Alabama Jacks

Alabama Jacks is a ramshackled, dive-type bar. It is what the reviews call, very "Keys-ey". I'd read lots and lots of reviews saying it was a great place to stop for good food, music and local atmosphere. It's located between Route 1 and a canal that leads to Barnes Sound, just off of Key Largo. Because of the proximity to all of the water and mangroves, they close at 7pm every day, to avoid the man-eating bugs living in the mangroves from eating you alive!

It was quite a feat for us to find the location of Alabama Jacks by water. People talked of taking boats and dinghys there, but never actually mentioned any names of creeks or other bodies of water they'd used to get to it. After some extensive research, Scott located our target. We left our overnight spot, off of Islamorada, and traveled to anchored in sight of it, through some mangroves. Scott said that if the building we could see wasn't Alabama Jacks, we were going there regardless!

After we got anchored, it was a short dinghy ride to the dockside. at Alabama Jacks. We tied up, climbed onto the deck, and grabbed a table by the railing(Scott likes to have an eye on his vessel). "Dog"(yes, Dog), our bartender and waiter, took our drink order and gave us menus. Our first food samplings, conch fritters and conch chowder, were unexciting. However, our second try was a hit. Scott had a fried snapper sandwich, and I had a grilled mahi, or dolphin fish. They were great, some of the best fish we've had on our trip!

The band only plays on Saturdays and Sundays, so there was no music, but the atmosphere was laid back and friendly. There was a steady crowd, that grew as the day went on. We were amused by stories of what regularly falls into the water, from tables at the railing(cameras, purses, phones). Scott was tempted to come back with his snorkel and mask! We were also entertained by a table of people barking, yes, barking, to let Dog know they need another round of drinks.....only in the Keys.

I had some cards that I'd forgotten to send while we were in Key West, so I asked Dog if he could put them with Alabama Jacks' outgoing mail. He told me he'd mail them from his home, assuring me that they'd get sent. We were also able to unload two bags of trash in their dumpster, accomplishing many tasks while there! As closing time, and sunset, approached, we made the short trip back to our boat; another local Keys experience under our belt. Pictures from travel and Alabama Jacks.