our bartender, Mallory, was amazing. care of accommodating. we loved the restaurant! great wings! 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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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

The seating is a bit cramped. They do however have a decent size community table. They have a full bar. Inside was clean. Staff was good. Food came out quick. Clam chowder was fair at best. Hot honey chicken sandwich was solid. The Texas twinkies were awesome. I'm not sure there's much on the menu that isn't a good choice. The smashed chicken whatever was a good solid pick. I feel it was a bit expensive for what it was. They do have a good selection of bbq sauces from whiter, yellow and a couple other flavors. If you're in town and looking for a place to eat this place won't disappoint. read more

First time trying this spot. Walked in and was acknowledged by a woman carrying an infant. Maybe only one or two other people seated at the bar. We grabbed a table. The woman with the infant had apparently brought her child to work - we were originally thinking maybe she was just holding a familiar customer's baby. Ambience was lacking. Other seating inside and the outside beer garden were apparently closed. Felt like a dive bar. We decided to just grab a drink to be polite and then go elsewhere. We also tried the conch fritters after reading they were featured in Diners Drive Ins and Dives. They were overdone and mostly breading. Overall, not a great experience. read more

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

The food was so good I didn't stop to take a picture . Laid back old Florida Keys spot with a killer list on tap. The staff was super kind, also. A must stop if you are visiting read more

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

Amazing experience from start to finish. Cute well air-conditioned interior with style. Extremely nice staff, Katy was welcoming and very knowledgeable. Beer selection is diverse and delicious. Wings were amazing. Poutine was a 5/5 and the pretzels are must try. Finished the meal off with an incredible slice of homemade Keylime pie. If you're looking for a quirky and fun place with great food and good beer, this is it! read more

We go back often to try all the delicious dishes. They have awesome fish and chips, but you might want to try their hot honey shrimp platter. Yum! If you want great food, good service and relaxed atmosphere, this is the place. read more

Service was great. Food was so so. Wings tasted alright but were not really cut to eat so really a pain. Shrimp were ok but nothing special for cost. Environment was fine. 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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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

My wife in I stopped in late on a Monday eve. We weren't seriously hungry as we had a late lunch. Arrived about 8:15. Ordered a couple of drafts from their extensive tap list. All went well with that. As New Englanders we ordered two bowls of clam chowder. The offering was a well adaptation of what NE chowder should be buttery and a nice smooth silky creamy finish. Qudos to the chef. The fried conch fritters were hot with a crispy exterior. Nice accompaniment to the chowder. The menu rounds out nice offerings for a bar/pub type establishment. Very casual interior. The type of place everyone would enjoy in their home town. Stop in enjoy! Don't drive by go where the locals go! read more

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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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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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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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

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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Disgusting garbage worst BBQ I ever had ! Brisket paper thin and sawdust dry Ribs just as dry with a weird taste. Go to McDonalds this was actually not fit to eat 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

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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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

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

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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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

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

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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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

A great stopover on our journey from Key West for a slice of key lime pie! Friendly bartender.

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

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

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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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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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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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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