We tried many restaurants during our week in Key West, and our experiences were mixed. Some were…read moreoutstanding, while others were just average. The Kaya collection was recommended to us by some people we met, and it turned out to be a great suggestion. Our group agreed that the Backyard Bar was one of our favorites.
Food:
We didn't have reservations and were told there would be a wait for a table, so we settled into the Backyard Bar area and ordered a round of drinks. They have a creative and delicious selection of specialty cocktails. I had the Key West Colada, and it was excellent. It leaned toward the sweeter side, almost like a dessert, but I had no complaints.
The food menu offered many tempting choices. Our group ordered the Poke Nachos, Boom Boom Shrimp, Korean Tacos, BBQ Pork Sandwich, Pork Sliders, Fish Sandwich, and Burger Sliders. The food arrived fairly quickly and was hot, flavorful, and generously portioned.
The standout items for me were the pork dishes, especially the sandwich and sliders. The pork was incredibly tender and well seasoned, some of the best I've had. The Poke Nachos were also excellent, with a great balance of crunch, fresh fish, and flavorful sauces.
Service:
Even without a reservation, the hostess was welcoming and estimated about a 30-minute wait. It ended up being closer to 45 minutes, but since we were able to enjoy drinks at the bar, the time passed quickly.
It was a busy evening, and there were moments when service could have been more attentive. We had to ask for additional utensils and water, and I needed to track down our server when it was time to pay. These weren't major issues, but they're areas that could be improved. Fixing this would have made it a 5-star experience.
There was live entertainment that evening, including a steel drum performer who provided great background music while we waited at the bar. Once seated, we were treated to a personal performance by Nicholas Tweedy, a magician and mentalist. His act was incredible, including some impressive mind-reading tricks. He was friendly and engaging, and his performance added a memorable touch to the evening.
Atmosphere:
The Kaya complex includes several different venues, each with its own unique feel. My impression is that they share a common kitchen, although each space has its own personality. The Backyard Bar is likely the most casual of the group.
There's also a central area with a pool table and arcade games, adding to the relaxed, social atmosphere. It was a beautiful evening, and the outdoor seating was perfect. There were plenty of spots near the bar with a clear view of the stage, and the picnic tables comfortably accommodated our group of six.
Glad we found this place. With the exception of some service issues, it was a wonderful experience. Definitely a spot we would return to.
