Those looking for some hot and fresh pizza, saucy wings, a cold drink and a little entertainment have just the island to hop on over to.

Located at Tradewinds Plaza, Island Key Largo Pizzeria and Sports Bar has plenty of options when it comes to pizza, wings, pasta and more. From the oven to the table, General Manager Melody Hannes says the pizzeria and sports bar has pizza for all the patrons’ likes with all sorts of toppings.

“We have pizza of all kinds for people,” Hannes said. “Made special to order, people can have the pizza they want in small, medium and large sizes.”

Those coming to Island Key Largo can start off with one of several appetizers on the menu. Some of the featured options include the mac & cheese bites, which are deep fried mac and cheese balls that are crunchy on the outside and creamy inside. Patrons can also try fried pickle chips or the popular Island sticks.

“They’re bread sticks that are dipped into this cream cheese type of dressing,” Hannes said. “They’re nice and crunchy. It’s one of the most popular items, along with our wings.”

As for the chicken wings, patrons have various options to choose from hot and mild to BBQ. Wings come in six, 12, 18 and 24 pieces. There are also cheesesteaks, pastas like baked ziti and spaghetti marinara, calzones stuffed with mozzarella and ricotta cheese and other toppings, house salads and sandwiches.

“We have great pasta dishes, salads and wraps,” Hannes said. “We’ll be expanding our menu to include more items.”

Hannes said patrons coming into Island Key Largo Pizzeria and Sports Bar can expect a fun-filled atmosphere. Bring friends and have a good time playing pool or listening to some music on the jukebox. Or sit at the bar, have some drinks and watch sports on the many big screens. There’s also karaoke and live entertainment. Hannes said the pizzeria and sports bar is the hangout for locals and tourists.

“It’s a neighborhood bar and it’s a ‘Cheers’ atmosphere,” Hannes said. “It’s a place where people can come, have some good food and drinks and enjoy themselves. We hope everybody comes in and loves it as much as we do.”

There’s happy hour weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m., and food can be ordered online for takeout. Island Key Largo Pizzeria and Sports Bar is located at 101417 Overseas Highway in Key Largo. More information can be found at islandkeylargo.com or Island Key Largo Pizzeria and Sports Bar’s Facebook page.

Jim McCarthy is one of the many Western New Yorkers who escaped the snow and frigid temperatures for warm living by the water. A former crime & court reporter and city editor for two Western New York newspapers, Jim has been honing his craft since he graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 2014. In his 4-plus years in the Keys, Jim has enjoyed connecting with the community. “One of my college professors would always preach to be curious,” he said. “Behind every person is a story that’s unique to them, and one worth telling. As writers, we are the ones who paint the pictures in the readers minds of the emotions, the struggles and the triumphs.” Jim is past president of the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club, which is composed of energetic members who serve the community’s youth and older populations. Jim is a sports fanatic who loves to watch football, hockey, mixed martial arts and golf. He also enjoys time with family and his new baby boy, Lucas, who arrived Oct. 4, 2022.