I am in the process of planning a 40th birthday party for my husband next spring in Key West. He knows we're going, so the destination will not be a surprise -- but the identities of the guests will be. The number of guests is yet unknown, but all will be making their own travel arrangements. I'm looking for suggestions of what might be a good place for the party -- I'm thinking along the lines of a casual, open-air bar where people can come and go, enjoy drinks and cake and bar food. I'll seek advice from the concierge of our hotel (the Marquesa), but would love to hear others' thoughts. (The theme of the gathering will be "A Pirate Looks at Forty.")

As I dimly recollect, Hog's Breath had a nice outdoor area that would be a pretty neat place for a moderately sized "Pirate Party". I'm curious if anyone agrees.

How about the pier at The Ocean Key Resort?

... think about the outside bar at Alice's restaurant at La Te Da hotel. Perfect location - about 1125 duval. Nice management, and Alice will be very nice to you. We held an affair for 30 here two weeks ago - couldn't have gone better. And it's under cover. Hogs Breath is kind of seedy, in a loud and busy part of KW - the ends of Duval vary greatly.

If you are looking for something a little more casual, I suggest Schooner Wharf. Schooner Wharf does a pirate ball during the Conch Republic celebration in April and it's on the water.

... two weeks ago, Mangoes, an open air bar with cover and umbrellss was hosting a wedding reception. Great spot on Duval Street (#700 - 305/292-4606). Easy access from the street, open bar area and shaded. Great food too, and very causal. Very KW atmosphere.

... one other option: hire a boat for a two-hour sunset cruise. Commercially, it runs $35 a person from the Casa Marina Hotel's wharf.