“Although our restaurant is officially named ‘Marathon Grill and Ale House,’ the locals call it THE Ale House,” said Simone Mullis, putting stress on the word “the.”
Michael Payne and Mullis have owned the restaurant for five years and swear that the chicken pot pie and open faced roast beef are regarded as soul food by locals. The latter is served with mashed potatoes and corn, and both of them are big lunch favorites.
The appetizers include conch fritters, which are fried crispy and loaded with conch, peppers and onions. Baja scallops are seared and served with orange mango sauce and balsamic glaze. Or try the Bimini Fish Dip and ahi tuna.
There are several soups and salads available, but don’t miss the onion soup. Guests claim the Ale House French onion soup is better than the one in France. And always check for the chef’s specials on the last page of the menu.
The bar has more than 100 beers, 30 of them on the tap.
The happy hour specials (BOGO entrees) have proved so popular, that the owners had to put a sign on the door asking customers to be seated by 5:45 p.m. to order from the Early Bird Menu. The well drinks are $2.50 and a glass of wine is $3 during happy hour.
Oh, and the Ale House has its own blueberry and Oreo Key lime pies. “It may sound a little different but wait until you try them,” said Simon, and she is right. They taste rich and comforting — a perfect desert to pair up with Tropical Coconut Shrimp or a crab cake dinner.
The restaurant is open until late and is known for its all-American menu. Guests can order online as well; the kitchen closes at midnight.
And stay tuned, because the owners will be announcing the re-opening of Dockside on Boot Key Harbor soon.
Marathon Grill and Ale House
5800 Overseas Hwy.
In Gulfside Village Plaza
305-743-5888
Open for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. (kitchen closes at midnight). Happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight; closed on Sundays.
