Key Largo’s iconic Caribbean Club just got a savory upgrade and is creating a buzz that’s impossible to ignore.
Referred to affectionately as “the Crib” by locals, we all agree it finally has food that is just as fantastic as its incredible views and talented entertainment. I love going to this MM 104 hotspot to catch Koty James and the Keybillies jamming on stage, but the hassle of sorting out dinner arrangements beforehand always dampened the mood.
Enter Take Two food truck. If that sounds familiar, it’s because they already have a hefty fan base in Islamorada at their flagship location. Now with their second location, they plan to share the love by expanding their reach north to Key Largo. The menu has so much variety, but word around town was I needed to try their smash burger. Unlike its traditional counterparts, these burgers boast a thin, caramelized exterior from being expertly smashed onto a hot grill.
Taking a look at my order I could see the crispy edges a mile away coated with the gleam of the flavorful juices. I went for the double patty and added bacon because when in Rome. It also came with American cheese, shredded lettuce, chopped ripe tomato, grilled onion and pickles. I finally gave in and took a bite. First thing I noticed is this hamburger needed no condiments; every ingredient burst with flavor. If I closed my eyes, I could swear I was standing in a quintessential ’50s diner, the kind with the nickel jukeboxes. It just had such a homey nostalgic taste. Pairing it with a Coca-Cola in a glass bottle proved to be the right choice, making the experience even more transcendent.
It all evoked the essence of a bygone era when Johnny Rockets reigned supreme in its prime. It’s like a burger I’ve dreamed of time and time again and it feels like someone finally got it right. I sat there on the picnic table behind the Crib, live music filling the air, a Blackwater Sound breeze blowing, my burger, my glass of Coca-Cola and a beer from the inside bar and I just felt pure happiness. It felt like the Keys I grew up loving. Simple and no frills. Before the word “Instagrammable” existed, these were the vibes people flocked to the Keys for.
Then there were the wings, a revelation in their own right. Ten wings to an order for easily the best price I’ve seen in quite some time. They were tossed with a Korean gochujang sauce and Take Two’s riff on ranch. You could hear an audible crunch as the crispy exterior gave way to tender, juicy perfectly coated chicken. They were sticky, sweet, had just the right amount of spice and were finger-lickin’ good. From the looks of it, the wings were an instant crowd pleaser, captivating the taste buds of everyone who ordered them. These two standout dishes in particular complement the laid-back and naturally vibrant ambiance of the Caribbean Club, but Take Two’s masterful touch has elevated the taste to another level.
Find Take Two’s up-to-date hours at @taketwokeylargo on Instagram. Swing by the Caribbean Club in Key Largo for some views, brews and burgers.
