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Blue HeavenvsLouie's Backyard
Both Blue Heaven and Louie's Backyard are rated very highly by experts. On balance, Blue Heaven is preferred by most reviewers compared to Louie's Backyard. Blue Heaven scores 91 with accolades from 9 reviewers such as Frommer's, Gayot and Concierge.
Blue Heaven
Concierge
Fodor's
Travel + Leisure
Gayot
Miami New Times
Afar Magazine
Where
Condé Nast Traveler Travel + Leisure
Frommer's Show All Reviews
729 Thomas St, Key West, FL 33040-7334
From $15/night
Concierge "Caribbean-themed American and veggie fare draws tourists and locals to this legendary eatery, which served its first meal in September 1992."
i
Diners with more risqué tastes should request a seat in the second-floor gallery, formerly a dance hall and bordello (you can still peek through peepholes into tiny rooms).
Fodor's "The outdoor dining area here is often referred to as "the quintessential Keys experience," and it's hard to argue." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Today, it serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner—and is regularly packed; long lines are one of its most distinguishing features (as are its family of cats and roosters)." Full review
Gayot14.0
"As free-spirited as Key West, this vibrant and quirky open-air eatery serves Caribbean-inspired fare with a gourmet touch." Full review
Miami New Times "The ramshackle building in Key West's still-to-be-gentrified Bahama Village neighborhood houses a gift shop and a nifty little tiled dining room." Full review
Afar Magazine "The title may sound presumptuous, but with over 500 positive reviews on Google, many of which reference the incredible Key Lime pie, I think it's a justified statement." Full review
Where "This throwback to the hippie era offers Caribbean and vegetarian cuisine in an unhampered island setting." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "Despite the casual, low-key vibe, this is a more romantic restaurant than many others in Key West, so expect to see plenty of couples...a nice outing for couples seeking a break from the kiddos." Full review
Travel + Leisure "With its dense foliage and quirky décor, this Key West landmark is the bohemian hangout of choice, whether hitting the little stand-up bar for happy hour or taking a table for a whole blissful brunch, lunch, or dinner"
Florida Keys Travel Guide
March 2, 2021
Frommer's "These days the menu is actually more sophisticated than the surroundings, including great seafood specials such as sautéed yellowtail snapper in citrus beurre blanc." Full review
Louie's Backyard Concierge Fodor's Travel + Leisure Gayot Where
Time Out Frommer's
700 Waddell Ave, Key West, FL 33040-4729
From $0/night
Concierge "An oldie but goodie, this Key West institution frequented by Jimmy Buffett—and just about every upscale tourist who comes to Key West—is housed in a historic oceanfront home."
Fodor's "Feast your eyes on a steal-your-breath-away view and beautifully presented dishes prepared by executive Chef Doug Shook." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Using locally caught seafood and produce grown specifically for Louie’s by Island Farms, longstanding chef Doug Shook creates fresh, seasonal (and pricey) dishes." Full review
Gayot14.0
"One of the first to serve New Florida cuisine; still going strong with an unbeatable view." Full review
i
If meat is your request, grilled tamarind-glazed Berkshire pork chop with roasted applesauce will satisfy.
Where "An enduring favorite among locals and visitors alike, Louie’s Backyard combines island manor house ambience with cutting-edge cuisine." Full review
Time Out "The Floribbean cuisine here is outstanding, but the real winner is the setting—smack on a prime slab of the Gulf." Full review
Frommer's "Still going strong after more than 40 years, both the setting and the creative island menu help make Louie’s one of Key West’s most cherished, romantic, and quintessential...upper-end restaurants." Full review
