John Arlene's Castaway - Marathon

This restaurant is not properly cleaned and may be good enough for locals, but that doesn't say much, especially if you have seen the locals. It is a tacky place next to a seedy trailer park. The sushi was great, but hard to enjoy because this establishment is not sanitized and looks surface clean, but our tables and the floors were despicable! Won't be back!

Simply, and politely, you really should clean your restaurant, and also change the old fabric on your chairs. Each time we come, the tables are dirty. You have a such wonderful food, but the ambiance is lacking, due to unclean conditions. Take pride in your establishment and you will reap the rewards. Good Luck.

After a drive near a trailer-park, my husband and I found this small seafood restaurant. Immediately, after we sat down at our booth, we noticed our table was quite dirty, actually grotesque! Our waitress offered to wipe it down, and she did with a wet, smelly cloth. I was appalled. The floors were disgusting with grime and filth. We still gave it a shot, and ordered a Snapper that was over-cooked, and so were the shrimp. Needless to say, we will not stop by there again on our way to Key West. There are many other fabulous seafood restaurants in Marathon, don't waste your money or time here.

Had 2 fish and chip basket one Tea and one water and one conch chowder. The meal for two was $35 for lunch. One was fish ends and other was real pieces of fish. It was good but nothing to write home about and service was very slow and there was not a crowd. It was a pricey lunch and not much different that long john silver.

The Castaway is a favourite among the locals. Visitors to Marathon...hear about from the locals, and once you visit know soon realize why it is such a favourite. There is a trick to finding it of course...just when you think you have come to the end of the road and the area looks really sketchy...turn right and you will see the entrance to the Castaway. When all else fails....watch for the local stray cats...there are dozens of them in the docks, and outside the restaurant. The entrance is understated and alittle rough looking, but don 't let any of those first impressions scare you away, it is truly worth the stop in for a meal. The bar area, semi-outdoors at the entrance is small but inviting, and the staff are great. Draw back is...that 's also where the smokers tend to gather at the bar or tables...since we are non-smokers, we don 't enjoy that (although wish we could sit out there and have in a past visit) so head on inside. The wait staff are very friendly, prompt with drinks, and food service. If you go early, service is alittle quicker of course, as the restaurant does fill up. The food selections change often, feature catch of the day...and they will also cook your catch for you (book in advance). I love the lobster...and comes with the full spread of potatoes, veggies, salad etc. Appetisers are great, again with alot of selection. We like the jumbo shrimp. The main course coconut shrimp is unique. Large pieces of shrimp, the coconut coating is thick, and crisp, and very sweet. One of the best coconut shrimp you will taste in Florida. This restaurant is a perfect stop for the beer connoisseur. They have literally dozens of types of beer. Enjoy your favourite seafood and turn the evening into a beer tasting at the same time. Draft specials, also help if you are on a budget. When we visited this Christmas, prices for some entrées had actually gone down since our visit 2 years ago. This restaurant serves of good food for the whole family, or a group of adults looking for a fun dinner and drinks. The snapper dish is one of my favourites, and the grouper is so delicious. I have never had a bad meal. Most seafood places are little pricey, but given the quality of food and service, the unique ambiance and style of the restaurant, I say the Castaway is good value for the money. Whether you are heading to Key Largo or Key West...you should include a stop at this restaurant in your Keys travels.