Higgs Beach is one of the most pristine beaches in the Keys and Salute! On the Beach is right smack dab on the sand. While we came for the view and some rays we ended up watching kite surfing and playing volleyball.

Feeling thirsty we looked up steps from our beach chairs and noticed happy hour was taking place outside as everyone salutes the sunset and another day gone.

Island sounds contributed to a relaxing vibe as people meet and chat about life as the ceiling fans whip the ocean breeze into a way laid-back ambience.

This place just feels like Old Key West!

Having a few appetizers with our wonderful rum cocktails,  the steamed mussels were the best ever, the calamari done marinara style was tender and the grouper shrimp cakes are one of a kind fantastic.

We were wondering where to have dinner tonight so we asked the host Mark for a table as he kept us entertained throughout dinner.

Salute! has a fish focused Italian menu prepared with Caribbean influenced tastes on Italian classics.

The lobster scallop pasta is the bomb, while the yellowtail snapper was fresh and light.   We were fortunate to get speared that morning black grouper, which was the best piece of fish I’ve ever tasted.

Parking was easy while it’s kids and dog friendly.   There’s a pavilion on the beach for live music especially on the weekends.

After being in the Keys all week Salute! On the Beach and it’s sister restaurant the iconic Blue Heaven are two of the best restaurants in Florida.

Right off Route 1.