Maria’s Cafe – Stuart, Florida

Maria’s Cafe in Stuart, Florida is located in the heart of the old, downtown part of town…exactly where Peepaw and I expect to find the Mom and Pop diners we love so much. And it took an overnight road trip for us to discover this South Florida eatery that has managed to endure the test of time.

Peepaw and I had heard good things about the “small town” vibe in Stuart, and we’re always up for an adventure, so one morning we left our Fort Lauderdale home and headed North. Our eighty mile journey on I-95 brought us to Stuart just in time for lunch, and it didn’t take long for us to find Maria’s Cafe on SW Osceola Street.

The first thing we noticed was the ample outdoor seating area.

But since the day was already turning out to be steamy, sunny and HOT we chose to sit inside by the huge open windows. (We can always spot the real “short-term vacation tourists” during our winters in Florida, since those folks ALWAYS sit outside in the sun, no matter HOW hot the day becomes. I’m guessing they want to make sure they go back home with a tan…or a burn, depending on their skin tone. Yikes!)

Our “indoor-outdoor” booth was a perfect location for people-watching and for studying the menu.

It turns out that Maria’s has been a local hangout in Stuart since 1994.

As usual, Peepaw and I decided to share a meal. And when I saw a grouper sandwich on the menu I knew that was MY choice. Peepaw quickly agreed with me, as he so often does…as evidenced by our 45 years of marriage. And my suggestion turned out to be a GOOD idea, as MANY (most?) of my suggestions are! (Just sayin’…)

I rest my case…

The meal was HUGE…and delicious. The fresh grouper filet was perfectly cooked and brimming with amazing flavor. And the fries? They were crispy and perfectly seasoned.

It was just the right amount of food for two old folks to share on a beautiful winter day in South Florida.

But when Peepaw realized Maria’s is also famous for their home made pie…

Well…he just HAD to try it. Cherry Pie. Oh MY!

He assured me it was good, but he was slightly disappointed in the amount of “goop” that coated the cherries. That type of gelatin filling can certainly mask the flavor of any fruit, but all in all he still gave the pie a “thumbs up” since the crust was delicious.

In fact, we were happy enough with the food, the service and the ambiance at Maria’s Cafe that we actually returned the next morning…

for breakfast!

Maria’s Cafe in Stuart, Florida…A great choice (twice!) on our overnight road trip this winter.