Florida1

Hello,

I am getting married in Key West in January and am looking for a restaurant for the reception. I would like a place that is a little elegant (I know nothing is really formal in Key West!) but not terribly pricy. We will likely have 25 people or so at the dinner. I would like to keep the cost of food around $25 per person (knowing service, etc. will cost extra). I have been looking at Antonia's, Louie's Backyard, Bagatelle and Mangoe's. I have also read that Alice's is good, but is it very casual? I have been to Key West once, about 6 years ago, but haven't been to these restaurants and just wanted some opinions on them from people who may have been there recently. Thank you so much for any help you can give me!

GoTravel

Florida, $25 plus/plus isn't going to go far in Key West.

What about a lunch instead? You can have your wedding earlier in the day, lunch with your family, friends, and loved ones, and then enjoy the rest of the day with everyone.

The problem with an evening reception is that the restaurant is going to charge you at least what they would make if you were not there for taking up the space.

With a luncheon, you could probably get a fabulous restaurant that normally isn't open for lunch and have the place to yourselves.

A great location is the rooftop of the Le Concha.

Florida1

Thanks for the suggestion! We actually are having a morning wedding, so a lunch might be best after all. I'll check out the La Concha rooftop!

GoTravel

A brunch will be even cheaper because you don't need floral arrangements, entertainment, and you can extremely limit your booze only serving Bloody Marys and Mimosas.

I'm sure they'll do a great job.

One caveat, don't expect much with the food (it is hotel food) but the view will blow your socks off.

I think you can find the view at their website.

Good luck!

GoTravel

http://www.laconchakeywest.com/

No_name

How about Blue Heaven? It is a funky place with a Key West feel. They could probably put together some type of menu close to your budget.

GoTravel

Even better:

http://www.laconchakeywest.com/key-west-weddings.htm

Weddings at La Concha! The photos are great!

Remember, brunch is your best bet economically and good luck!

No_name

http://blueheavenkw.homestead.com/Bl..._Key_West.html

GoTravel

Y'all, I love Blue Heaven and have been eating there for years but for a wedding?

It is akin to hanging out in a barnyard.

Florida1

Thanks again Go Travel! The views do look fabulous from the rooftop! I have contacted them and they are sending me some menu samples and prices.

No name, thanks for the suggestion of Blue Heaven! I think we might go there the night before for a casual rehearsal dinner, though!

JackOneill

Also, do you want to be on the water? Is that a factor?
Some of the places mentioned don't have much of a view.
I think Turtle Krall's would offer a good location, lovely view (expecially at sunset) and affordable prices.

(The idea of Blue Heaven strikes my fancy!)

No_name

If I remember correctly, they have a private room up on the 2nd floor of the building. It looks a lot nicer than the outside eating area. Blue Heaven also has that cool Key West feel that a hotel cannot offer. It mught be fun for your guests. It is also considered by many to be one of the top places in Key West.

Florida1

Being on the water isn't a high priority. Just want a nice location with decent food. I checked out Turtle Kraals and it looks like an interesting place! All this restaurant talk and looking at menus is making me really hungry for seafood!!!

No_name

Next to Turtle Kralls there is also a place, owned by the same group, called The Half Shell Raw Bar and it is also a fun place and worth considering.