MEAT Eatery And Taproom — Restaurant in Islamorada

I’m sure this place is great. It’s gotten tons of excellent press and rave reviews both locally and regionally. The food looked delicious. The people next to me were throughly enjoying their “buttermilk marinated” fried Chicken. The draft selection was well balanced with a “something for everyone” vibe ranging from Budlight and Guinness to local Micro Brews including a hefeweizen, a session IPA, a milk Stout, a featured Cider and even a Root Beer on tap for the kiddos. I was poised to order their “Nancy Pants” burger. A 5oz affair with the usual suspects (lettuce, tomato, onions, etc.) but a sizable list of “pile it on” off of which to pick assorted tasty accoutrements like a fried egg, beer braised onions or alternate cheese options. Sounds good, huh? I wouldn’t know🤷‍♂️ I was greeted with a quick set of instructions as I entered the restaurant (menus are there, specials listed above here, have a seat anywhere you’d like, etc.) I sat at the half full bar with an empty seat to my right followed by the happy fried chicken customers. To my left maybe 4 more empty seats before a pair of couples eating their meal already. I perused the menu and draft list board above my head and waited to place my drink order... and kept waiting... 18 minutes passed and no one had even come behind the bar. New customers had come in at this point and sat to my left. After a short wait(we’ll say 5 minutes, max) the unseen waitress arrived and began asking the customers to my right how everything was and if they needed anything. She then moved to the pair of couples with the same schtick. I’m still remaining patient. Next up is drink orders for the new customers directly to my left. Ok, at least I’m next, right?💁‍♂️ Wrong 🤦‍♂️ Their drinks were poured and delivered and not a word to me. She followed this up with “are you guys ready to order” and began taking their order. Well, there’s only so much ignoring I’m apt to put up with (apparently it’s about 25 minutes worth) so I stood up, returned the menu to the guy still diligently manning the register and thanked him for his “great job” leaving as he looked at me puzzled. I’m sorry but there’s zero excuse for you to completely miss a customer. I had no drink, no utensils or place setting. Nothing to signal to anyone that I had been helped. Great job, Meat, maybe try hiring staff members...

I was nearby, I had ducked into Marker 88 for an evening cocktail (Swedish Lemonade) and some award winning Keys sunset action, and whilst awaiting the denouement, I noticed this joint across the street in a strip mall. I visited this place no less than 4 times in 3 days so I could try all the fare and EVERY single menu item that caught my attention. What a home run.

The "Inside Out Juicy Lucy Burger ($12) - This was my first and favorite sandwich and it is a MUST HAVE. It is a Pimento cheese and bacon stuffed burger topped with American cheese, lettuce and tomato. OMFG best burger I may have EVER had out. The bacon is home made and they sell it by the POUND. Thank you baby Jesus!! Truffle "Bistro" Fries - MMmmmmmmmmmm!! Truffle oil, Parmesan cheese, and Rosemary. $7.50 Chorizo Patty Sammy - $8.50 Home made and spicy chorizo is a HIT! Maine Lobster Roll - "Market Price" Yeah, pretty much best lobster roll I've EVER had. Lobster Mac-n-Cheese $14 bucks for a meal, but the Juicy Lucy is still my fave. Bread Pudding Blueberry Cheesecake Brownie HSBLFGT is the $10 bacon lettuce and tomato iteration and was my least fave, but still very creative and tasty. The tomato is a fried and green one.

Wow. Find me a treadmill.

According to the proprietor they've been open about 2 years and have a location in Boca, dahling. I can tell you this: there is a wait here often. They have passed the point wherein they need to tear a wall down and add some staff. I don't like to wait. If I have to wait, I go elsewhere.

They also need to simplify the menu and their processes. But, alas, those are growing pains because the most important commodity, the food, ROCKS!

They sell hot dogs under a section titled "TUBE STEAKS" - I bet they don't sell many. I wouldn't order from there just out of principle. 86 the hot dogs. No one travels for hot dogs. Simplify your menu, simply your life. Get rid of the poorest selling 15% of your menu.

Get a waiter / waitress and your front desk will run more efficiently.

Try it, you'll love...

I am so disappointed to write this review. I ordered our favorite MEAT burgers for a Super Bowl party we were hosting days in advance. I paid for my entire order days in advance and received a confirmation email with an outlined pick up time. Well, come third quarter of the Super Bowl I go to pick up my order and the restaurant is completely closed. I am calling the number on google and on my confirmation email with no answer. I have a house full of hungry guests with no dinner that I confidently ordered from a reliable local place. The next day I call the restaurant and spoke to a woman who was extremely dismissive and simply said that I would be refunded for my order. Well of course I would be refunded, but what about the massive inconvenience of hosting a party and not having the food that I ordered for catering. The woman seemed to not be concerned and brushed me off. I said I wanted to speak with a manager or owner and she said that he would give me a call. Well it has been over a week and I have not received that call. I also email Tom with no reply. So disappointed with MEAT and to be writing this review. We will not be visiting this...