CARIBBEAN CLUB AND TAKE TWO FORM A BEAUTIFUL DUO

June 20, 2024

a hamburger and fries in a basket on a table — Have Two’s Smash Burger with fries and a Coca Cola. SAMANTHA DELLILO/Keys Weekly

Key Largo’s iconic Caribbean Club has just received a delicious upgrade and is creating a buzz that’s impossible to resist.

Affectionately known as “The Crib” by locals, we can all agree that this is finally the place to find food that’s just as amazing as the incredible views and talented entertainment. I love going to this MM 104 hotspot to see Koty James and the Keybillies on stage, but the hassle of arranging dinner beforehand has always dampened the mood.

That’s where the Take Two food truck comes in. If this sounds familiar, it’s because they already have a huge following at their main location in Islamorada. Now, with their second location, they plan to share the craze by expanding their reach north to Key Largo. The menu offers so much variety, but the word around town was that I had to try their Smash Burger. Unlike their traditional counterparts, these burgers have a thin, caramelized exterior because they’re expertly smashed on a hot grill.

As I looked at my order, I could see the crispy edges from afar, coated with the sheen of flavorful juices. I went for the double patty and added bacon, because that’s what you’re used to. It also came with American cheese, shredded lettuce, chopped vine tomatoes, grilled onions and pickles. Finally, I gave in and took a bite. The first thing I noticed was that this burger needed no seasoning; every ingredient was bursting with flavor. If I closed my eyes, I could swear I was standing in a typical ’50s diner, the kind with the nickel jukeboxes. It just had such a homey, nostalgic taste. Combining it with a glass bottle of Coca-Cola proved to be the right choice and made the experience even more outstanding.

It all harked back to the essence of a bygone era when Johnny Rockets reigned unchallenged in their heyday. It’s like a burger I’ve dreamed of over and over again and it feels like someone finally got it right. I sat there at the picnic table behind the Crib, live music filling the air, a breeze blowing off the Blackwater Sound, my burger, my glass of Coca-Cola and a beer from the bar inside and I just felt pure happiness. It felt like the Keys I loved as a kid. Simple and no frills. Before the word “instagrammable” existed, these were the vibes that people flocked to the Keys for.

Then there were the wings, a revelation in themselves. Ten wings per order for by far the best price I’ve seen in a long time. They were tossed with a Korean gochujang sauce and Take Two’s take on ranch. You could hear an audible crunch as the crispy outside gave way to tender, juicy, perfectly breaded chicken. They were sticky, sweet, had just the right amount of spice and were finger-licking good. As it was, the wings were an instant crowd favorite, captivating the taste buds of everyone who ordered them. These two standout dishes in particular complement the relaxed and naturally lively atmosphere of the Caribbean Club, but Take Two’s masterful touch took the flavor to a new level.