Lunch

From those wonderful hippies that operate Blue Heaven, Salute! Is their sister restaurant, and it is simply my favorite lunch spot in town... Unpretentious and laid back, dine on the creative whims of Chef Dan while sitting out on the patio right on the beach. Love the snapper sandwich, mussels, and their homemade ice cream cookie sandwich! Also, the Key Lime Pie (from Blue Heaven) is one of town's favorites piled a mile high with meringue...  Life couldn't get any better.

1000 Atlantic Drive

(305)292-1117

www.saluteonthebeach.com

Ocean centric chef-driven fare. Something above and beyond much of what is happening on typical menus in Key West. Thirsty Mermaid offers oysters from all over daily and has the best selection of them in town in my opinion. They have a great raw bar, craft beers on tap and interesting wines. Family owned and run by a dedicated and friendly staff. Pop in for something memorable over there on Flemming Street. Open for lunch and dinner, and they have an amazing happy hour that is not crazy like the places over by the water, and features a light selection of foods and oysters by the dozen!

521 Flemming Street

(305)204-4828

www.thirstymermaidkeywest.com

My friends Phen and Harry own a beautiful Thai restaurant on the outskirts of Old Town overlooking the Garrsion Bight Marina. It is one of my favorite places to enjoy a good curry or gorgeous sushi. The Mai Tais are strong and the view is iconic Key West. I like to bring guests here because the staff treat them like family and the sushi boats are spectacular to share together. The couple own two sister restaurants which are next door to each other downtown on Southard Street called Misohappy and Souperhappy which are great for those closer to Duval not caring to travel.

Thai Island (305)296-9198

www.thaiislandrestaurant.com

Miso Happy (Downtown) (305)509-7868

www.misohappyrestaurant.com

A Key West Institution, Louie's backyard enjoys one of the most scenic panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean from the shores of our island. Nestled on a terrace behind the main building is the patio. Inside seating available as well. There is a great bar on the deck overlooking the water, and Louie's is a place to spend the whole afternoon until the sun sets just sipping and laughing and having a good time. Dinner is exceptional as well, and the setting outside is very romantic.

700 Waddell Avenue

(305)294-1061

www.louiesbackyard.com

I have found that Clemente's is so lovable because their food is made of simple fresh ingredients presented humbly. The pizzas are crusty and rustic and delicious. There are plenty of daily specials to supplement the woodfired pizzas, and they have some good wines to enjoy while watching the staff do their thing or while dining al fresco and watch the passersby on the shade of Flemming Street.

516 Flemming Street

(305)900-7035

www.facebook.com/ClementsTrolleyPizzeria

I have been enjoying this Chef's noodles for over a decade and through two iterations of his restaurant. Pho King Awesome is a great Vietnamese Noodle house with lots of sakes and beers. Dumplings, Buns, Pho, and other delicious fare highlights the menu. I always have the Spicy Peanut Ramen with shrimp (cold item) I just love the staff here and I enjoy often.

626 Duval Street

(305)294-6363

www.phokingnoodlebar.com

Just by the ocean's edge, located beachside at The Reach Resort, is a picture-perfect spot for a memorable luncheon. Local fish, a spectacular wine list, and Caribbean cocktails highlight the offerings of this Key West restaurant.  I go for the relaxed pace, the fresh salads, Wagyu burger, and lots of options for apps. I stay to watch the waves and enjoy a quiet and peaceful setting before heading back to the bustle of Duval.

1435 Simonton Street

(305)293-6250

https://reachresort.com/menus/

There is a quieter spot at the far end of Mallory Square that is one of my reprieves. That is Opal Key Resort's Bistro 245. It is usually pretty quiet during the day, and the restaurant staff is friendly and polite. Lunch can be enjoyed right on a patio overlooking the gulf and sunset key. It is adjacent to where the cruise ships dock and they can be an interesting backdrop when viewed up close. Also to note there is an upstairs deck that has a bar and is a unique place to watch the sunset from.

245 Front Street

(305)292-4320

www.opalcollection.com

I may be biased having been born on Cape Cod, but there is something glorious that is triggered when tasting a warm and buttered hot dog bun stuffed full of golden fried clams. Malted vinegar on thick cut fries and a cold IPA. It might be a personal issue, but if this is what checks the boxes for you too, please stop in to DJ's little Clam Shack and enjoy a basket of perfection! Clam Rolls, Fish and Chips, Lobster Rolls. It's all good!!! Tell them I sent you down. 

245 Front Street

(305)292-4320

www.djsclamshack.com