Sports bars have long been a hub for passionate fans to come together to cheer on their team, illuminated by wall-to-wall TVs. They’re also known for being a little rambunctious and featuring a limited menu of basic bar fare. However, The Nest BBQ & Sports Bar in Islamorada, Florida set out to bring a fresh take on the classic sports bar experience following recent updates.
Authentic Cuisine
Most sports bars are known for quick casual comfort food. While The Nest has the standard grub you’d expect, they also have some of the best barbeque in the Keys. The Carolina barbeque menu features on-site smoked meats and homemade sides. Every dish on the menu pairs perfectly with a pint from one of the local breweries or favorite national brands on tap, poured into an ice-cold pint glass.
The Nest also features weekly specials beyond standard wing and happy hour deals. Guests who venture in on Wednesdays can opt for a full NY strip dinner, while visitors on Saturdays can choose a mouth-watering prime rib with the full spread of accompaniments.
“At one point, The Nest was sort of known by locals as the place for cheap wings but nothing much beyond that,” said Jeff Evans, manager at The Nest. “Now, we have guests from nearby resorts and locals flocking in to try our roadside barbeque.”
Fun & Entertainment
Locals never have to wonder about where to watch football in the Florida Keys following The Nest’s updates. However, there’s much more to do at The Nest than just catch primetime sports games.
“We wanted The Nest to be a place for people to come and hang out, even if they’re not into sports,” Jeff said.
Now, The Nest books weekly and monthly events like trivia and comedy nights. On Wednesdays, free-to-play live trivia brings in friends and families ready to compete for prizes and bragging rights. The last Saturday of each month is reserved for the Green Turtle Comedy Show. A ticket to the show gets guests a seat for some of the best touring comedians across Florida.
For Locals & Travelers
Sports bars are often seen more as local haunts than a must-visit for tourists. However, The Nest has become a stomping ground for both. The newly renovated dining areas, including new seating and climate-controlled interior, have been a hit with customers looking for a place to stay cool and have a great bite to eat while relaxing in paradise.
“We’re thrilled to have locals coming in, but it’s also nice to welcome in tourists, too,” Jeff said. “The Nest is just across the highway from three 5-star resorts. We’re now getting guests staying at these resorts walking through our doors interested to see what we’ve got going on. Sometimes they stay will us all day and make multiple stops in throughout their trip. That tells us that we’re really doing something right,” he said.