Ziggie & Mad Dog's
HISTORY
Welcome to Ziggie & Mad Dog's
Islamorada's premier spot for the finest steaks, chops and seafood
Services:
- Walk-ins welcome
- Catering
- Outdoor seating
- Takes bookings
- Table service
- Takeaway
- Good for groups or parties
THE STORY OF ZIGGIE & MAD DOG’S
The building where Ziggie & Mad Dog’s Restaurant sits dates back to the 1930’s. The structure was originally built as an outbuilding on a pineapple plantation and later served as the sales office for the Pen Key Club. In the 1950’s it would transform into a small restaurant and in 1962 Ziggie Stocki purchased the property for $100,000. The legendary Ziggie’s Conch was born!
The property has a rich and wonderful history. Dating back to 1948 the Miami Herald reported stories of police shoot outs with gamblers and shady characters referred to as “the new Capone gang,” and it’s said Al Capone was a part of the high-stakes card games and casino action held in the back building. Ziggie himself was a notorious gambler and drifter. Legend has it that John Huston got the idea for the movie “Key Largo” while gambling at a casino Ziggie was known to have frequented.
The property has a rich and wonderful history. Dating back to 1948 the Miami Herald reported stories of police shoot outs with gamblers and shady characters referred to as “the new Capone gang,” and it’s said Al Capone was a part of the high-stakes card games and casino action held in the back building. Ziggie himself was a notorious gambler and drifter. Legend has it that John Huston got the idea for the movie “Key Largo” while gambling at a casino Ziggie was known to have frequented.
In the thirty years of operation, Ziggie’s Conch was world renowned as one of the finest dining experiences in the entire Florida Keys. Ziggie’s culinary influence is on display even today at many of the Florida Keys best restaurants and some of his favorite dishes can be found on our menu. Ziggie’s Conch is remembered for its “FINE FOOD” neon sign and “Ziggie your host” in neon script, lime green walls, mounted fish, and the nonworking player piano built like a boat.
In September 2005, Jim “Mad Dog” Mandich along with his longtime business partner Randy Kassewitz, purchased the legendary Ziggie’s. On April 15, 2006, after 7 months of renovations, Ziggie & Mad Dog’s was launched. The restoration of this iconic Florida Keys landmark was one of Jim’s proudest achievements. His love for the Keys extended back to the 1970’s, when he played for the Miami Dolphins. He would tell stories of getaways to the Florida Keys and visiting the original Ziggie’s Conch. Some of his most memorable times in South Florida were spent in Ziggie & Mad Dog’s and he would want that same joy for every patron. The Keys always reminded him that life is a precious thing and never waste it.
Mad Dog truly loved the conch life!
Ziggie's Today
Ziggie's Today
In 2006 entrepreneurs Jim “Mad Dog” Mandich and Randy Kassewitz restored Ziggie’s restaurant, revealing its splendor, history and tradition. The original bar, the slate wainscot and the terrazzo floors have all been refurbished with great care. The pictures throughout the restaurant celebrate the history, characters and legendary fishing captains of the Florida Keys.
Current Management
Current Management
Leslie Heasley
General Manager
Amanda Cutie
Manager
John Strain
Executive Chef
One of the reasons Ziggie & Mad Dog’s continues to
enjoy a great reputation is because of the efforts of our management and staff.
Led by GM Leslie Heasley and Executive Chef John Strain, everyone from the
bartenders to the wait staff and hostess strive to deliver excellence everyday
of the week, with each meal served being as important as the one before and the
one coming up next.
Our Commitment
to Quality & Service
Our Only Goal is Your Complete Satisfaction
When you dine at Ziggie & Mad Dog's, you will experience an exquisite meal prepared to your taste and served by the most courteous and professional staff and management team ever recruited in this area. That is why we say that the only goal at Ziggie & Mad Dog's is your complete satisfaction! No trip to the Florida Keys will be complete without an evening at Ziggie & Mad Dog’s.
Thank you for dining with us and adding to our glorious tradition.
