Friday, July 15, 2011

WHERE TO EAT IN KEY WEST


ABBONDANZA ITALIAN RESTAURANT
208 Simonton St.
Key West
(305) 292-1199
Open Nightly 5 -11 p.m.
Extra large portions of traditional Italian fare, family-friendly prices and a relaxed, casual atmosphere, have made this a favorite Key West dining destination and winner of the People's Choice Award for "Best Italian Restaurant."  You'll find all your favorites here along with a delicious selection of seafood items and nightly specials.  Large parties welcome. Full bar.  Major credit cards. $
BISTRO 245
The Westin Key West Resort & Marina,
 245 Front
Key West
(305) 294-4000
Open Daily 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Bistro 245's top culinary team creates exceptional Caribbean cuisine on Key West's scenic harbor front.  You can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner comfortably indoors or dine casually outside Westin's Sunset Pier which comes alive each evening with entertainment by the famous sunset performers. Award-winning Sunday Brunch from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Full bar.  Major credit cards. $
BOATHOUSE RESTAURANT
700 Front St.,
Key West Historic Seaport
(305) 294-9191
Open Daily 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Snuggled under the Commodore Restaurant, the Boathouse sits directly on the docks of KeyWest's Historic Seaport and serves up an impressive, and surprisingly affordable, array of salads, sandwiches, seafood and steaks.  The appetizers are exceptionally good and include Lollipop Lamb Chops, Honey BBQ Wings, Antipasto Skewers and the fabulous Boathouse Bread which are all 50% off during the Happy Hour from 4 – 6:30 p.m. Full bar.  Major credit cards.  $
CAFE SOLE
1029 Southard Street
Key West
(305) 294-0230
Open Daily 5:30-10 p.m.
www.cafesole.comwww.cafesole.com

You'll think you've stumbled off the sidewalk and into Provence when you step inside Cafe Sole and
catch the scents of fresh herbs and sauteing garlic. Chef/Owner, John Corea is a master of French sauces and his food is a whoop of earthy, sun-drenched flavor. Must Trys: the Conch Carpaccio and Hog Fish Snapper.  Groups and wedding parties welcome. Wine and beer.  Major credit cards. $$
COMMODORE WATERFRONT
700 Front St.
Key West Historic Seaport
(305) 294-9191
Open Nightly 5:30 - 11 p.m.

Overlooking a fleet of luxury yachts in Key West's Historic Seaport, this highly acclaimed steak and seafood restaurant boasts one of the most beautiful dining rooms in Key West and makes a perfect perch for breathtaking sunsets. A variety of choice cut meats, fresh, local fish and an international wine list are all first rate. Private outdoor dining balcony. Full bar. Free parking. Major credit cards. $$

CONCH REPUBLIC SEAFOOD CO.
631 Greene St.
Key West Historic Seaport
(305) 294-4403
Open Daily 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
www. ConchRepublicSeafood.com

This casual, Caribbean-influenced eatery anchors Key West's Historic Seaport and is one of the island's most popular stomping grounds. A huge raw bar selection and fresh local seafood is the specialty here but there's also a good selection of pastas, steaks and specials. The daily Happy Hour from 4 - 7 p.m. draws throngs of locals -- especially on Fri. when the crowd  swells to three deep. Full bar.  Major
credit cards. $$

DUFFY'S STEAK & LOBSTER HOUSE
1007 Simonton St., (Corner of Truman Ave.)
Key West
(305) 296-4900
Open Daily Noon - 11 p.m.

This is the place to go for excellent, affordable and casual family dining in the heart of Paradise. Renowned for their fresh Florida lobster and delicious steaks, Surf and Turf, famous Key West Conch Fritters, and without a doubt, one of the best Prime Ribs in town.  Full bar with great tropical drinks.  Major credit cards. $$
FLAMING BUOY FILET CO.
1100 Packer St.
Key West
(305) 295-7970
www.flamingbuoy.comwww.flamingbuoy.com
Open Nightly  6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Tucked in an Old Town residential neighborhood, his little sleeper of a restaurant turns out excellent innovative fare like Tuna & Watermelon Ceviche, Fresh Catch with Banana Salsa, Penne Pasta with Spiced Rim Cream Sauce and of course, their signature Filet.  Nightly specials are always intriguing, as well.  Be sure to save room for dessert – they are all over the top. Beer & Wine.  Major credit cards. $$
FLAMINGO'S CAFE
703 Duval St.
Key West
(305) 295-6411
Open Daily 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Vie and Mike Parsons' friendly cafe draws a dedicated crowd of locals and in-the-know visitors who flock here for the big home-style breakfasts and lunches.  Specialty of the House is the Maryland Eastern Shore Crab recipes and you'll find various incarnations of blue crab in everything from the Eggs Benedicts and omelets to the "no-filler" crab cake sandwiches. Full service catering.  Major
credit cards. $
GRAND CAFE
314 Duval St.
Key West
(305) 292-4740
Open Daily 11 a.m. -11:30 p.m.
 www.grandcafekeywest.com

Located in a breathtaking Victorian mansion, this gracious restaurant raises the bar for fine island
dining. Enjoy truly memorable dishes in one of the intimate dining rooms or outside on the big wrap-around porch and garden. Winner of Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence with over 450 different bottles and more than 20 wines by the glass.  Private rooms for special events.  Full bar.  Major credit cards.  $$$
HARD ROCK CAFE
313 Duval St.
Key West
(305) 292-0230
Open Daily 11 a.m. – 11 p.m
www.HardRock.com

Get a ringside seat overlooking the action on Duval while you chow down on an excellent array of casual eats including bruschetta homemade nachos, wings, spring rolls, the legendary 10 oz. burgers and rockin' dinner entrees like the BBQ ribs, fajitas, pasta and grilled steaks.  Be sure to check out the cool Rock tees and memorabilia at the Rock Shop which opens daily at 10 a.m. Full bar.  Major credit cards. $
KELLY'S CARIBBEAN BAR & GRILL
301 Whitehead St.
Key West
(305) 293-8484
Open Daily 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
www.kellyskeywest.com

Located in the Historic Home of Pan American Airways, the "Southernmost" Brewery in the U.S. is famous for the excellent home brewed beers and fabulous Key Lime Martinis. Enjoy House Specialties like the Coconut Shrimp, Chesapeake-style Crab Cakes, Seafood Sautee and Filet Mignon under a
garden canopy of flora and fauna. A great spot for special events.  Full bar.  Major credit cards.  $$
LA TRATTORIA
524 Duval St.
Key West
(305) 296-1075
Open Daily 5:30 – 11:30 p.m.
www.LaTrattoria.com

Delicious and consistent old world Italian recipes, over-the-top service and an intimate bistro setting have earned this little gem of a restaurant high marks with locals and visitors alike.  A great wine list, expansive martini menu and classic cocktails which are always perfectly chilled, keep the bar fun and lively. Late night menu available in back at Virgilio's Garden Bar. Full Bar. Major credit cards. $$
LA TRATTORIA OCEANSIDE
3591 South Roosevelt Blvd.
Key West
(305) 295-6789
Open Daily  5:30 – 10 p.m.

Acclaimed for its superb fine Italian dining, La Trat's wonderful new oceanside location is right near the airport overlooking the Atlantic.  These new digs are larger and more contemporary than it's popular sister restaurant on Duval but the menu s largely the same with some intriguing new additions. There are also banquet facilities for large parties, weddings and special events.  Full bar with signature martinis and classic cocktails.  $$
LATITUDES
Sunset Key  -
A Westin Resort
Key West
(305) 292-5394
Open Daily 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
www.westinsunsetkeycottages.com

Within minutes, the free boat launch at The Westin Key West Resort & Marina transports you to this spectacular  restaurant on the island of  Sunset Key. Enjoy outstanding island cuisine in the ultra lux indoor dining room overlooking the Gulf of Mexico or outside in the sand surrounded by flickering tiki torches. Reservations required. Two full bars. Major credit cards. Present ticket while dining for free parking. $$
LE BISTRO
At Croissants de France
816 Duval St.
Key West
(305) 294-2624
Open Daily 7:30 a.m. –10 p.m.
www.croissantsdefrance.com

With its award-winning cuisine, delectable baked goods and hand sculpted cakes, this intimate outdoor garden cafe is vintage Key West with the relaxed atmosphere of a French Bistro. Breakfast/lunch served all day. Signature dishes include Boeuf Bourguignon, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Fresh Catch, Vegetarian and Nightly Specials. Monthly Food/Wine Pairings. Wine & beer. Free delivery. Major credit cards.  $$
McFadden’s Beach House

511 Greene St.

Key West 305-295-0019
www.mcfaddenskeywest.comwww.mcfaddenskeywest.com
Open 11 a.m.- 4 a.m.; Sun: Open Noon - 4 a.m.

Renowned for throwing some of the wildest parties 
in the U.S., McFadden’s is now cranking it up “island 
style” with 64 oz  “Fishbowl” cocktails, over fifty 50”  
surround-sound flat screens, daily 2-4-1 Happy Hours, 
great music and some really good eats for lunch and 
dinner.  This is the perfect place to host your own party 
and on Tuesdays, ladies drink free from 10 p.m. - midnight.  
Saturday nights here always rock.  Full bar.  Live entertainment.  Major credit cards. $
PISCES SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
1007 Simonton St.
Key West
(305) 294-7100
Open Nightly 5:30 – 10 p.m.

This award-winning, cozy, candlelit restaurant wins rave reviews for its gracious, leisurely fine dining.  The sophisticated menu features standout appetizers like Beluga Caviar, Blue Crab Souffle, and
Hudson Valley Foi Gras. Outstanding entrees include the award-winning Lobster Tango Mango, Yellowtail Snapper Atocha and Roast Duckling.  Definitely save one night for this ultimate dining experience. Full bar.  Major credit cards.  $$$
SCHOONER WHARF BAR
200R William St., Historic Seaport
Key West
(305) 292-3773
www.schoonerwharf.comwww.schoonerwharf.com
Open Daily 8 a.m. 4 a.m.

This funky, open air waterfront bar sits right on the docks overlooking the marina. The food and mood are definitely Key West casual and the menu here has all your island favorites including wings, nachos, burgers, fish tacos, seafood platters, conch fritters, crab cakes and more.  Great live music and two
daily Happy Hours from 8 a.m. - noon and then again from 5 - 7 p.m. Full bar.  Major credit cards. $
SQUARE ONE
1075 Duval St., (At Duval Square)
Key West
(305) 296-4300

“Award-Winning American Cuisine” Michael Stewart's award-winning restaurant wins high fives for delicious, artfully prepared food which infuses American classics with a playful mix of global
influences.  The bar here is also very popular thanks to veteran mixologist, Patticakes whose  quick wit and island flair has mad him a local legend. Exceptional wine list. Awards from Florida Trend, Gourmet, and DiRona. Full bar.  Major credit cards. $$


TAVERN N' TOWN
Marriot Beachside Hotel
3811 North Roosevelt Blvd
Key West
305) 296-3676
Open Nightly 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

“World Class Dining & Entertainment” One of Key West's most beautiful dining rooms where the restaurant's large open theater kitchen takes center stage and Key West notables dine on a fusion of globally-inspired tapas (small plates), designer pizzas, grilled meats, plancha seared fish and nightly specials. Daily 2-4-1 Happy Hour and special Tapas Nights every Tues and Thurs  from 5 - 7 p.m. Nightly entertainment. Major credit cards.  $$
TWO FRIENDS PATIO
512 Front St.
Key West
(305) 296-3124
Open Daily 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Established in 1967, this family owned landmark is one of the last remaining restaurants in the original Old Town Key West and is a popular spot for fresh, local seafood, char grilled steaks and BBQ ribs which you can enjoy in their casual open-air patio.  FYI: The Conch Fritters here are also really good. Early Bird Specials daily from 4 - 7 p.m.  The nightly Karaoke, which starts at 8 p.m. is always a hoot and draws a big crowd.  Full bar.  Major credit cards. Free parking. $$



















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