Tucked right at the base of the famous Seven Mile Bridge in Marathon, Florida, Sunset Grille & Raw Bar is the kind of place that makes you forget what time it is. With sweeping ocean views, fresh seafood, and a laid-back Keys vibe, it has earned over 9,000 reviews and a loyal following of locals and travelers alike.
Whether you stop in for breakfast, happy hour, or a full dinner at sunset, this spot has a little something for everyone. Here is a closer look at what makes Sunset Grille worth every minute of your evening.
The Unbeatable Waterfront Location
Sitting at 7 Knights Key Blvd, Sunset Grille & Raw Bar has one of the most jaw-dropping addresses in the Florida Keys. The restaurant sits right at the southwestern corner of Marathon, with the iconic Seven Mile Bridge stretching out across the Atlantic in full view.
Guests who choose outdoor seating get to soak in salty breezes and wide-open water vistas that feel almost unreal. Many visitors say the location alone is worth the drive, even before the food hits the table.
Whether you arrive by car or by boat, pulling up to this spot feels like stepping into a postcard. The combination of the open ocean, the historic bridge, and the warm Florida air creates an atmosphere that very few restaurants anywhere in the country can match.
Arrive early to snag the best seat in the house.
Sunset Views That Stop You Mid-Bite
There is a moment at Sunset Grille when the sky turns every shade of orange, pink, and gold, and the whole restaurant collectively pauses. That moment happens every single evening, and it never gets old.
Multiple reviewers specifically planned their visits around the sunset, with one guest recommending arriving at least an hour before sundown to secure a prime table. The view of the sun dropping behind the Seven Mile Bridge is genuinely spectacular and worth coordinating your schedule around.
One reviewer said it simply: “You can’t beat the views, especially at sunset.” Another called the sunsets here “incredible” and said the experience alone convinced their group to return multiple times during a single vacation. Bring your camera, silence your phone for just a few minutes, and let the Florida Keys sky do what it does best.
Pure magic.
Fresh Seafood Worth Traveling For
Seafood is the heartbeat of Sunset Grille, and the menu delivers a wide range of ocean-fresh options that keep regulars coming back. From grilled grouper with truffle mashed potatoes to hogfish sandwiches and shrimp baskets, there is no shortage of quality choices.
One diner raved about the Cajun red snapper, calling it perfectly spiced and loaded with flavor. Another praised the grilled grouper as “fresh and tasty,” while the hogfish sandwich earned a glowing mention for being “really good.”
The kitchen shines brightest when working with local catches prepared simply and honestly. Not every dish lands a perfect score across all reviews, but the standout plates are genuinely impressive for a casual waterfront setting.
If you love seafood and you are driving through the Keys, skipping this stop would honestly be a mistake you would regret the whole ride home.
Sushi That Surprises Everyone
Not many people expect to find top-notch sushi at a roadside Keys grill, but Sunset Grille pulls it off with style. Reviewers consistently highlight the sushi as one of the menu’s most pleasant surprises, with one regular calling it “top-notch” and saying it alone makes the trip worthwhile.
Another enthusiastic diner said the sushi was so good that it deserved its own visit, separate from everything else on the menu. The variety and freshness seem to set it apart from what you might expect at a casual bar and grill setting.
One item to approach with caution is the tuna handheld, which a few guests felt was overpriced for the portion size. Still, the broader sushi menu earns consistent praise and adds an unexpected layer of excitement to an already diverse menu.
Order a roll or two alongside your seafood entree for the full experience.
The Raw Bar Experience
The raw bar side of Sunset Grille is a serious draw for seafood purists who want their ocean flavors clean, cold, and completely unfiltered. It is the kind of setup where you can pull up a stool, order something straight from the sea, and feel like you are exactly where you are supposed to be.
Conch fritters are a crowd favorite, though a few guests noted they can be a bit heavy on the breading depending on the batch. The overall raw bar spread gives the restaurant a lively, festive energy that fits perfectly with the Keys lifestyle.
For anyone who has never tried fresh raw seafood at a dockside spot in Florida, this is a fantastic introduction. The briny, cool flavors paired with the salty ocean breeze outside create a combination that feels genuinely authentic to the Keys experience.
Order boldly and enjoy every bite.
A Breakfast Menu That Earns Its Own Spotlight
Sunset Grille opens at 8 AM every day of the week, and the breakfast menu is quietly one of its best-kept secrets. While most visitors come for the sunset dinner experience, those who show up in the morning are often blown away by what the kitchen puts out.
One reviewer described breakfast as “superb,” noting that a custom omelet and a breakfast bowl both hit the mark perfectly. The attentive morning service also drew specific praise, with guests noting that the breakfast staff seemed genuinely happy to be there.
Eating breakfast with a view of the Seven Mile Bridge and the calm morning ocean is a completely different experience from the buzzy evening crowd. The light is softer, the pace is slower, and the food tastes even better when you have nowhere to rush off to.
Morning visits here are seriously underrated and worth setting your alarm for.
Outdoor Pool and Lounge Vibes
Few restaurants anywhere can say they have a full swimming pool on the premises, but Sunset Grille pulls it off without missing a beat. The pool and lounge area at the back of the restaurant add a resort-like feel that turns a meal into a full afternoon or evening event.
Guests love sipping cocktails poolside while watching the water and soaking up the tropical atmosphere. One reviewer described it as “the coolest” setup they had encountered at a restaurant, while others mentioned it as a key reason they stayed longer than planned.
The pool area also makes this spot especially appealing for families and groups who want a relaxed, unhurried experience. There are also cornhole lanes set up nearby, adding a playful, social energy to the space.
Honestly, between the pool, the views, and the food, leaving early feels nearly impossible once you settle in.
Cocktails With a Keys Twist
The drink menu at Sunset Grille leans fully into the tropical Florida Keys spirit, offering a wide selection of cocktails that match the colorful surroundings. From the Pina pineapple drink to the Sharkbait beverage, the bar team clearly knows how to set a mood.
One reviewer called the Pina pineapple cocktail “delicious,” praising it for being “not overly sweet” with just the right amount of kick. Others raved about the overall cocktail quality, calling the drinks “wonderful” and a highlight of the visit.
Fair warning though: drinks here come at Florida Keys prices, with some cocktails landing around $18 to $21. A few specialty drinks arrive in novelty cups, which can catch first-timers off guard.
If souvenir cups are not your thing, it is worth asking about alternatives when ordering. The flavors, however, are genuinely worth celebrating with a glass in hand at golden hour.
Bacon Wrapped Scallops and Standout Appetizers
Appetizers at Sunset Grille have a way of stealing attention right from the start of the meal. The bacon-wrapped scallops, in particular, earned enthusiastic praise from multiple guests who called them an absolute highlight of the dining experience.
One couple described sharing the scallops as one of the best decisions of their entire trip, saying the combination of crispy bacon and tender scallop was perfectly executed. Nachos also received a shout-out from another reviewer who called them flat-out delicious.
Starting your meal with a shareable appetizer while watching the sun begin its descent is honestly one of the best ways to experience everything this restaurant has to offer. The portions tend to be generous, so pacing yourself is a smart move if you plan to make it to dessert.
Save room for key lime pie, because skipping it would be a real shame.
She Crab Soup Worth Coming Back For
Among the loyal regulars at Sunset Grille, the She Crab soup holds a special place that no other dish quite matches. One long-time visitor listed it alongside the spectacular sunset as the two main reasons they keep returning, even after noticing changes in other parts of the menu over the years.
Rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying, a well-made She Crab soup is a true Southern coastal classic, and this version clearly hits the mark for those who order it regularly. It is the kind of dish that warms you up from the inside out, especially on one of those rare chilly Keys evenings.
If you are visiting during a cooler stretch of weather or simply want something comforting before a seafood entree, this soup is the move. Order it early, eat it slowly, and appreciate the fact that some recipes are beloved for very good reason.
Key Lime Pie That Closes the Night Perfectly
No meal in the Florida Keys is truly complete without a slice of key lime pie, and Sunset Grille delivers a version that reviewers consistently describe as fantastic. One guest said it was the perfect way to end a dinner of grilled grouper, calling it a highlight of the entire evening.
Key lime pie is practically a cultural institution in this part of Florida, and a good version should balance tart citrus with a smooth, creamy filling and a buttery crust. By all accounts, the kitchen here understands that balance well.
After a long evening of sunset watching, seafood sharing, and cocktail sipping, a cold slice of key lime pie is the ideal punctuation mark. It is sweet without being overwhelming and tangy in exactly the right way.
Order it confidently, eat it slowly, and let it be the last great thing you taste before heading back out into the warm Keys night.
Friendly Service and a Staff That Knows the Menu
Service at Sunset Grille gets mixed reviews depending on the day and the crowd, but the standout experiences guests describe paint a picture of a staff that genuinely cares. One reviewer called their server “absolutely fantastic,” saying the experience felt like dining with a knowledgeable friend rather than a stranger taking an order.
The breakfast crew in particular draws consistent praise for being attentive, warm, and responsive. Several guests mentioned servers who went out of their way to accommodate food allergies, special requests, and substitutions without making anyone feel like a burden.
Like any popular waterfront spot, peak hours can stretch the team thin, and a few guests noted feeling forgotten mid-meal during busy periods. Arriving early, especially on weekends, gives you the best chance of a smooth, unhurried experience.
When the service clicks, it adds a whole extra layer of warmth to an already welcoming atmosphere.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
Getting the most out of a visit to Sunset Grille takes just a little bit of planning. The restaurant is open every day from 8 AM to 10 PM, which means you have plenty of windows to choose from, whether you are an early riser or a sunset chaser.
The most important tip from seasoned visitors is simple: arrive at least an hour before sunset if you want a table with a prime water view. This place fills up fast, especially on weekends and during peak tourist season.
Weekday visits tend to be a bit more relaxed and give you more breathing room to enjoy the experience.
Prices run on the higher end, typical of the Florida Keys, so budgeting for a splurge is part of the deal. The restaurant is located at 7 Knights Key Blvd, Marathon, FL 33050, and you can reach them at 305-396-7235.
Reservations or early arrival are strongly recommended.