Last weekend…we were on a mini-road trip down to Miami. We found ourselves in Coconut Grove and it was really the first time both of us have been there. While the news was playing up a 'cold front'…it was damn hot. I think Saturday had a high of around 93 or so. We parked and walked around the Grove. Lots of places to eat…but we had trouble finding a place to commit to. I pulled out my iPhone and found a 'local' spot right near the marina (and close to a Fresh Market) that got some great reviews on line. The 'local' spot is called Scotty's Landing. It's a 'rustic' not frills spot with all outdoor seating. Plastic patio furniture is crammed into the space, and you keep cool by the misting fans hung above. You get a great view of Biscayne Bay and can see all kinds of boats.


(Scotty's Landing - Patio only dining area)

When you arrive, you seat yourself. We arrived during lunch and found a nice table. The menus are left on the table, so you can immediately start your decision process. We didn't wait that long…maybe 10 minutes…to be greeted by our server. Diet Soda and iced tea were our drink of choice. They also had beer and I believe they had a full bar. The server rushed over the special with us…I think it was stuffed shrimp, either on a plate (with a side) or over a salad. We passed and looked over the menu. Lots of seafood here. Fried and grilled are the main choices and Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) was the main 'fish'. It looked like you could get any seafood in either a salad, sandwich or plate. They also had your regular burgers and sandwiches.

I went for the Cracked Conch with fries. I've always seen it on menus and never ordered it. I thought I would give it a try. Jeff went for the fried seafood platter. It's served with Cole slaw.

The place was very busy and a little loud…but the scenery was nice and we didn't mind the wait. Our drinks came in huge glasses…which is a plus. Our food didn't seem to take all that long either, considering the lunch rush just ended and it was still quite busy. Maybe 15-20 minutes and our food was placed in front of us.

Now I know that the prices are actually quite low at Scotty's Landing…especially when you take into account its location. However, when the food was dropped off…it didn't really have a 'wow' factor. The portions were not as large as you'd expect and some was a little too 'overdone' looking. The appearance of food is actually a big part of the whole meal experience and so far…we were that happy.

The Cracked Conch was said to be "served just like in the Islands" on the menu. Since this was my first 'cracked conch' taste…I had to take their word. Conch is that mollusk that is in the huge shells and is usually quite tough. Most restaurants chop it fine and put it into a fritter. These were fried and looked a lot like clam strips. The batter was light and crisp and had a nice flavor. The pieces of conch were larger than clam strips and had a similar texture…but a little less chewy. The flavor was a bit 'sweeter' than a clam strip too. The only issue I had with the Cracked Conch was the temperature. It was 'warm'….not cold…but not as hot as it should have been. The one really bright spot for me? The fries! These were hot and crisp and thick. While they were of the 'frozen' variety…I really liked them. Hot and crisp and thick enough to have soft potato on the inside. Overall…not bad. I just wish it would have been served hot.


(Scotty's Landing - Cracked Conch Platter)

Jeff's Fried Seafood Platter came with Crab Cakes, Fried Shrimp, Fried Fish, Conch Fritters and a side of Cole slaw. When the dish was first dropped off…he wasn't that happy. The pieces were quite small and some even looked overcooked. I think the fried fish was Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) and was definitely overcooked. The batter was dark and the fish was dry. It actually had the texture of chicken more than fish. The crab cakes had a nice flavor and were not overcooked…but they were tiny. Jeff called them 'Crab Buttons'. The conch fritters were good…pretty standard. The shrimp were typical as well. The Cole slaw was good…but the cabbage was cut a little too thin, causing it to retain too much of the dressing. While he ate everything…he said he would not get this again.


(Scotty's Landing - Seafood Platter)


($35 bill from Scotty's Landing)

The total bill came to $35.12. Not too bad for the area, but not quite worth the quality we received. I love a 'local' spot like anyone…but they could use some lessons in food consistency from Southport Raw Bar in Ft. Lauderdale. If I'm in the area…I'd probably give them another shot and try something different on the menu.



Scotty's Landing location:
3381 Pan American Dr
Miami, FL (Coconut Grove)

FTLToday Score: C