menu has many adventurist elements. We had the chicken over potatoes with green bean and a sublime gravy. It's a big portion to share or to have leftovers. My son had the fries with brisket and gravy over them. He enjoyed. Not the healthiest option but tasty. Key Lime pie was on point. Will go back again. The prices were a little steep for a dive bar. As the $32 chicken dish was expensive the ability to spilt it helped make the investment for my tummy. read more

My wife and I have visited 49 states. You know a restaurant is great when you visit 2 times in 3 days. We've done that only three other times. 36 beers/ciders to choose from. I had the chocolate Stout both days. My wife had a couple different sours. I was told at our hotel how great the chowder is. OMG!!! Top 3, ever!! The first time, I had the fish (mahi) and chips. My wife had it the second time. Excellent! Perfectly cooked. My wife had the mahi sandwich the first visit. Home cut fries. Excellent tartar sauce. The second time, I had the shrimp basket. They hand bread them. For desert: The first time we had the s'mores dip and the second time, real homemade key lime pie. Everything was great! Cool vibe. Excellent service!! If we lived in the area, this would be a weekly visit. read more

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Fish and chips, cold beer, conch fritters, mussels = the perfect casual vacation lunch in Marathon. Highly recommend checking this place out. Everything was fresh and delicious. read more

The service and the food was excellent. You gotta try the clam chowder it was superb. read more

This was the perfect lunch! The set up is a bit confusing-- there are two indoor seating areas (each with their own bar) and a third outdoor patio, though each is accessed from separate doors. Door #2 had a host who told us we could sit on the patio behind door #1, but when we got there, someone was standing and waiting for the table to be cleaned. We ended up choosing door #3 that had an open table by a window. As far as food, they should really highlight the chicken and smashed potatoes on the menu as a signature item! Guy Fieri featured it on his show "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives." I learned this tidbit after seeing the signed steel sheet pan hanging above the bar and googling the episode to see what he ate. It was good luck on my part, as almost ordered the brisket, but I saw mixed reviews and went with the chicken instead. In short, it was awesome -- a colossal mountain of chicken on a smashed baked potato and green beans, then covered in gravy. I loved every bite! My wife had a Mahi reuben (delicious) and my kids each had a grilled chicken sandwich with fries (both approved). And I can't forget... we also had an order of pretzels. They were soft, buttery delicious-ness and the pub cheese was incredible too. Thanks for a great lunch! read more

Herbie's Bar and Chowder House - Pretzels were amazing - Bars Near Me - Marathon, Florida

This place was great! We started with the conch chowder and normally I don't like red chowder, but this one was really good! It was recommended over the fritters especially if you're trying Kong with the first time like we were. They have a great selection of beers on tap as well as sites as their sign claims! They even offer small taster sizes, which I was excited and did because I wanted to try several different kinds! Normally, with this weather, I'd want a light beer, but a couple of the dark beers sounded delicious and it turns out they were, but I was still able to finish the light beer and not be too crazy. For our mains, I had the fish and chips and their special for the day was Moco Loco, which I think is kind of funny because it's actually loco Moco, and since it's not actual traditional loco Moco from Hawaii, I wonder if that's their way of softening appropriation. Either way, both dishes were delicious! The fries are great, the fish flaky and loved the tartar sauce! To finish I had to try the Keylime pie since they make it in the house! It's certainly tart, but I loved it. They have three different options for seating. You can sit in the backyard, a fenced in patio and inside in the air conditioning yourself choose. Service was fast and friendly, no complaints at all and highly recommend. read more

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Went there because we saw it on Triple D Bar area has seating and some other seating outside . Service was good and food was good too read more

Everywhere in the Keys tends to serve up a similar style of food, but Herbie's really stands out by adding their own twist. The poutine brisket fries were exceptional, rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. The shrimp tacos were fresh and flavorful, and the shrimp themselves were absolutely massive (definitely not your average taco shrimp!). Even the kids' sliders were juicy and cooked to perfection... no cutting corners here. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, and the food feels both unique and comforting at the same time. If you're looking for something beyond the standard Keys fare, Herbie's is definitely worth a stop. read more

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Herbie's is always a must stop in the Keys. We tried the hot honey shrimp app and it was really crispy and flavorful. The chicken and smashed potato is always sooo good. I tried the Asian tacos and they were ok. Last time I came they had a Cobia special w coconut rice and green beans and it was one of the best fish dishes I've had, hope that comes back one day! read more

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Absolutely fantastic food! Our table ordered the Florribean fish tacos, conch fritters, and short rib mac & cheese and everything was delicious. We will absolutely be back! read more

Booked a weekend trip to the Keys and saw Herbie's on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives had to stop. I sat outside under the covered patio and ordered the mahi Reuben and conch chowder. The bartender was super welcoming and said the Reuben's been so popular, they're adding it to the regular menu. I love a classic Reuben, but this mahi version? Absolutely hit. Chowder was meaty and flavorful, and the fries were crispy and seasoned just right. So glad I made the stop! read more

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I had the fish and chips. Mahi seems to be the go to fish. While good, I prefer cod. The breading was actually a little light for me. I prefer light breading, but this was really light. But the fish was properly prepared. The boss had the floribbean shrimp taco. She really enjoyed it, a lot. Service was really good. She was busy with a bunch of people and she did a great job. taking care of all of us. Many call it a dive bar. It is not because it's clean. read more

Service was very good. Fish taco was excellent. All of the other food was battered and fried. Chicken breast, conch fritters and onion rings. All were tragically overdone. read more

Amazing customer service from Sacha, very professional and friendly. Food was fresh, flavorful, and all around amazing! Would recommend giving this place a go! read more

Herbie's Bar and Chowder House - Spicy chicken sandwich and redneck sandwhich - Bars Near Me - Marathon, Florida

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Good casual spot to try conch chowder and conch fritters. The conch chowder was great, it tasted similar to cioppino and was tomato based. The conch fritters were full of flavor and had a good amount of conch. read more

Herbie's Bar and Chowder House - Conch Fritters - Bars Near Me - Marathon, Florida

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Went to Herbie's for our last dinner out while in the Keys and it did not disappoint. A bit tricky figuring out where to go as there are technically 3 entrances, but on everyone was nice and helpful. We decided to sit on the back patio which was perfect for the kids as they have cornhole, giant Jenga, giant Connect Four and a few other backyard games. Poutine was amazing and our meals were very good. A must try if you are in or near Marathon, FL. read more

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Fun atmosphere and friendly and attentive service. My husband had the shortrib Mac and cheese and loved it! I loved the tacos. Great start to our vacay! read more

Awesome burger and an amazing beer selection. The atmosphere is old Florida Keys. The place is a step back in time. A must go place if you're visiting the keys. The burgers are special. They rate top tier anywhere. Go and enjoy. The service was exceptional. It was an awesome experience. read more

What a hidden gem! One of the best places to eat in the entire Keys Area by a long shot! The famous clam chowder was the perfect consistency with amazing flavor and fresh ingredients throughout. For the main Entree I ordered the Chicken Smashed potatoes and let me tell you something this was some of the best chicken I've ever had perfectly fried buttermilk fried chicken placed ontop of melt in your mouth potatoes that you can mash with a fork then piled high with the homemade gravy that just took the dish to the next level. If you are looking for a great meal nestled in the keys that does not disappoint herbies is the way to go! read more

Herbie's Bar and Chowder House - Famous Clam Chowder - Bars Near Me - Marathon, Florida

A dive vibe but awesome service and food! I'll go anywhere if there is good, quality food - and while the ambiance isn't definitely not "high end" which is totally fine with me this place is a must visit. The seating situation is a little odd - several doors and options but just ask a server and they'll get you seated. I had the chicken and smashed potatoes which everyone raves about and it was delicious could definitely be shared it's massive. Kids had the sliders, Mac and cheese, and fish all were 10/10 and quality made. Give this little island gem a try read more

cute little place with really good food! a little confusing though because there's 3 different doors, but it's seat yourself! our server, Katie, was amazing! kudos to her for being awesome and welcoming! if you're driving though the keys and looking for a place to stop, recommend here! read more

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The food is amazing! The service is great and met with a smile and friendly greeting. Wonderful ambience with a rustic keys feel! read more

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The clam chowder was awesome. We also had the poutine w short ribs and the Texas twinkies. Great service. Small place but was worth the stop. read more

Herbie's Bar and Chowder House - Poutine w short ribs - Bars Near Me - Marathon, Florida

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The service was very nice/good. The ambiance was super casual -- much like many of the places in the keys. The draft beer choices was much better than average. The food was OK-to-good. read more

If this is not the best fish sandwich I've ever had, it sure is tied with only a couple for top spot. Absolutely delicious. A big hunk of dolphin (which people have now co-opted as mahi mahi so as. It to get confused) excellently prepared , fresh, hot, perfect. Tap room, friendly, casual (It's Marathon) lots of other options too for seafood, I want to go back. read more

Herbie's Bar and Chowder House - Dolphin sandwich (or mahi mahi if you prefer) - Bars Near Me - Marathon, Florida

One word to describe the food "SPECTACULAR" huge portions, great prices! Mallory our server was friendly and very informative , we got her recommendation and it was all on point! Very keys atmosphere, and relaxed dining, they also have outside seating and plenty of parking in front. Their merchandise (tank tops, T-shirts, at a great price. read more

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I got the Redneck Rueben and my girlfriend got the Short Rib Mac N Cheese both were insanely good and very unique. I added their mustang bbq sauce on top of the rueben and it made it even better and the fries that come with were seasoned really well. 10/10 would recommend both items, ask the server about the bucket of bbq sauces for your dish too read more

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The food was average, and the fries are very seasoned. The service was absolutely amazing. The waitress was very accommodating to a gluten free allergy. It was a nice outdoor area. read more

Herbie's Bar and Chowder House - Grilled chicken burger - Bars Near Me - Marathon, Florida

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Great place to stop for some good food and beer. The service is great thank you Mallory and Christina. Great merch and decor.

Came here one night with my boyfriend when we were in marathon. The place seems unassuming from the outside but don't let it fool you! The food here (and service) was great! It's very, very casual. We sat at a high top table and ordered the Pork Belly Burnt Ends to start. They were cooked to perfection, crisp but juicy. To order, we were going to get the sampler platter but the server advised they were out of brisket so we opted for other options. We ended up getting the Chicken and Smashed Potato and the Drunken Clams. My dish was the chicken and it was DELISH! I don't want to know how many calories are in that dish, it made my tastebuds happy and that's all that matters!!!! The chicken was fried to perfection and the sauce it came with? I could have licked it off the plate. So good. This dish alone makes me want to come back here again, again, and again!! My bf ordered the clams and he liked them, said they were salty (as expected with clam dishes) but he enjoyed the dish. I'm telling you, that chicken dish is the star of the show. Everything happens for a reason and I'm happy they ran out of brisket so I was able to enjoy the chicken!!!! I'll be back for my fixin' soon! read more

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Incredible food with super nice vibes&beer menu. Our server was attentive and friendly. I got the floribbean tacos with fried shrimp and they were so good with the slaw and salsa. I told my husband I'd eat them every day if I could! 11/10 recommend. read more

Went here because we saw it had been on diners drive ins and dives. The menu online was not the menu that was there. They have craft and domestic beer only no bar. Food was just ok. Not at all what we expected read more

Fantastic friendly service. Large selection of craft beers and knowledgeable staff to help you with your selection. Delicious fish sandwich and fries. Worth a stop! read more

Herbie's Bar and Chowder House - Fried Mahi sandwich and delicious fries! - Bars Near Me - Marathon, Florida

The moment we walked in we were greeted and made to feel welcome. We grabbed a high top near a table for 20! But it didn't matter to the staff in the front or back of house. Our server was fantastic, always checking in throughout the meal. The food was fresh and delicious. I ordered the fish and chips, which had a huge pieces of fresh fish encrusted in a phenomenal batter. We also has the short rib mac and cheese and the reuben (can't remember the name) and everything was delicious! read more

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I can not begin to find the words to express how good the food is here. We came here about 18 years ago. It was fire then too. We started with a bowl of clam chowder and conch chowder. The clam chowder was divine! Full of clams and flavor. The conch fritters were the best I have ever had. We live in Florida and have tried several. The waiter was fast and pleasant. She recommended the Asian tacos with tuna. Let me tell you, GET THE ASIAN TACOS! So bright and full of flavor. My hubby got a Mahi sandwich. The filet was so big and fresh. We are so happy that Herbies is still around. This food is made with LOVE! We'll be back! read more

Five bright and shiny starts indeed! Super duper cute! Such a cool place! I picked this Restaurant for our last night in marathon and surprised my husband. He said, "Yes! This is the kind of place I like!" There are three different areas/sections you can sit. I can see how this place is popular, especially with Guy Fieri's visit. When I tell you that this is a very cool atmosphere, you'll just have to visit and see for yourself. Love the chill vibes. Our server was just so lovely and her name was Liz She made great suggestions and definitely sold my husband on the right type of beer that thrills him, lol! We ordered conch fritters and smashed chicken (very popular). Nothing disappointed us. Every bite was delicious and flavor packed. Do note that there is a full order and half order of the chicken mash, and trust me y'all...it is a huge portion! read more

Herbie's Bar and Chowder House - Bars Near Me - Marathon, Florida