Alabama Jack’s

Upper Keys


Welcome to your first taste of the Keys: zonked-out fishermen, exiles from the mainland and Harley heads getting drunk on a mangrove bay. This is the line where Miami-esque South Florida gives way to the country-fried American South. Wildlife lovers: you may spot the rare mulleted version of Jacksonvillia Redneckus!

Everyone raves about the conch fritters; and the fact it has to close because of nightly onslaughts of mosquitoes means this place is as authentically Florida as they come. Country bands take the stage on weekends from 2pm to 5pm. It's just before the tollbooth over the Card Sound Bridge.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Upper Keys attractions

1. Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge

4.81 MILES

If you approach Key Largo from FL 905, you’ll be driving through one of the last wild sanctuaries for the threatened American crocodile, indigo snake and…

2. Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail

8.51 MILES

This 106-mile bike and pedestrian trail will eventually stretch from Key Largo to Key West. About 90 miles of it are currently complete. For more info…

3. Caribbean Club Bar

10.06 MILES

Here’s one for the movie fans, particularly Bogie buffs: the lively Caribbean Club Bar is, in fact, the only place in Key Largo where Key Largo, starring…

4. Biscayne National Park

10.91 MILES

Biscayne National Park may not be far from Miami, but it feels like a world removed. Encompassing a vibrant swath of biologically rich coral reef, this…

5. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

11.46 MILES

John Pennekamp has the singular distinction of being the first underwater park in the USA. There’s 170 acres of dry parkland here and over 48,000 acres …

6. Everglades Outpost

12.34 MILES

The Everglades Outpost houses, feeds and cares for wild animals that have been seized from illegal traders, abused, neglected or donated by people who…

7. Historic Town Hall

13.62 MILES

Built in 1917, this stolid white building fulfilled many roles – city council chambers, fire department, police station – in the once tiny township of…

8. Downtown Homestead

13.64 MILES

You could pass a mildly entertaining afternoon walking around Homestead’s almost quaint main street, which essentially comprises a couple of blocks of…