For the Best Sandwiches & Key West Vibe, Try Yellow Dog Eats

The Holy Crap

Holy crap! That is the name of one of Yellow Dog Eats sandwiches and I can see why. When you take your first bite of The Holy Crap ($10.95), that is exactly what you say! The shaved honey mesquite roasted turkey paired with bacon, goat cheese, avocado, and basil mayo inside hot pressed bread all melds together in your mouth, as your eyes roll back in your head.

Then, you realize that this is not the only sandwich to choose from at the iconic Windermere eatery, located in a colorful, 100-year-old building. There are several other specialty sandwiches, plus dishes such as ribs and salads. We had the Pulled Pork Nachos ($10.95), which are truly unique and flavorful, thanks to the black beans, BBQ sauce, Thai chili sauce, cilantro sour cream and other yummy ingredients.

The Club Elvis

The 1/2 Rack of Ribs with Gold Sauce ($9.95) are extremely yummy. The barbecue sauce is tangy and not overly sweet like some sauces. The ribs are cooked perfectly and are not greasy. On the lighter side, the Smokey Smoked Salmon Salad ($13.95) was unique and delicious. The salmon - a good portion! - was so tender and delicious and was served over field greens, a raisin and nut mix, shredded carrots and dikon sprouts.

Back to the sandwiches. We also tried the Retriever's Roast ($9.95), which features Gouda cheese, an orange cointreau mayo, carmelized onion and a sweet pimento spread. All the flavors meld together perfectly in each savory bite. You also need to try the unique Club Elvis, one of Yellow Dog Eat's several pulled pork sandwiches, topped with bacon, Gouda cheese, and fried onions.

Go to Yellow Dog for the atmosphere as much as for the food. The patio is a fun, relaxing place to eat and you can bring your dogs. Inside, the graffiti on the walls and antique dog statues help give the restaurant that fun, casual feel. I also like the new wine bar! The roosters walking around outside - and nesting in the trees! - help to give this place a Key West vibe.

Note: this is one of those places that is always packed, so try not to go during the busy lunch and dinner hours.

Where: 1236 Hempel Ave., Windermere, Fla.