Key West {Best Restaurants}

One of the greatest things about our trip was all of the amazing food we ate.  Being able to sit and enjoy a restaurant is a rare treat for most parents, including us!  Appetizers, wine, main courses and desserts were tasted, savored, and enjoyed during our trip.  I do not think we had a bad meal the entire week and for anyone that might be heading to Key West anytime soon, I wanted to share some of our very favorites!

Salute
This restaurant came as a recommendation on our first night in town from the bellmen at our hotel, Casa Marina.  They told us it was a "hole-in-the-wall" kind of place, but as we walked up this was the view we saw.

Really?  I mean, it was seriously like paradise.  And with porch seating available this was our view for our entire dinner.  We feasted on appetizers, wine, Seafood and Italian main dishes, and flavorful desserts.  This whole in the wall place was very unassuming and was absolutely delicious!  I would highly recommend it!

Mangia Mangia
This Italian restaurant is a little off the beaten path, but came recommended by the locals, so we knew it would be good.  They make all of they own pasta and offer seafood, meats and sauces galore.  Everyone enjoyed the bread and appetizers and I don't think anyone could finish their meals because of the large portions.  We sipped on wine, sat outside under the pretty lit courtyard, and dined on dishes that were delicious.

Prime Steakhouse
We took a break from our pasta and seafood meals to try out a steakhouse that had been recommended by frequent travelers to the area.  This place was situated in a tucked away location, but a quick and easy walk from the heart of Key West and well worth those extra steps.  It was probably the nicest meal we had during our stay and 6 out of 8 of us had the fillet.  It was amazing!!!  I'm kind of picky about how my steak is cooked, but mine came out perfectly and I savored every last bite.  The table shared several large sides and there was not one I could pick out as my favorite.  If you are looking to get out of our swimsuit and get a little dressed up for nice meal, this is the place!

Conch Republic Seafood Company 
Located right at the docks of the Key West marina, this casual restaurant has the freshest of the fresh seafood.  From coconut shrimp and crab cake appetizers to fresh fish sandwiches and lobster bisque soup, the food is plentiful and definitely fresh.  The views cannot be beat and seeing the boats coming and going never gets old.

Each evening they offer live music and 2-for-1 happy hour specials making this a great spot to grab lunch, a quick appetizer and drinks, or a casual dinner.

Pepe's Cafe
Another off the beaten path spot that holds lots of Key West history, this cafe is one with the most eclectic feel and the most history.  They offer lunch and dinner, but are most well-known for their breakfast and brunch, which is what we had. Whether it be french toast piled high with fresh fruit, made-to-order omelets and breakfast wraps or fresh squeezed orange juice and homemade signature breads, this place will offer something for everyone.  There was a steady line of people trying to get a seat for brunch the day we visited and the scent of Coconut - Key Lime bread that tasted more like pound cake was filling the the restaurant with it's heavenly scent.

Kermit's Key Lime Pie Shoppe
You cannot go to Key West without tasting some Key Lime Pie.  Every restaurant has it on the dessert menu and most bars have signature drink boasting the famous flavor.  However, if you want the real-deal stuff, Kermit's is the place to go.  With it's original location in "Old Key West" and a newer location on Duval Street, no matter where you are their sweet goodness is accessible.  You can buy it by the slice or buy a whole pie and it is so sweet and rich that for me who doesn't really put key lime pie at the top of my dessert favorites, a bite is more than enough.  And don't walk in there thinking you are only going to taste some pie.  They have key lime flavored everything.  From BBQ sauces and salsas to cookies and flavored peanuts, there are tons of options to take home and enjoy.

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Parents Escape: Key West

I love my kids. I do. I really really really do. And I have no problem taking them anywhere in the world. They've accompanied us on many an adventure, and have put quite a few stamps in their own passports. But sometimes it's amazing (read: incredibly awesome) to just take an adult only trip. Even better if you can sneak more than one night in. 

We did this last year for the first time in forever, and we became official converts. After last year's trip to Islamorada, we decided we needed to take an adult vacation at least one a year. 

This year marked our ten year anniversary. We had plans to do a huge trip somewhere, but then life occurred and it got put on the back burner. Somewhere in June we decided to just book something. We looked at our calendars and Mr. Cute could only do random days here and there until the end of the year. We somehow pieced together six days, and booked the first thing that came to mind - Key West. It's a quick flight from Atlanta, I had never been, and it hit all the marks (ie. tropical, things to do, and good restaurants).  Carrie Beth goes to Key West every year so I knew it would be a good time - and it so was! I already am looking forward to going back one day! 

Day 1 

| blue gingham top |

Peace out kids! Parents only vacay starts now! 

The flight from Atlanta to Key West is just over an hour. So quick! And if you've ever been to the Atlanta airport before, you appreciate small airports and the fact that you can be through baggage claim and to the taxi stand in under ten minutes from de-boarding. 

We stayed at the Casa Marina Resort in Key West. This is a historic hotel built in the 1920's and holds the only private beach on Key West. The grounds, pool area, and beach are gorgeous. 

We had an oceanview room on the top floor, and it was a typical room. Nothing overly fancy, and the accommodations were similar to most standard hotel rooms. 

But the view from our balcony was beautiful! 

Our flight arrived right at lunchtime. So after we checked in we headed out to grab some lunch and do some exploring. A few blocks from the hotel was the Southernmost Beach Cafe, and it didn't look too crowded so we gave it a go. 

We loved the open air feel, and the drink and food options didn't disappoint. 

Once we finished we made our way back to the hotel to kick off our week of vacationing adult style. 

This little spot beachside did us just fine. 

And so did a good book and a yummy cocktail. Our friend Hall has to travel to Key West frequently for work, and suggested we order the off the menu cocktail, Orange Crush. It didn't disappoint, but maybe order a water with it too. ;) 

| woodgrain sunglasses | gold aviator sunglasses | black one shoulder swimsuit | gold earrings |

After a good bit of living our best beach life we showered and made our way to dinner. 

Someone gave us a recommendation for Hogfish Bar & Grill. It's located on Stock Island, which was about a 15 minute Uber ride from the hotel. It's located in kind of a remote area, but oh so worth it. 

Not to mention, highly entertaining. 

| romper |

Not only did Hogfish have the yummiest food, the drinks were my favorite out of the entire trip! 

(P.S. Hi Wyoming!)

The restaurant is located right off the shrimp docks in downtown Stock Island, so after dinner we decided to walk around a bit. Before headed back to the hotel. It was a fun little walk, with great views and so many friendly people who live on their boats year round. 

After our walk we headed back to the hotel and we weren't quite ready to go to bed just yet, so we parked ourselves back in our previous oceanside spot from earlier in the day and soaked in the sunset.  It was a great way to end our first day!

Stay tuned tomorrow for more from the trip! 

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Weekend Getaway in Key West

A few weeks ago the Mr. and I made our way to Key West for the 5th or 6th year in a row (I've lost count) and had a great weekend getaway. We got with the same group each year and have the best time!  I just love flying in and seeing that beautiful water! 

We always stay at the same house which is amazing. It's actually two separate houses, but one has a living and kitchen area and the other is just bedrooms. There is a pool in the middle, a ton of tropical plants and less than a block to the marina and only a few blocks away from the nightlife and restaurants Key West is known for. 

Our flight didn't arrive until late afternoon and I knew we would be heading to dinner shortly after so I wore my favorite Amazon Maxi Dress on the plain because it is so comfortable and I knew it could take me straight to dinner that night.  

After settling in we took the golf cart to dinner since reservations on this night were a bit further than walking distance. 

We at at a new restaurant we had never been to before called Firefly and it was amazing! 

It was southern food with a twist and so, so yummy! Our server said they were known for their fried chicken and we got a ton of appetizers to share and they were all delicious!  

We were all gushing over this biscuit.  This picture doesn't do it justice.  It was HUGE and melted in your mouth.  

The weather wasn't great on the weekend we chose to visit.  It was very windy and there were a lot of storms here and there.  Our first full day was going to prove to be the best so we got up early to go fishing.  

It was pretty choppy out there, but still fun and we were able to catch a pretty good amount of fish! 

Yellowtail was mainly what we caught and it as fun coming back to the docks because there are always tons of people walking around wanting to see what you bring back. 

After a quick regroup we went back out to do a little lobstering. And by "we" I mean the Mr. dives for the lobster...

...while I stay on the boat and relax with a drink.  :-) It's a win-win for both of us. 

This year the lobstering wasn't great earthier because most of them were too small, but they did manage to catch a few for us to bring home! 

That night we ate on Bourbon street and did the Key West thing...bar hoping and drinks before calling it a night.  

The next morning the weather was pretty overcast so we slept in and grabbed a quick lunch before heading back out on the water.  We ate at one of my favorites, Conch Republic Seafood Company.  

It is literally across the street from our house and right on the water. It's open air, they generally have live music and just a fun, laid-back atmosphere. 

There are roosters and chickens all over Key West that just roam the streets and I have gotten used to them over the years.  This was the first time I had ever seen one INSIDE of the restaurant though! 

After lunch we went out on the boat for a little while, but they had to drag me away from this sweet Manatee.  He was drinking from he hose that was at the dock and just hanging out there for the longest time.  

That night we got all decked out in our UGA stuff to watch our Dawgs play Notre Dame. It was such an exciting and fun game to watch!  

The next day the guys went out on the water again and I decided to stay back with a few of the other ladies since the water wasn't great and it was drizzly . I read, relaxed, did a little souvenir shopping for the kids and then we got all dolled up for dinner on our last night. 

We ate at Prime Steakhouse for our last night there and it never disappoints.  Such delicious steaks and family style sides with amazing wine.   

None of us wanted to call it a night so we made our final stop in Key West at Smoking' Tuna for drink and live music.  I had the frozen Moscow Mule and it was so good! 

It's always fun to get away, but I also love coming home. This time it was much easier to leave knowing we were going to be heading on a trip with our kiddos the very next day! I'll share about that next week! 

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