A continual contender for 1st meal in the Keys.

Some say that Stock Island is what Key West was like before it went "big time."  With recently built resorts - they may have to move that description up the Keys - but the Hogfish is a great balance of old and new.  To get there you drive down a back road of ramshackle homes and trailers - not the most inviting scene for most tourists - until you reach the docks.  It is worth the trip.  Food is good.  Beers are cold.  Sit with a stray dock cat (or 2) and have a good meal - maybe catch some music on the weekend.

Give the namesake fish a try - Hogfish may be ugly - but they are tasty.  Try the tacos and ask for the Hogfish blackened - not fried.

• http://www.hogfishbar.com/