Fine Dining Key West
Often rated the best restaurant in Key West, no one does fine dining in Key West like Cafe Marquesa. Like Charleston and other great ports of the South, Key West offers endless inspiration for chefs. Once a stop on trade routes to the Caribbean, the island developed a signature cuisine that’s practically an open book for flavors. Pair this with the bounty from two bodies of water and the signatures of great chefs who have dedicated time here and a compelling cuisine emerges. From its inception, Café Marquesa has led the way in expressing a unique, coastal cuisine. Their kitchen combines the finest seafood, meats, and produce with classic preparations and creativity. They offer fine dining with an authentic, homespun essence, like freshly baked bread and desserts made daily in-house.
The Bull & Whistle Bar
And The Garden of Eden
The Whistle Bar features a large squared bar, pool tables, games and (most importantly) a balcony overlooking Duval Street. The balcony offers some of the best people watching and is a popular place to get some fresh air and warm breeze, day or night. The wrap around porch gives you some distance from the crowds of Duval and Caroline St. with the same entertainment. Though a bit hidden away, The Whistle is a longtime darling of the local party crowd, and its honky-tonk feel welcomes anyone. Think of it as your friendly watering hole with all the dive bar charm.
On the first floor is The Bull – a large space with a long stretch of bar, table seating and a small stage where local musicians perform nightly. The Bull is one of the few remaining open-air bars of Key West, stepping in is like stepping back into the Old Town heritage of the island. It has a genuine carousing feel making it is easy to pop in, grab a drink and watch the crowds go by.
If you saddle up at the Bull make sure to take a gander at the walls. That's right. The history of Key West, it's icons, and the events that make up the magic of the island are hand painted along the walls. From Hemingway to Tennessee to Castro, they are always at the Bull.
Clothing Optional
On the roof is another bar that has made more than a few people blush. Known as the Garden of Eden, this rooftop bar is “clothing optional” – and they mean it. The Garden of Eden gives you a bird's eye view of the island among other things...
During the day the GOE welcomes sun bathers with lounge chairs and umbrellas. Need to get rid of that farmers tan? You've found the place. The staff is friendly and welcoming whether patrons decide to bare it all or just enjoy the view. No cameras or cell phones are allowed so inhibitions are happily left at the door. If you go, expect to see lots of skin from all walks of life!
Nightly music with a DJ so you can dance under the stars and work on your "moon burn" any night of the week.
305-296-4545
224 Duval Street Key West, FL 33040
Museums & Such…
Olde Town Trolly Tours
HARRY S. TRUMAN LITTLE WHITE HOUSE
A place where an array of leaders, legendary inventors, dignitaries, visionaries and many prestigious visitors were drawn to throughout its history, Key West’s Harry S. Truman Little White House holds a special place in the history of America. Constructed in 1890 to serve as the naval station’s command headquarters during the Spanish-American War, World War I and World War II, this historic site later became the second White House.
Jean-Pierre Klifa is a Parisian fashion designer creating signature prints to accompany his classic bucket handbag.
As an online retailer, they strive to offer their customers unique garments and accessories. They design and manufacture all of their items. Their seamstresses are located in the Orient. They are pleased to announce that all of their pieces are created with UPF 50+ fabric, blocking 98% of the suns ultraviolet rays!
Key West Pottery
Originated in 2009 by the artists Adam Russell and Kelly Lever, Key West Potter [or "Honest Works Island Pottery" as it was originally called] was always meant as a joint endeavor between two creatives for one succinct purpose - freedom.
Freedom in all the obvious ways we conceive of it - free use of time, financial freedom, creative freedom, etc... The resulting decade of intense collaboration has brought about the realization that they have also achieved another type of freedom - liberation from the confines of a single mind.
They are a unique blend.
Part traditional production pottery - tableware and traditional function. Vessels being created in house by the hundreds.
Part fine art studio - monumental outdoor sculpture and interior decor to create places and visions.
SEVEN DECADES OF DECADENCE
Photo: Nick Doll
As with many of the greatest stories, it all started with a lifelong friendship. Alonzo Cothron & Berlin Felton had a vision to transform Key West’s waterfront – and had the heart, talent, and determination to bring that vision to life more than 70 years ago.
Together, Alonzo & Berlin created an exceptional waterfront fine dining destination, and what is now a Key West institution. Balconies once overlooking a smattering of shrimp fishing fleets now attract the attention of luxury yachts and charter vessels.
From humble beginnings, to a 70 year legacy of guests sharing treasured memories and unforgettable experiences here. They proudly stand today as a testament to the longevity of excellence – a jewel in the coastal crown, and a part of Key West tradition.