Hog Heaven Sports Bar and Grill — Restaurant in Islamorada

This place is a Hidden Gem of a laid-back Bar and Grill among the Islamorada Keys. We discovered it by accident about 3-4 years ago on one of our annual trips to the Florida Keys, and we go back here every time we visit Islamorada for 2-3 nights before we head down the chain to Key West to finish out our vacation. Our most recent visits (2) were during the second week of July 2025. It is VERY hidden from the Overseas Highway behind a boat storage dry stack and an elevated apartment complex and the signage for it is not very good. That said, during your first visit I would highly recommend you plug it into your GPS or Phone Contact list to make sure you can make the proper turn(s) to get here safely while exiting off the very busy Overseas Highway so you don't get into an accident or cause one From the outside, it looks rather shady.......sort of like a rundown biker bar or a red-light district roadhouse........, but don't be deterred by its front-side appearance. Once you step inside, you will see it's a very clean and professionally managed bar and grill with very warm and cozy ambience. The back patio sits on a private tropical lagoon with a long expanse of tables along a dock and it has a peekaboo look out into the Atlantic Ocean. There is also a smaller full liquor bar on this back patio with about 15 stools, and that is where we usually sit............in the stools that face towards the lagoon so we can take in the gorgeous view. The big food draw here is the smoke pulled BBQ pork (hence the Hog Heaven name), and it's cooked to perfection South Carolina style, with their own homemade mustard base BBQ sauce. The larger (full liquor) bar inside has about 25 stools, as well as several inside tables, that only the locals seem to use. Near the front door are also two pool tables that stay busy with local crowd regulars on weekends. They also feature some good live music performers here on the weekends. They have a main parking lot directly in front of the building, and an adjacent (overflow) one on a vacant lot just south of it. I estimate both lots can maybe hold about 50-60 cars max, and it will get full during peak season (December to April), especially on weekends (day or night). If you are visiting the Islamorada area, you MUST check this place out and enjoy it to the fullest, especially for lunch or an early dinner when the weather is nice and you can take in the awesome tropical island view out on the back patio area or at the back bar. It's one of our favorite "Tiki Bars" in the entire Florida Keys and the service and food is always great whenever...

We’ve been to Hog Heaven Sports Bar and Grill several times and usually have a great experience, but our most recent visit had a few hiccups that are worth mentioning.

The food was delicious as always — the pulled pork sandwich was juicy and flavorful, and the fish tacos were excellent. Our server in the back outdoor area was friendly, attentive, and provided great service. However, the hostess service was nonexistent. There’s a sign at the entrance that says "Seat Yourself," which we followed. We chose an open table and waited about 15 minutes, but no one ever came to take our order. I approached a server, who told me that area had no assigned waitstaff and that we’d have to either order at the bar or sit elsewhere. We asked to be seated where service was available, and she kindly pointed us to the back patio area.

One major issue: mosquitos. If you're sitting outside around dusk, be prepared — they are relentless. We and several other tables were constantly swatting at bugs while trying to eat. Eventually, we had to move indoors because it was just too uncomfortable.

Inside, the atmosphere was lively, but we were shocked to see a dog sitting on a barstool and another one shedding so much that piles of fur were visible on the floor and floating through the air. Another guest was even walking their dog around inside the restaurant. While we fully support pet-friendly spaces — especially outdoor patios — allowing dogs inside where food and drinks are being served, especially around the bar area, raises serious hygiene concerns. All in all, we still enjoyed the food and the excellent service from our server once we were seated properly. But between the lack of clear seating guidance, the mosquitos, and the cleanliness concerns indoors, this visit fell short of what we’ve come to expect.

Still worth a visit for the food, but they need to tighten up their operations and...

If you are looking for a heavenly dining experience, look no further than Hog Heaven Sports Bar and Grill in Islamorada, Florida. And if you are lucky enough to get Moe as your server, you are in for a treat. Moe is not just a server, he is a legend. He is the kind of person who makes you feel like you are his only customer, even when the place is packed. He is the kind of person who knows everything about the menu, the drinks, and the history of the restaurant. He is the kind of person who surprises you with a free slice of key lime pie, just because he can. I had the pleasure of being served by Moe on my last visit to Hog Heaven Sports Bar and Grill, and I can honestly say that it was one of the best meals I have ever had. The food was amazing, of course. I had the hog wings appetizer, which were so good that I almost forgot to save room for the main course. The mahi-mahi sandwich was fresh and juicy, and came with a side of crispy fries. But what really made the meal memorable was Moe’s service. He was friendly, attentive, and professional. He greeted me with a smile and a joke, and made me feel at home right away. He took my order quickly and accurately, and brought me my food in no time. He checked on me regularly to make sure I had everything I needed, and gave me great tips on what to see and do in Islamorada. He also brought me a slice of key lime pie for dessert, which was the best thing I have ever tasted. It was sweet and tangy, with a buttery crust that melted in my mouth. Moe is the reason why I will always come back to Hog Heaven Sports Bar and Grill. He is not just a server, he is a star. He deserves all the praise and tips he can get. He made my dining experience unforgettable, and I’m sure he will do the same for you. Trust me, you won’t regret it. Moe is the best thing that ever happened to Hog Heaven Sports Bar and...