Some(!) Coral Bay Restaurants
The restaurant scene in Coral Bay has gone through quite a few changes since the hurricanes of 2017. Sadly, some of the best loved gathering spots exist only in the hearts and minds of the patrons who loved them – like Shipwreck Landing and Pickles Deli. Happily there are some new spots open, in addition to some old faves that just keep on keeping on… here are just a few:
Skinny Legs is probably the most famous of the Coral Bay restaurant scene – renowned for their burgers with chips, no fries. (Ever. Avoiding fryers and fryer oil and the disposal of fryer oil on an island with limited resources is their nod to the environment, and I think it’s awesome.) They also have salads and a variety of sandwiches – my fave is the blackened mahi sandwich with grilled mushrooms and onions . They have a special daily burger, delicious tropical drinks and of course cold beer. Top it off with friendly service, laid back vibe, and a couple TVs to watch the game of the day, and you can see why it’s a perennial favorite.
Close to Skinny Legs is Rhumb Lines Restaurant, which is best described as Caribbean/Asian fusion. They have a great happy hour, but for dinner I’d recommend reservations. They have a solid menu with high quality ingredients and Tyler pours some fanatic libations.
Newer to the restaurant scene is the Salty Mongoose Pizza and Rum Beach Bar. Even though they’ve only been open since October 2020, they’ve gotten quite popular. And when you consider their beach bar atmosphere, their top notch artisan pizza, a great selection of “Salty” cocktails, and not to mention the “Walk the Plank” rum flight, it’s easy to see why. (Cash or Venmo only, but no worries, there’s an ATM at the Dolphin Market next door.)
Right next door to the Salty Mongoose, is Wok on the Beach and Homemade Meals to Go. Wok has nice bar and lots of outdoor seating, and specializes in Asian inspired stir fry dishes – think langostines with veggies and noodles, or chicken/beef fried rice type food. They will also occasionally offer sushi specials. Homemade Meals to Go does not have any seating (as the name implies!). They post their 2-3 daily offerings on their FB page – specials range from stuffed porkchops, to fish, to fried chicken – which are served with plenty of sides and a roll. And they have amazing key lime pie (it’s possible I’ve bought a whole one and ate it straight from the freezer for a week, but I digress…). Top it off with a small wine selection at amazing prices, and Deetz and Watson lunchmeat available to purchase (or premade sammies for the beach!). Note they are cash only.
On the corner of Centerline and Rt 107, right next to the “Welcome to Coral Bay” sign, you’ll find the Ekaete Pink Corner Caribbean Restaurant, a wonderful establishment with an array of absolutely delicious local specialties, all made with love by Ekaete herself. Entrees vary (see the placard out front), but may include rotis, BBQ ribs or chicken, conch with butter sauce, stewed oxtails, pasta primavera, and of course a variety of pates (pate is the Caribbean version of an empanada, loosely described…). She offers homemade local juices like tamarind and sorrel (my fave!) and great smoothies too. Do yourself a favor and stop by when you see the open window. You won’t be disappointed!
The last restaurant I’d like to mention is closest to the villa, and is known for their “wicked good” Boston/NY style pizza, called Pizzabar in Paradise Their description on Facebook is perfect – “A tiny little pizzabar (in paradise) serving up pizza, calzone, salad, beer, wine, sangria, cocktails and more.” Head down the hill, place your order, enjoy a libation while you wait to take your piping hot pizza back to the villa. It’s my favorite pizza (and that’s saying something from this Chicago Girl!).