KEY WEST favorites for next week

[BigBear333]

We are two couples from New Mexico looking for Cuban, Italian, Seafood (esp. oysters). We like local, non-touristy (if possible), tradiltional food and flavor. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Also... and reccomendations for the way down or back?

Thanks

[LJM]

Two new interesting options in Key West are the new Martin's on Duval and Azur at the Eden House. The chef there used to be at Antonia's. For lunch try B.O.'s Fish Wagon or pick up a sandwich at Sandy's Cafe and take it to Ft. Zach.

[robcodger]

I just came back from the keys and we ate/drank our way down (I am a non drinker and the DD... so we were cool) I recommend Alabama Jack's on Card sound road for atmosphere and food albeit fried!!!! Craig's in Key Largo for an incredible fried fish sandwich (zero atmosphere) Islamorada Fish company for dockside dining. Island grill for the best appetizer I've ever had.. Island nachos!!!!!!! yum a dum dum!

Mangrove Mama's on Sugarloaf Key.. under new ownership.. no idea how the food is now but the place is great just to stop off...

(no we didn't make all these stops on one trip.. I go there every chance I get) have a great time.

[hellxonxheels]

santiago's bodega
207 petronia st. key west
605-296-7691
amazing. really.

[bullygirl]

I'm surprised that no one recommended 7 Fish. We've been there twice (most recently two years ago) and really loved it. Anyone been there recently that can comment?

[Suzie]

I love 7 Fish but it really didn't fit the OP question.

[Nick]

Pepe's, in Key West, is a good spot for oysters.

[Suzie]

At the top of the Keys, take Cardsound Road to Alabama Jacks. They open at 11am and close at 6 or 7 but they have the best conch fritters you will ever have. Its a very cool laid back place.
Also up there check out Robert is Here. Its a very cool fruit stand with great shakes.
http://www.robertishere.com/index.htm

[netmover]

Ricky's Blue Heaven Breakfast, lunch and dinner KW
On the way down:
Calypso in Key Largo
Square Grouper Cudjoe Key MM 22

[Suzie]

Square Grouper is wonderful. Also up there checkout Sugarloaf Food Company. 7 Mile Grill, in Marathon, is a wonderful place to stop for a quick bite. They have been around for decades.
Blue Heaven is really only good at breakfast. They seem to have had a bit of turnover in the kitchen lately. You won't find too many locals there for lunch and dinner anymore (they never really did eat lunch there but the dinners weren't half bad, just overpriced).

[netmover]

I'm surprised to hear that about Ricky's...seeing how I had one of the best dinners in my life there...

[Suzie]

Oh everyone should still try it once and like I said breakfast is still good (but a lot more expensive than it once was. He has got to fight and pay for those legal battles) but most tend to agree he has become another tourist trap like Mangoe's, Bagatelle, and Louie's did before him. There are a lot of things that have opened in the last 5 years or so that are doing a great job.
915 is wonderful and was just invited to cook for the James Beard Fondation. It was so good that they were asked back (something that rarely ever happens).

[netmover]

Legal battles? What happened? I had heard he oopened an office next door that got nixxed, could that be what you are referring to?

[jgwebb49]

I'll second Antonia's. They have maybe the best pasta I've ever had. However, for me and my wife the number one reason we like to go to Key West is Bahama Mama's kitchen. Their ginger curry chicken is the best meal I've ever had (think light curry not creamy). It's a very laid back place with patio eating. I can't recommend it enough.

[Suzie]

In KW
For Cuban El Siboney
For Oysters - Alonzo's or Half Shell Oyster Bar
For Italian - Antonia's or Mangia Mangia
Also 915, Alice's and Santiago's Bodega