Herbie's Bar & Chowder House

Herbie's Bar & Chowder House

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+1 305-743-6373+ Add websiteWrite a Review
Hours
Sun
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Mon
11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Tue
11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Wed
11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Thu
11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Fri
11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sat
11:00 am - 9:00 pm
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Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?
About
Herbies is the oldest operating restaurant in the Heart of the Florida Keys! Having been established in the late 1940's under the name Maggie's Chowder House, it has become a landmark restaurant and continued local favorite. While the restaurant is well established, the only thing old school about the menu is the fact that everything is prepared from scratch here, and that includes grinding our own grass fed beef, conch, sausage, and hot dogs (when available). And, our beer selection is unmatched from Miami to Key West. All on tap craft beer. No, you will not find a National branded beer here, but you will find true American fresh craft beer along with some exceptionally fine wines all poured by the glass. So, don't let the Florida road side shack appearance fool you! Come on in and enjoy some of the best food in the Heart of the Keys!
CUISINES
American, Caribbean, Bar, Seafood, Barbecue
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
FEATURES
Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, 有泊車位, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Mastercard, Visa, Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles828 reviews
Excellent
526
Very good
196
Average
64
Poor
25
Terrible
17

tom38547
Brush Creek339 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • couples
First the down sides to Herbie’s. Closed Monday & Tuesday. That’s pretty much it. Oh and they only have craft beer but you will muddle you way thru. My lady & I stopped in because it looked like the kind of local dive we wanted to try. There are 3 entrances & each bring you to a land of total joy - just pick a way to get inside. We had the smoked fish dip ($12.00) as an appetizer and were amazed at how delicious the dish was. We followed up sharing the Tuna Asian Tacos ($15.95 & there is a brace of them in the order) and we’re blown away by the flavor they offered. We can recommend both dishes and have to guess all will be just as amazing. Oh and on Wednesday they have $4.00 beer. Give them a try when I’m or passing thru Marathon. And if you are lucky enough to get Beth as your bartender be sure to ask for her BEST joke.
Written 29 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

The Pidge
Wayne601 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • none
We stopped her for something fast and easy to eat on the way to Key West- the pretzels appetizer was delicious and the key lime pie was almost as good. The waitress seemed a little perplexed as to why we weren't staying for a full meal and/or drinks, but we didn't let it bother us. Not exactly cheap, but finding something cheap in the Lower Keys is almost impossible.
Written 14 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Paul A
Hudson228 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • family
Had dinner here on a trip to the area. Definitely fits the image of eating like a local. Very casual atmosphere and comfort food base. Large selection of draft beers with excellent variety. We had a crab cake appetizer, which was excellent but pricey at $14 for two small crab cakes. I tried the Nashville chicken and smashed baked potato. My wife had the Floridian fish tacos. Her tacos were outstanding. The chicken was good but had barely any heat to it. Our waitress, Christine, was superb and an incredible worker! Overall, a good meal and I can recommend.
Written 28 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Khala R
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • family
They over charged us twice once for a “16” oz pierced pear cider which was supposed to be 6$ according to there menu it came out to $9.68 and then we ordered the whole fried snapper which the specials board said $16.95 and the bill said $26.95. We pointed it out not being rude just wondering why it was so much more than the listed price and then they tried to figure it out it took three people. So who knows how many people were over charged. Then the older woman loudly stated s*it happens and changed the price on the board then looked at us and even louder stated we are only human we make mistakes. Mind you we didn’t throw a fit just asked why the price was different for the fish we let the cider go. This is sad to me because I always made a point to stop for key lime pie every time I came down to the keys. But it’s not worth whatever price they decide to charge. Our waitress was nice and tried to accommodate the older woman(owners wife) was the rude one.
Written 25 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
herbiesb
I'm not going to make any excuses for my wife's behavior yesterday other than every once in a while we all have a bad day. Hers was yesterday. My apologies. We have always tried to accommodate our customers especially when we make a mistake. I have no idea how my wife wrote the wrong price on the board for the whole fried snapper as it has been the same price for years now (clearly, she was having a bad day.) But, I believe she did adjust your bill accordingly. As for the cider, we had just added it to our lineup, and for some reason the menu item was incorrectly entered into the system without pricing and "inherited" a default menu group pricing in the point of sale system. Unfortunately, you were the victim of two of our mistakes in one sitting... my apologies again. I hope you will come back and give us another try as I certainly owe you a cider (or two) and a personal apology as well.
Written 26 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

snpkelley
Uniontown535 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • friends
We had great conch chowder and poutine fries. The atmosphere is great and we had a wonderful time. Shirley's desserts are to die for - she made us gluten free flourless chocolate peanut butter cake on request. What a treat and a wonderful host
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

404HappyTraveller
Saskatchewan481 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • none
Arrived in Marathon in time for dinner after we checked into our hotel. A quick check of Trip Advisor for local eateries with beer and seafood, and Herbie’s was the perfect choice. It’s kind of a quirky place with three different seating areas all served out of a central kitchen and a couple of bars. Nobody, including us, was more than a step in the door when they were greeted by the staff, and welcomed to the restaurant. Great craft beer selection, all on tap. We had overindulged with a bit too large a lunch earlier, so we settled for a beer and sharing some appetizers, which was perfectly fine with the server. The beer and the food arrived quickly, nicely presented and very tasty. It turned out to be the perfect combination for what we were looking for.
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Debbs
2 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • couples
It clearly states 'groups of 6 or more will be charged 20% gratuity'... there were 2 of us and 20% was added to the bill. The waitress said it was for our 'convenience' because we're tourists and we could add an extra dollar or two if we wanted to.... 🤷🏼‍♀️ We usually leave around 10% as a tip - this would have been nearly $10 - but on this occasion we weren't given the opportunity to choose to do this. We understand the USA's reliance on tips but here are 2 'tourists' who won't be coming back because you chose to overcharge us 'for our convenience'.
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
herbiesb
Glad you enjoyed the food. At the bottom of every receipt there are three tip recommendations for pre- tax bill amounts. The lowest is 15%, 20% and 25%. The typical tip down here is 20% as it is in most of the state of Florida. Currently, the state of Florida minimum wage for servers is $5.54 per hour. Minimum wage for everyone else is $8.56. Reliance on tips as you say is an understatement especially living here in the Florida Keys where the average monthly rental for service industry personnel is $1,500 plus utilities. And, that is usually for a one room efficiency well under 600 square feet. Respectfully, I would suggest researching expected tip percentages in the area you plan on travelling to. I understand your perspective as well, but without appropriate income there will be no service industry left especially small businesses like ours. After Hurricane Irma we lost most affordable rentals, suffered a major loss of staff simply because the cost of living rose far more than could be afforded. And, while your offer of "around 10%" would have been respectable 40 years ago down here, it really is heartbreaking when our servers get upset wondering what they did wrong when tipped less than half of the norm. That said, it is not our policy to automatically charge a tip under 5 people, and given that you were, I would be happy to refund you your entire bill, and review our policy again with our servers so this won't happen again. Please email me directly or message me on our Facebook page.
Written 27 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Scuba_Doc
Seattle180 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2021 • couples
We have had a home down here for years. It was our first experience at Herbie’s. The snapper was very good. The atmosphere was OK. The first thing any server needs to learn within the first 48 hours is that it is not appropriate to comment on how much a guest eats or how quickly they eat. Mallory broke this rule. The guest that she spoke to left the table in tears. Needless to say, this cast a very negative pall on our dining experience. If Mallory is able to learn appropriateness of comments, this would probably be a pretty good place to eat. However, it is probably our last experience at this restaurant.
Written 20 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Herbies B
I am glad you clearly enjoyed your food. As for the comment, we all say versions of the same thing addressing the quality of the food, and not your inhale rate. It just means we are addressing the food. If you felt insulted, I have to say that is on you. This is a different world down here, and we are family ed and friend oriented. If you feel we need to be part of the "woke" crowd, and worry about every word we say, sorry... not going to happen. Mallory has 17 years of experience serving, and is one of our best. If that isn't good enough, then this place isn't for you. Sorry for your personal experience, but maybe lighten up and enjoy the Keys for who we are, and not impose your Seattle based mentality on us. Remember, "When in Rome..."
Written 20 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

KbellaBrooks
8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022 • family
It was our first night in Marathon for the week & after a long travel day, we were all hungry! The first three restaurants were tried were all on a long wait, but we were able to walk right in at Herbie's as a party of 5 adults + 2 small children. The menu was small, bur everything we tried was delicious! I was over the moon that their menu featured organic greens and was so impressed that their burgers were made with grass-fed beef. Just my kind of place. We loved the atmosphere - it felt like we were really in the keys and not in a tourist trip. It felt authentic, low key, relaxed, and family friendly without a bunch of fuss. This is our third trip to Marathon and my husband and I even briefly lived in Marathon years ago, and we regret not eating at Herbie's sooner! We'll definitely remember this spot for future visits!
Written 19 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Patricia V
Fort Lauderdale183 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2021 • couples
We’ve passed by Herbie’s many times on our way someplace and always said- we need to try that place….well, last night we did. It was just a bit confusing on where the main entrance was located as there is a screened patio area, and 2 bar/ dining areas but it really doesn’t matter because the friendly staff notice you right away and work to get you seated. We ordered conch chowders, conch fritters and grilled mahi-mahi sandwich. The food wait time was pretty reasonable and the food, oh the food was quite tasty! The conch chowder was the perfect blend of spicy and savory and the exact right temperature for eating. The conch fritters were just moist enough with a crispy outside and great side sauce. The grilled mahi-mahi sandwich was a generous size and came with a heap of skinny fries. We had to skip dessert this time as we had to go grocery shopping but I definitely see more visits in the future.
Written 21 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

An old WVLady
Proctorville192 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020 • couples
Won’t return. We ordered the Nashville chicken, fish & chips & extra Cole slaw. The fish was good, the fries were too thin & too fried. The tarter sauce tasted homemade & was delish. Hubby wasn’t happy with his chicken dish, the chicken was deep fried with too much breading, too dry but it was hot & fresh. It just was not what he expected. He ask for extra gravy & said that helped it. The Cole slaw was vinegar based & too dry & we prefer mayo based. Service was great, waitress was great. Nice bar atmosphere. Food just wasn’t what we expected. That happens when you travel, it’s the luck of the draw.
Written 4 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jet795458
Freeland127 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2022 • couples
We visited today for lunch. I had Asian shrimp tacos and my husband had fish tacos. Both were good, but nothing over the top. I ordered a beer which was good, but not very cold. We ordered a slice of key lime pie to go and when we opened the container, I was shocked at the tiny piece of pie we paid $7.50 for. My husband said it tasted okay. I would not recommend this restaurant and would not return. There are we too many other great places to eat.
Written 24 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

leanne t
Le Havre40 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • couples
The hubby wanted chowder, I was worried I would end up with a plate of chips as I'm veggie and not many places in these parts do much other than salads for us herbivores. The place is small and it was packed! They had no tables free but they were super friendly and allowed us to get drinks and sit outside. The choice of drinks is fantastic if you like craft beer and cider. We sampled a few different drinks until a table became free. I then had an amazing veggie burger made with black beans. I was pleasantly surprised at how tasty and substantial it was. Hubby was more than happy with his chowder. This place showed American hospitality at its best and had excellent food and drink. Do not be put off by the exterior. It's a friendly and warm experience inside.
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Pammyomammy
Bartlett117 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • none
We love seafood, we love beer and we love dives. To be able to experience all three in one visit is our idea of bliss...Herbie's isn't a dive in the literal sense, maybe more like a shack? It is clean and well appointed but it definitely is a place with a sense of history. We sat on the screened in front porch. The service was perfectly executed, neither overbearing nor neglectful. Great, great craft beer selection. We all got something we loved. The menu was pretty classic gulf coast type fare. While usually a huge fried fish fan, I tasted my husband's fried mahi "fish and chips", oh, my...crispy tempura-style breaded deliciousness. I had a stellar oyster po-boy. Fries were great. A little on the spendy side but that seems to be the case for restaurant food in the keys. A very satisfying meal and experience overall.
Written 27 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Raegan L
Lakeland1657 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2020 • family
If you want food that is something other than Keys seafood, this is a good option- they have a lot of BBQ stuff, along with a few seafood options that are still different from what you find at a lot of these island restaurants. It’s a really cute place too with lots of seating. We sat in the back courtyard area and that was cool. I shared a BBQ plate with a mix of meats with my dad, and we did enjoy it. It wasn’t anything real special in my opinion but it was practical food that filled you up. The service was a bit slow and not real attentive considering we were the only people sitting out back and it was a very slow in between meal times we came, but oh well I suppose.
Written 24 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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HERBIE'S BAR & CHOWDER HOUSE, Marathon - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

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