Roco’s Dockside on Boot Key Harbor

A group of people posing for the camera - Boot Key Harbor
The staff at Dockside proudly welcomes new owners Tony and Caitren Piscetello (far left) also pictured with Deanna Sabo, Christine Riopelle, Ryan Anderson and Lee Lawhorn.

The Dockside Bar and Grill at Sombrero Marina on Boot Key Harbor is once again under new ownership, and this time, under a slightly new reincarnation.

Tony and Caitren Piscetello sold the Italian restaurant and pizzeria they owned and operated for the past six years in their Connecticut in order to relocate to Marathon.

“We’re more boating and beach people, so the Keys are better suited for us to raise our son,” Tony explained recently as he wielded a paint brush against the interior bar walls at the landmark Sombrero Boulevard bar.

Pictured are Tony, Roco and Caitren Piscetello, who are proud to announce that Roco’s Dockside is open for business! Stay tuned for fresh menu items and specials in the coming weeks.

“People are constantly dropping in to ask, ‘Hey, what’s going on?’” noted Terry Lynn Kelly, who’s recruited a host of friends to assist with the cleaning, renovations and landscaping.

Though the place has been power-washed and painted, Piscetello said the bar was never closed in order to best accommodate locals.

“It’s not like we could shut down for three weeks, so we worked outside of normal business hours to spruce the place up,” he elaborated.

Caitren said the family had been vacationing in Marathon for some time and had their eyes on the popular watering holes for cruisers, live aboards, snowbirds and locals. The signed dollar bills that line the interior of the bar have browned with age and stand stark against the fresh coat of white paint, reminding patrons that as much as things change, they also stay the same.

“We’re not really looking to change a whole lot,” Caitren said, adding that their focus for the restaurant’s future is good food and plenty of live entertainment.

Shortly after press time, popular Middle Keys entertainer Jo Mama finished a set; she added that they’re exploring the possibility of monthly karaoke.

The staff at Dockside proudly welcomes new owners Tony and Caitren Piscetello (far left) also pictured with Deanna Sabo, Christine Riopelle, Ryan Anderson and Lee Lawhorn.

Tony grew up working in pizzerias, and the pair hope to eventually bring their love of pie to Roco’s Dockside. Bar food staples like Mozzarella Sticks, Buffalo Tenders and Burgers grace the current menu interspersed with appetizers like Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms, the Kick Ass BLT, Wedge Salad and a Kid’s Menu.

“I’m going to be adding new things every day and have a fresh rotation of specials,” Tony noted. “Like it says on the menu, if there is something you don’t see on the menu that you may want, just ask!”

Roco’s Dockside, located at 35 Sombrero Blvd. in Marathon, is open 11 am to midnight, 7 days a week. (305) 743-0000.