Key West Food & Bars

Duval Street is party central. Bars, restaurants, and stores line the street. So do people and alcohol. One helpful fact is Key West allows drinking in the street as long as it’s not in glass. Woo-hoo! Captain Tony’s was a favorite stop for us. According to Pam, they had the best rum punch. It’s also a hang out for Jimmy Buffett (don’t forget Pam & Tom are Parrot Heads). We didn’t run into Jimmy at all, however Captain Tony was there one day. Look up the definition of ‘dirty old man’ and there will be Captain Tony’s picture. He was a trip! 88 years young and he still flirts with the women and hangs at the bar. Capt Tony’s was the original Sloppy Joe’s. Where is Sloppy Joe’s you ask? It’s down the block. Many years ago, the rent was to be raised by $1 at the original site. The patrons and employees during the evening fun picked up their beers, their chairs and tables and moved to the new site! The bartenders kept on serving. Key West definitely has character :) Another fun spot is Two Friends Patio Bar. We stopped there for food to find out it was karaoke night. Oh boy, we thought we were in trouble. However, it turned into a wonderful night! The singers were all good – well, until I got up there! Pam and I danced and had a blast. We found out we were on their web cam! One place that is worth a stop is B.O.’s Fish Wagon. From a certain angle, you would never know this is a bar! At first glance it does look like a shack about to fall down. And what would a trip to Key West be without a stop in Margaritaville. We ended our Duval Street adventures there on Friday. On the way inside a bride and groom were on the sidewalk. Pam, Kerry and I admired her dress; the bride then asked Kerry if we were looking at her ass! The bride said, it’s ok, it doesn’t matter, we’re in Key West! Oh my!!

My first taste of Conch Fritters was my first night – it is the Conch Republic after all. Conch fritters are similar to hush puppies but with conch inside. What is conch you ask? Know those pretty shells that if big enough one can use as a horn? Well, conch is what lives in those shells. Conch fritters are delicious and addicting! Oh, and Yuengling Lager for drink! Yay – Florida serves Yuengling! :)

Food is not an issue in Key West. Even a food snob can find places to eat here. Restaurants range from fast food to fine dining. If you hate seafood, you still have options. If you like seafood, you’re in a good spot. Grouper and mahi-mahi sandwiches that could feed all 3 of us. Conch fritters every where! Half Shell Raw Bar has the best conch fritters and awesome oysters. Louie’s Backyard is incredible. Most of the seating really is in the backyard on a tiered set of decks leading to the water. We started with a round of drinks on the lower deck bar. Up one deck and we all had the fresh catch of the day – grouper wrapped in proscuitto served over creamy cous cous with red wine basil vinaigrette. For dessert, I had the warm dark chocolate cobbler with white chocolate ice cream. It was heavenly! We finished with another round of drinks on the lower deck.