Restaurants in Lower Keys (Key West)

Captain Tony's Saloon

Once a morgue and later an ice-house, this lively spot is one of the city's most popular bars and is said to have been the original Sloppy Joe's, entertaining author Ernest Hemingway. Jimmy Buffet sang here for a while in the beginning of his career and now live bands play nightly, who knows, perhaps you will hear the next Buffet. Stop by for a drink, or just to take a look at the "Hanging Tree," located inside the bar.

Green Parrot Bar

Wild groups gather at this open-air bar nightly, to party 'til they drop. If you are up for a pretty rambunctious scene, you will enjoy this antique saloon built in 1890 and generally agreed upon as the oldest bar in Key West. The co-owned smokehouse next door called "Meteor," serves pork, chicken, beef and seafood until 2am. Play pool, darts, or pinball while trying a "spine-tingling" cocktail. On weekends, there is live music, and the jukebox pounds out blues, zydeco and reggae all week. Don't miss this spot, listed as one of the "World's 50 Greatest Bars."

The Bull and The Whistle

Amidst the historic streets of Key West, you plunk down into a chair at this open-air bar and revel in the atmosphere. Inside The Bull, ceiling fans whir to keep you cool as you dance to live music nightly, in front of the historical mural of Key West. Upstairs in The Whistle, a wrought-iron balcony looks out over festive Duval Street. On the roof is The Garden of Eden, described as a naturalist's paradise. There is also a restaurant and raw bar here, plus a daily happy hour and live entertainment.

Turtle Kraals Waterfront Restaurant and Bar

Key West's Turtle Kraals have been around for many years, first as a way of raising turtles for food and for the shell, and later as a turtle soup cannery and a tourist attraction. Now it's doubling as a restaurant with a historic tower bar that's a popular spot in Old Town. The restaurant focuses its culinary offerings, not surprisingly, on seafood. Cooks blend the cuisine of New Orleans with that of Key West, Cuba and the Bahamas to come up with dishes featuring a wide array of delicate spices. Or catch the very popular turtle races, which are held twice a week.

Antonia's Restaurant

Antonia's is snugly ensconced in a beautiful heritage building, which was built in 1885. But 100 years later it was destroyed by fire. The owners rebuilt it, retaining the Old Town charm and casual elegance. And presently the wooden floors, walls, and bar, and candlelight belie any traces of any mishap. The North Italian cuisine of Veal entrees are a favorite, as is the Beef Tenderloin and Pan-Roasted Swordfish. Homemade desserts include Tiramisu and Crème Brule. There is a smoking section and an extensive wine list. Parking is free.

Conch Republic Seafood Company

The Conch Republic Seafood Company offers a great open-air waterfront view of the Key West Bight and some of the freshest seafood available, but this is not the main draw. Most visitors come for the 80-foot long rum bar, shaped like a boat, which claims to be the largest between Miami and Cuba. You can select from oysters, clams, mussels or shrimp from the raw bar, or dine on Bahamian-Style Cracked Conch, Grilled Tuna Steak or Black Angus steak. For dessert, try the Chocolate Rum Cake with white chocolate glaze.

Finnegan's Wake Irish Pub and Eatery

This location brings the spirit of Ireland to the Keys, and keeps it going nearly all night; the pub is open until 4am. Dinner is served until 10pm and after that the bar has its own menu. There are two Happy Hours daily and the libations include 16 beers on tap, bottled beer, liquors, wine, and of course, Irish Coffee. For dinner, you can try Irish specialties like brown bread, Irish stew (USD14), and bangers and mash (USD10). It also serves homemade desserts like the flambéed Hot Banana (USD5).

Santiago's Bodega

With its chic, jazzy and very contemporary look, Santiago's Bodega lies in Bahama Village, a historic neighborhood. You will find hot and cold tapas from $4 to $10. This tapas bar offers traditional Spanish food, Greek meza and a mélange of dishes. Choose between Chicken Skewers and Spanikopita (spinach, feta and onion baked in a pastry), or just sip your glass of sangria and watch little kids race on bikes outside the restaurant.

Pepe's Cafe

First opened in 1909, this restaurant is looking toward the full century mark and gives every appearance of coasting right up to that date and well beyond. Start the day with a build-your-own omelet and home fries, or homemade granola for the healthy set. Lunch choices include a variety of sandwiches and soups. Nightly specials include Maine lobster on Tuesday and prime rib on Saturday. A Thanksgiving dinner can be enjoyed every Thursday. You can dine outside on a garden patio in lovely tropical surroundings or inside in air-conditioned comfort.

Louie's Backyard

One of the island's most popular dining spots, Louie's Backyard offers an uninterrupted view of the ocean and favorites like rack of lamb and grouper. It also adds intriguing touches such as roasted garlic or side dishes of intriguing salsas. The Key Lime Pie has a Pistachio Crust and rests on a Raspberry Coulis. Outside, dine under the shade of a tropical tree. Many come for lunch, to revel in both the expansive view of the Atlantic and the somewhat less lofty lunchtime prices. In the evenings, there's the Afterdeck Bar for libations into the morning hours.

Pisces

There's nothing like a melding of two distinct culinary styles to create exciting new flavors. You'll find French and Caribbean here blended into delicious delicacies. Each day brings something new to the menu, whether it's venison with a fruit sauce or fish cooked with a light dusting of curry and wine with ginger, and a few other spices tossed in for good measure. Dining takes place inside or on a rooftop deck beneath the spreading sapodilla tree. Stars shine, the food is good and all is right with the world.

Origami

Operating here for more than a dozen years, Origami is run by Kiyoto and Kuma. They have worked hard and their small sushi restaurant has been named "Best Sushi Bar" in a local poll. You can relish the choice selections either in air-conditioned comfort or outside in a pleasant garden patio. On the menu are tempura and teriyaki selections, as well as children's choices for sophisticated kiddies. Try the seaweed salad or vegetable rolls. Beer and wine are served here, too.