I think I have it narrowed down... Please help with the final restaurant decision.

First night, casual:
Salt Water Cowboy OR A1A Alehouse

Second night, "nicer:"
Gypsy Cab Co OR Conch House

Lunch:
Either "take out" from O'Steens, or Alcazar - depending on where we are and how the day develops!

Thanks for any help deciding, and for all the previous touring tips! :)

Hi guys!

Looking for further clarification on Gypsy Cab and Conch House. My friend says she doesn't think those would be considered "nicer" restaurants, but more along the same lines as Cowboy and A1A. Is this so? How are Raintree and 95 Cordova? Are they very dressy? Very expensive? Very delicious? Please advise when you have a chance. Tandoori Girl, are you out there? :)

I think we will go to SW Cowboy on the first night, as it is not too far from their home. (How was your recent visit, Scarlett?) For the second night, she suggested Havana Cafe, which I understand has live salsa music. Any thoughts?

Thanks all, for helping get our touring day in order. I'm almost there with the restaurants!

Just a comment here that A1A and Salt Water are not in the same league. I know A1A sounds like a bar but it's actually a nicer restaurant. The prices were not real pricey though but it has an imaginative menu. Frankly, the teen would enjoy SW more. Sorry but I haven't been to the other two.

Keep in mind that in FL you can *get away with* wearing just about anything, even to fancy restaurants. We do anything here to keep our tourists happy :)

Could someone please expound on the "feeding of the pelicans from the little chutes".... I think TGirl or Scarlett mentioned it previously. Is this only one restaurant in particular, or a certain one. We will be travelling with a couple of early teenagers...and yes, it is touristy, but it would probably be something they would "like".

thnx

topping for me

I've eaten at Gypsey Cab Co. Very good food but definitely a casual atmosphere. Its over the bridge on the way to the beach so you can wear shorts and a t-shirt if you wanted. Be prepared to wait though, it is not a gigantic place and it gets crowded. I believe they have a nice bar next door with music that you can hang at with your beeper until they call you.

95 Cordova in the Casa Monica is very nice. Excellent food and definitely an upscale restaurant. No jacket required but you should dress appropriately (casual dressy). We ate in the main dining room but I remember they have a really quaint room in the back which I would try to get seated in if you can.

Both restaurants were definitely worth the money.

TS

I agree that Gypsy Cab and Conch house are both pretty casual restaurants (although it's been a while since I've been to eithr one). Conch House is pretty unique with some raised tables in tiki huts, if the weather permits you to sit outside. On Sunday afternoons they used to have Reggae music and tripical drinks out on the deck - adult fun!
I have had the Sunday brunch at 95 Cordova, and it was very nice with great food, so would agree those who recomended that for the nice meal to end your trip. It probably fits your price range for dinner.
Have a nice trip (if I'm not too late in posting - you could be here in FL by now, since it's already March 1st)!

Just back today! Had a great trip - thanks for all the tips! Will post trip report later... :)

chrisMLU,

I believe that the restuarant being referred to is called Santa Maria. It is a wonderful restuarant next to the Bridge of Lions out on a pier. The seats next to the windows have a "trap door" in the window ledge. The waiters give you a basket of bread to feed the catfish or any other critter that is down there. The catfish are HUGE & they pile on top of each other, sometimes 3-4 high to fight over the bread. It sounds hokey but we had a blast, we even ended up feeding the fish half of the bread meant for us!