We'll be in Key West next week for one day and am looking for a lunch spot in a "tropical garden" setting. Not as picky about the type of food--would like it to be good, of course, but remember restaurants like this from past trips decades ago. Don't get this sort of thing in Baltimore and I find it very relaxing. Any suggestions??

The only restaurant I can think of that has a "tropical garden" setting is Michael's, but it's not open at lunch.

You could try Louie's Backyard, but it's on the water, sans garden atmosphere.

I hate to recommend Little Palm Island, even though it's the best of the best, because I don't think you'll have enough time to enjoy it.

Is it possible you could stay longer?

Well, if you consider eating outside at tables w/ umbrellas and chickens running around you want Blue Heaven. Excellent food. Great experience. And Mango's has trees you can sit under.

Thanks for these suggestions--there used to be plenty of these smaller restaurants with garden seating (decades ago) but they took time to "discover".

Sobster--we'll check out Blue Heaven and Mango's.

SusanCS--We'd love to stay longer but we're actually just in town one day off of a cruise ship. We're only in port from 8-3 so no time to get to another site. lovely as it sounds--maybe another time.

Haven't been there in ages, but does Mangia, Mangia still have it's lovely little garden to the side?

Sobster--just looked at the pics and read some reviews--Blue Heaven looks like the kind of funky "real" Kay West I'm looking for. Thanks so much!

I just got back from Key West on Monday and Blue Heaven is perfect. Very funky and great food. Do make a reservation though it is a very popular place. Enjoy!!

Unless they've changed, I don't think Blue Heaven accepts reservations unless it's for large parties.

To add to the funkiness, here's a little history of Blue Heaven: it was once a bordello, and it hosted cockfights, too. How can you not love somplace like that!

Blue Heaven is a good recommendation, but I don't think I ever would have put it in the "tropical garden" category.

I heard the help there works for chickenfeed...

I wouldn't either, K9, but for someone who only has a few hours in Key West and wants something funky, it'd definitely be appropriate.

Apropos of Blue Heaven...I think you have to go there and put your name in..and wait. Re its history...I believe they had boxing matches there sometimes refereed by Hemingway hisself

This is probably too late, but Kelly's has dining in a garden setting, and it's only a small stretch to include the garden at El Peson de Pepe, across from the veranda.

Pjk

Oh! Cockfights at Blue Heaven which, supposedly, Hemingway ref'ed.

Pjk