key west dining
 

Anybody ever eaten at Little Pine Island Resort? I am taking my husband there for his birthday on Feb 2. Also, I have been reading bad reviews of Louie's backyard on this site. Has anyone got anything good to say about it?

I have only one nice thing to say about Louie's Backyard--its location on the water--and if it's dark that doesn't matter anyway!<BR><BR>That was our anniversary dinner,and a huge disappointment. The next evening's meal at Blue Heaven was everything the other should have been. Though not elegant, it has incomparable Key West ambience and the food was outstanding to boot. Oh yes, even the waitstaff were friendly. As I said, 180 degrees out.

I think you must mean Little Palm Island, which has a reputation for fabulous food. I haven't eaten there yet, but have heard outstanding reviews of it. You've made a wonderful choice for a special occasion! I assume you realize that Little Torch Key is about 30 miles from Key West and then you'll need to take a boat ride out to Little Palm Island. <BR><BR>Louie's Backyard is another story altogether. I'm happy to report that the last couple of times we ate there the seating hostess actually smiled at us, which was a nice departure from the norm. <BR><BR>The food has been inconsistent: sometimes it's outstanding, other times only average. We have only eaten there at lunch - when the pretty view is visible - and when the prices are more reasonable. Our experiences with the waitstaff have been fine...but oh boy, those seating folks. With the exception of the new person, they've ranged from haughty to just plain rude. Once - when the restaurant was virtually empty - the seating &quot;host&quot; tried to put us at a tiny table on the side of the porch next to the garbage cans. When we refused to be seated there, he whined and groaned and begrudgingly slapped down our menus on another table.<BR><BR>Unless you have lots of time to experiment with restaurants, I'd advise you to stay away from Louie's.

Go to Louie's for cocktails and the view, skip dinner. Blue Heaven is a great place to eat, I highly recommend it.

Louie's isn't worth the time or money. After the Chef Norman Van Aken left it just hasn't been the same.<BR>We go to the bar for drinks when we are in town and always have a nice time but just beware of their prices.<BR>Little Palm Island is really neat. We have only gone here for Brunch and it was delicious. Be sure to make reservations well in advance.

Another suggestion for something good but not fancy is Seven Fish. They are only open for dinner and you need to make reservation. It is really good and we never miss a chance to go there when in town.

Since there seem to be many that have some knowledge of the restaurants in Key West,does anyone have any thoughts on Michaels Restaurant? <BR>I was planning a special birthday dinner there. Thank in advance for your thoughts.

One of the best places to eat in KW is La Trattoria. It's Italian...some great seafood too. Some of the best service I had when I was in the Keys

Michael's is wonderful. We had a bad experience there once - there was a LONG delay in getting food - but generally speaking it's top notch. For a special occasion, I'd probably choose either it or Square One. Ask for a table outside.