Where to dine in Key West ....

[KeenHo]

Western Cruisers..... Where did you eat in Key West?

We enjoyed Margaritaville for lunch on a Celebrity (Mercury) cruise in February 2000 - the conch fritters were fantastic! This year we are going to do the same for a light lunch and then "Stumble into Louie's Backyard" for a special birthday dinner.

Let us all know what not to miss. Thank you!!

Howard

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

For lunch, you should get a good Cuban sandwich and cafe con leche at 5 Brothers Grocery (corner of Southard and Grinnel).

As for dinner, it's tougher to get a reliable recommendation that's good the next year.

<i>According to one of my favorite guidebooks</i>

Key West restaurants are notoriously unreliable. <i>The</i> place to be one season will be empty as a weekday church the next. Proprietors have nervous breakdowns. Chefs are shot. People get bored. The kitchen help's minds wander to thoughts of affairs, windsurfing, or cocaine. Restaurants are as capricious as the weather, as quickly changeable as the tides. And yet the number of pretty and ambitious restaurants here are very impressive and should be investigated with enthusiasm.

 

[snelsonbrown]

Hello Howard - first off you may a great choice with Louie's backyard - next what Dave told you about 5 Brothers on the corner of Southard and Grinnell Street - it CAN NOT be beated - tell Edisto an old conch Abreu second the recommendation on his place - now it is small but do as the locals do there - they go out side - sit on the curve or benches - watch the locals or better yet join them - they are very friendly - also try the bollos - they are as good or better than conch fritters - another awesome place is Jose Cantino on White Street/Petronia Street - another local hangout and the good is very good and clean place -
any questions on Key West - can answer most of them.
always,
An old conch
Shirley

 

[snelsonbrown]

Hello Howard - first off you may a great choice with Louie's backyard - next what Dave told you about 5 Brothers on the corner of Southard and Grinnell Street - it CAN NOT be beated - tell Edisto an old conch Abreu second the recommendation on his place - now it is small but do as the locals do there - they go out side - sit on the curve or benches - watch the locals or better yet join them - they are very friendly - also try the bollos - they are as good or better than conch fritters - another awesome place is Jose Cantino on White Street/Petronia Street - another local hangout and the good is very good and clean place -
any questions on Key West - can answer most of them.
always,
An old conch
Shirley

 

[legs22]

How about Blue Heaven? It's off the beaten path and I remember it being good and a really different place to eat. After we left the restaurant we went around the corner and the locals were BOWLING in the middle of the street with real pins and bowling balls. It was a big party and quite a site to see.

Any history, Shirley?

 

[snelsonbrown]

Hi Leggs - do you know I have never been to Blue Heaven even tho I was born about 4 streets down from there on Whitehead - at one time it was off limits - anyhow at one time where the Blue Heaven is located has always been known as Bahama Village - the Blue Heaven had a reputation and a "questionable" pool room - the Bahamaim were a great part of our culture - in fact there was no racism in KW - everyone was involved with everyone - each had their own cultures and family was set that no hertiages would be lost - anyhow this part of town had a bad reputation during a time when it was my father's beat as a policeman but only when outsiders came in and created a problem - Blue Heaven has been cleaned for many many years and is quite an adventure to go there - chickens always ran anywhere they wanted as long as I can remember, but I understand they are entertainment for those that go there - I am so glad that people recognize it now as a safe place to go and visit - My uncle Abel has gone there many times and loves the surroundings and says the food is excellent - one thing I can say is that the Bahamias sure do know how to put on a show.
Thanks for jogging my memory of so long ago.
Always
Shirley

 

[legs22]

Yes, I remember the chickens! And the rope swing tied to the big tree. The best seat is outside UPSTAIRS. You'll be eating in the treetops and will overlolook the entire dining area below. Thanks for the history, Shirley!

 

[KeenHo]

Dave, Shirley & Legs,

Thanks for the information. I made ressies yesterday for Louie's Backyard (6:30 pm on Sunday, June 23) and requested a romantic table for two outside. We will take note of your other suggestions for lunch (5 Brothers and Jose Cantino). Maybe we can sample something from each place(?).

Shirley- my wife, Cam (a.k.a. Keenercam), wants to stop by and say hello when we are in the area next month prior to our June 22 Magic (Western) Cruise. We on the look out for a couple of tourists from Delaware on Friday, June 21.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

Howard

 

[snelsonbrown]

Hey there - oh my gosh I would be thrilled if you and Cam would stop by and see us - we will come and get you and bring you to the shop and then take you to the ship - it would be our pleasure - hey maybe we can go have breakfast - I will make sure I have some pamplets with KW information in it - wish we could be in KW to really take you on a tour - anyhow again Norm and I would be honored if you did come by - again we will pick you up - no problem.
Always
Shirley

 

[KeenHo]

Shirley,

We are arriving at the airport early (8:30 am), renting a car and driving to Clermont to have brunch with some former neighbors who recently retired there from Claymont, Delaware. Then we want to drive to the Coco Beach area and stop by to say hello to you and then hit a package goods store and Ron Jon's Surf Shop. Then we'll grab dinner somewhere before heading towards the Radisson for the evening. We are looking forward to meeting a huge crew of June 22 DIS'ers there that evening by the pool. You should stop by!!!

So, we will have a car and dropping won't be a problem. I would guess early to mid-afternoon(12-3 pm) on June 21. Thanks for the gracious offer. We are looking forward to meeting you and Norm.

Thanks!!

Howard

 

[rcdisneyfam]

Shirley, yes, you should stop by the pool at the Radisson, we have about 9+ families going on the June 22 cruise staying at the Radisson. Stop by for a cocktail and say hello!!!

 

[snelsonbrown]

Will be there with bells on - also Howard stop by the shop first before going to Ron Jon's etc - will see you all soon.
By June 22, I should have more interesting stuff for you so when you get to KW, won't feel like a stranger ----wish I could have been there for that weekend - Norm and I will be there for his birthday the 29th ----
Have a wonderful Memorial weekend everyone.
Hugsssss from
Shirley

 

[KeenHo]

We will stop by before going to Ron Jon's or anywhere else. We are really looking forward to meeting you and Norm. I am really excited that you will stop by the Radisson "June 22 DIS'ers" get together on June 21!! It should be a great time, we have been talking it up on the DIS and in PM's for quite a while.

I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day Weekend. Have a wonderful day and (short) week.

Howard