Had dinner with friends when visiting Cedar Key. Wonderful old building with great history. The meal was wonderful. We had the crab dinner special and the Key Lime pie for dessert. Arielle was our waitress and she was a delight. Definitely a place to eat and we will be back. read more

Easy solid four for casual fancy-ish fare but slow. Our experience was enjoyable enough ...though unhurried to a fault. And while our server seemed really very nice, she just wasn't attentive. We saw her only a few times so that means no water refills, no continued drink orders, and no follow up. Even had to chase the check after giving up on waiting for her to order dessert. I especially resent that when the expected gratuity's over $20. We were there far too long, nearly two hours, and while they're also a hotel, we didn't want to make a night of it. And maybe that's the thing, if you're staying here, maybe you do. So, despite an uncomfortably long dinner, the food was pretty good. We enjoyed the snails and were impressed with the fish in paper. I did think it was a bit odd the waitress immediately prompted me to check the doneness of my steak but whatever; maybe she doesn't trust the kitchen or knew she wouldn't be back. And she wasn't; well, except to get her tip after I had to go get her. It's also worth mentioning we really appreciated the complimentary fresh bread, which was pretty good, and that the mains came with both sides and soup or salad, which are nice almost forgotten perks or customary hallmarks of what nice restaurants used to do that would be extra or billed as enhancements today. There were a few other small misgivings and unmentionables, like I didn't get the side I ordered or have the opportunity to address it and they cleared but didn't clean the table between courses but whatever; it's "casual" fine dining, right? They could do better. read more

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I called around 4 and asked about making a reservation - which they recommended and when we got there at 5, we were the only ones in the dining room. The outside was pretty full and we thought about sitting out there, but the idea of the bugs getting me later pushed us back inside. by the time we left at 6:40, there were only 3 other tables occupied in the dining room. We had a good dinner, although in reading some of the other reviews, we might have had the same server who seemed to be very slow and big gaps in between visiting our table - she seemed to disappear. I had the Calypso pasta with scallops, which was great. We had the stuffed mushrooms to start, which were yummy, but only 3. and my husband had a snapper fish of the day dish. He also enjoyed the pecan pie. And I enjoyed his ice cream. I was not a fan of any of the cocktails, so just had a glass of wine. My husband had the almond joy/mounds martini, whatever it was called, and he liked it a lot. read more

Island Hotel & Restaurant - Drinks - Hotels Near Me - Cedar Key, Florida

Stayed here one night. No TV in room or lobby. ..... thin walls! Had Dinner in Dining room. One waitress we didn't who served the table next to us was fantastic. Our waitress was nice but bumbling and lacked attention to detail...... didn't give us knives, forgot she was responsible for our table, didn't bring the salad ordered. The room stay was adequate. read more

There are plenty of choices for dining here. Dining room, lounge or outside. We chose outside even though there was karaoke going on. The outside area is very nice with a variety of table sizes and Adirondack chairs. Our server quickly took our drink order and brought drinks. The menu has lots of appetizers and then a variety of sandwiches, salads and entrees. I settled on the chicken piccata which came with a choice of a vegetable and starch and either soup or salad. The daily soup was a corn chowder so that was my choice. We waited and waited and waited for my husband's crab bisque soup to arrive. 35 minutes later it showed up. Then we waited another 20 minutes for my soup and his salad. My soup was barely warm, and yes it was corn chowder but the corn flavor was overwhelming. I make it at home and it was nothing like this. Another 25 minutes later and our entrees showed up. At that point I wasn't even interested in food and just wanted to leave. The chicken had a great lemon flavor but the outside of the chicken was so crispy that it was hard to cut and then eat with a plastic fork. The green beans were good and the teeny bit of rice they gave me was fine. Overall it was a bad experience. We were there over 2 hours, sitting on hard metal chairs. I forgot that we never got the basket of bread or refills on water. read more

Island Hotel & Restaurant - Hotels Near Me - Cedar Key, Florida

Delicious!!! I had the Calypso pasta with scallops, both seasoned and cooked perfectly. The scallops melted in my mouth. My friend had Apollo gluten free noodles that were cooked deliciously and great flavor with the vegans well. The outdoor patio music was not too loud and we could easily converse. Friendly, courteous & professional service. 5 star. read more

Stayed the night in Cedar Key and came here for dinner. We got a 6:15 reservation with only a couple hours notice. This is in the Island Hotel, a historic building with a lot of history. Had a choice of eating in the bar , the dining room or outside. We chose the dining room and glad we did. Overall all our service was very good. The server was friendly ( and very busy handling a lot of tables). I had an 8oz filet which was very good. I ordered it medium ( light pink center) and it cane out true Pittsburgh rare ( charred outside but rare inside- see pics) I was actually ok with it .... I order medium for my wife to have a couple bites even though I prefer more med rare. So this was def rare inside but I loved it ( I cut her a small end piece that was cooked a little more ) The steak comes with a salad, a vegetable and potato ( a lot of restaurants everything is alacarte - so for $40 for a prime 8oz filet with those sides included .... Not bad. Wife had shrimp and grit cake which is a large appetizer ( she had as her meal). Also had stuffed mushrooms to start that were very good. I think the town of Cedar Key will prob be one and done for us. Wanted to see it , it's quaint , old Florida ... but prob wouldn't come back. ( but only because we just wanted to check it off of a long list of Florida towns to visit) Pro tip: they don't take American Express , odd for a linen table cloth type of place .... So , it's ok to leave home without it read more

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We had a great dinner at the island hotel. We checked in and made a reservation for 6:30. There was a fishing tournament in town and the restaurant was busy. But we were seated on time. The she crab soup was really yummy. Our entrees were delicious fresh fish. Then we had a drink on the porch upstairs and the night was breezy and the American flags were flying. It was truly authentic Old Florida. read more

Island Hotel & Restaurant - Hotels Near Me - Cedar Key, Florida

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Service is slow and disorganized. The kitchen messed up two of the 5 entees ordered. The salad was more like a plate full of sandwich toppings, nothing was cut up which made it awkward to eat, they also messed up the salad dressing. Food was over cooked and needed seasoning. We were not impressed which was sad as we really looked forward to our dinner that night. read more

On Cedar Key, there were only 2 sit-down eateries open when we came to the island. We chose to eat in the white tablecloth styling of the Island Hotel. The dining room was comfortably sized with nice music playing, and one waitress for the whole room, but you'd never know it, as she was fast, friendly and fantastic. It was our first visit to the hotel and we thoroughly enjoyed it. I ordered the steak and it was one of the best tasting steaks Ive had in forever. When we are back in the area, we will try this place again read more

Our seventh time back in Cedar Key, this time for our 33rd anniversary. We've stayed at the Island Hotel five of these times it's always a pleasure. The island and this hotel seem to encourage comradery...doesn't matter where you are from, how old you are, etc. People smile and say hi, and even hug each other in restaurants and the hotel's tiny bar. Great place to remove yourself from the crazy rest of the world. Built in 1869, with a very interesting history, the hotel's rooms are quaintly decorated with beautiful quilts and antique-y beds, clean and comfortable, although some could use a couple of small chairs in which to relax or at least put on your shoes. The owners are ever-present and friendly, and dear Angie in the bar is an amazing woman! The food is very good, and the crab bisque absolutely incredible....my husband doesn't even like crab, but he orders this every time...try it! read more

Island Hotel & Restaurant - One of the many birds near the docks. - Hotels Near Me - Cedar Key, Florida

Third time staying at a condo at cedar key but first time coming here - very atmospheric and interesting place . The lobby invites a long linger . People working here were friendly enough - came to check out the bar right after 4 pm opening . Had a couple of good dark local beers and then a nicely made old fashioned . Decided to try the local clams appetizer which is advertised as cooked in garlic , butter , white wine - the clams came out fine but there was no hint whatsoever of the other tastes . If it had I'd have been dipping the rolls that came with the dish - but- not . Still . Right now it's about the only bar game in town - and interesting at that . Had some nice conversations with some locals too . Maybe next time we can eat out in the large courtyard with our well behaved puppy . This time we're told they were understaffed and weren't serving out there . Inviting large space and I'd been looking forward to trying one of their seafood pasta dishes . Oh well. read more

This place was recommended to us by the owners of pirate's cove where we stayed. The restaurant offers a dining room or lounge as options to sit. The lounge is more laid back with a bar in the room and the dining room is more elegant and had some classical instrumentals playing in the background. Shannon was our server and she was very friendly and informed us of all the specials of the day. The soup of the day was butternut squash so I opted for the salad but heard another table say how good it was. I would've liked to have been able to upgrade to the crab bisque, but they said that option is in the works. All of the dressings are made in house and the creamy dilly was yummy but a little thick for dressing. For dinner, I had the fish picatta with red snapper and asparagus. I think I was supposed to get a second side but was not offered.. whoops! We heard other tables being asked if they wanted rice or potatoes after the fact so just have slipped her mind, but that's okay because the fish was delicious and I ate all of it and had room for dessert. My friend ordered the island hotel clams pasta dish and while I thought the sauce was yummy she didn't think it had much flavor. It was also pretty watery/liquidy and wasn't served with much pasta. The key lime pie was delicious and the brownie sundae was yummy too. My only complaint was how long we were there... over 2 hours with about 7 tables in the dining room. Shannon was the only server so she was working hard and stayed busy. Just know you may have to stay awhile and come with good company. read more

Decent place to stay. The food was great yet a little over priced, got a 14 oz steak and asparagus with soup and potatoes, but only got like 4 asparagus, figured if I'm going to pay over 50$ for my meal I would expect a little more food than what I was given, especially if it's considered fine dining. The place could use some work for sure, bathroom was cramped and no real door or vent for using the bathroom, and the shower head was so bad that the pressure of the water didn't even cover your whole body when taking a shower, and it actually got worse if someone else was taking a shower the water would come out less. No tv which would've been a nice addition to have, even if it's not Netflix or anything fancy. The best part about it is the golf cart rentals to get around, although everything is walking distance it was still nice to enjoy a ride around town as these weird looking bugs will follow you everywhere you go when walking. Overall still a great experience, it could just use some work for sure. Service was great. read more

We celebrated our 48th Anniversary here! This was our first time dining and we could not have been more pleased with the location, ambiance, service, and last but not least the Food! A delicious meal to top off our special day...five star in every way! read more

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Had a very nice meal here today. Kim was our server-she was excellent! I had red snapper piccata and my husband had the 10 oz. Filet. Each came with a salad or soup (carrot ginger-very tasty), very nice rolls, a potato dish (smashed potato, onion and Swiss cheese), and a veggie (both had the asparagus). We sat in the Bair's Den with a last minute early reservation. We will be back. read more

We had a great time at this property. We met the owner, Bud, as he was smoking ribs in the courtyard. Talked for a bit and he let us know they would be having ribs and live music in the bar later in the day. We had a blast, great music and ribs. The island is still recovering after last years hurricane, and some things were still closed, but the open places and the people made our stay great. If you like true old Florida you will love this property and Cedar Key. read more

Service was slow, due to only 1 server in the courtyard for all the tables! Food was great. Had the fish dishes. The server, Dawn was clearly overworked and tried her best - she was there all day. We know because we were there at lunch for drinks. We were told by the locals we sat next to that they usually have at least 2 servers Outside during dinner time. We were there during the Sea Food Festival and Art Fair weekend. The restaurant should have adjusted and had extra people, even just runners. Or at least the owner should have helped, but he was sitting at the bar instead! The outdoor seating area had a nice ambiance - live music was a bonus. However, the bugs were awful. If you go, make sure you bring bug spray - locals we sat next to, knew and had bug spray but it was a bit late. We were already scratching like crazy! To expand on the slow service, our soup order took 40 minutes. No bread basket. The main dishes we ordered took over an hour after the soup was served! It was not a fine dining establishment where a slower pace can be expected. In summary, food, ambiance, live music was great. Service was definitely poor. Don't come starving but plan to wait and have patience. Bugs were understandable - just remember it is Florida, bring bug spray for noseeums! read more

So my wife and I drove from Ocala Florida ( about 75 miles from the Gulf of Mexico) to Cedar Key . We originally stopped at the Tiki Bar which has a beachy vibe and a stellar view of the Gulf, however, after having a seat and waiting for about 15 minutes it was clear that no one intended to greet us or wait on us. As the bar seemed busy we decided that unless we went up to wait on ourselves that we were not going to be acknowledged so we decided to move on and happened upon the Island Hotel and Restaurant. My wife ordered the Calypso Pasta while I ordered The Cedar Key Stuffed Mahi. I am 64 and my wife and I have traveled the world. I can honestly say without exaggeration that I feel I just had the best seafood meal EVER! I was so impressed that I had to meet Chef Kim Cash to thank her in person. If having the best meal EVER is on your list, be sure to put this place on your list. Food, drinks and tip came to $100 of the best spent money I have ever enjoyed. This was memorable to say the least and I expect to return over and over again. Just incredible! Be like Nike and just do it! And now we will meander along the Gulf for a unforgettable sunset that only the Gulf can provide. I would be remiss if I did not tell you how wonderful our server Tina was. Not only was she warm and inviting, she was helpful in describing the various dishes available, completely knowledgeable about the establishment and bragged about the wonderful chef which made ordering so easy to do...and was she ever right! She also arranged for us to meet the chef which truly made our experience one we will never forget! special thanks to Tina....ask for her, you will be glad you did! Guy and Elaine Hartford of Ocala Florida read more

Stopped by to get a drink at the Neptune Bar within the Island Hotel & Restaurant with some friends on a Saturday night in Cedar Key. They had a live band playing and the bar was lively. The bartender was friendly, attentive, and she let us take a picture behind the bar with the massive Neptune painting. I hear the restaurant has great food so I look forward to checking the out Island Hotel & Restaurant again. read more

Friendly staff and comfy rooms in a historic old hotel. The location right downtown is very convenient..

Over the top wonderful. Great service. Great fish. The old hotel, a survivor, sends you back to old Florida.

We had Christmas day dinner this past year, and the food and service was wonderful. Everyone was warm and welcoming. We came back a few days later and hung out at the bar with my husband's best friend since kindergarten. Had a great time. read more

Island Hotel & Restaurant - Bar - Hotels Near Me - Cedar Key, Florida

It is a cool old historic hotel. The owners a very attentive to their guests. The complimentary breakfast is great and a nice perk for staying there. We ate dinner in the restaurant and the food was great. I was relieved to not have any ghosts visit us. We also enjoyed sitting on the upper balcony watching the world go by. Downside is that the place needs an influx of money to bring up to historic and safety standards. The light in our room was a fire hazard waiting to burn down the grand old lady. The bathroom sink was falling off the wall. Refreshed Painting was in dire need and much of the molding/various lousy patch jobs throughout the place needs to be ripped out & professionally done. This o'gal needs some serious TLC. Would we stay there again? No, once was enough as we weren't comfortable in our room. We'd definitely eat there again. read more

Great food, wonderful staff, Rachel was personable and attentive. Atmosphere was formal but comfortable. Highly recommend read more

Island Hotel & Restaurant - Hotels Near Me - Cedar Key, Florida

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What an amazing place. Chaulked full of history the Island Hotel is an amazing place to stop for dinner. The staff was super nice and attentive. They offered suggestions and we didnt have to wait to have our needs met. They start off with a house salad and have the standard dressings, however, the house french vinegarette is too die for. My wife had the fish katarini with mahi mahi and i had the Calypso angel hair pasta with chicken. Both meals were exceptional....my wife being a vegetarian could say enough about the way the fish was cooked....this meal was the house special at $27...fresh mahi at thst price is really unheard of. My dish was perfect on all levels....I am usually not a white sauce person as I find that white sauce leaves me feeling heavy and full....not on this dish...it was bursting full of flavor with fresh spinach, mushrooms, onion, garlic and sun-dried tomatoe. The atmosphere is like a fine dining experience at half the cost. PLEASE DONT CHANGE A THING read more

Island Hotel & Restaurant - Hotels Near Me - Cedar Key, Florida

Before my review of the business, a quick review of Cedar Key. BEWARE, Cedar Key is not for everyone!!! The pace is very slow. There are limited food options, the beaches stink (figuratively and literally), and there is not a lot to do. The people, however, are super friendly and accommodating. Much like Cedar Key itself, the Island Hotel is not for everyone. If you're used to a faster paced lifestyle or you have kids, probably not the place for you. There are no TV's in any of the rooms and the wifi is questionable at best. The hotel also advertises the the walls are very thin and everyone can hear what you're doing in your room, it's posted in a joking fashion, but they're are clearly telling you, no hanky-panky. So, entertainment options are limited. The staff at the hotel were some of the nicest and helpful people I've ever encountered in a B&B/hotel environment. The hotel has a bar and a restaurant, both have excellent food, but are crazily overpriced and an a 18% tip is included automatically. Honestly, some of the best food I've ever eaten. Try the stuffed grouper, mushroom and barley soup, and the tiramisu. For guests, breakfast is included, and again very good. Try the French toast. The rooms were ok. Our ceiling had dust hanging from it, but overall decent. However, there is no seating in the room, so you're limited to laying in bed or going out of the room. That's really the take-away... the hotel suffers from what the city does, little to keep you entertained (unless you're a boater or fisherman). But they work with what they got. Rating the hotel, not the city. Traveler beware. Take it for what you will, but my wife and I (both 50 years old), booked a room for two nights and left after one, giving up $165. We just couldn't take one more night. read more

This was a lovely venue for a weekend away. This charming historic old hotel in "downtown" cedar key is perfect when you really want to get away from everything. It's supposedly haunted, too, but luckily no ghosts came to visit while we were there. The only caveat is that you must be able to walk up stairs. There is no elevator. In fact, most places in town require stair walking. So we really got our exercise. Parking is on the street around the hotel which was fine. We wound up leaving the car and walking most places. On the bottom floor of the hotel is the check in desk, lobby and court yard, the restaurant, and the Neptune bar (so named for the large picture over the bar). The rooms are on the second floor -- all surrounding a lounge area with board games, books, and couches. There is also an outdoor porch off the second floor to sit and relax or read. Our room, number 29, had its own tiny bath room with shower. The room was quite large with a separate closet. The king size four-poster bed was very comfortable and flanked with two end tables and lamps. Opposite the bed were 2 easy chairs on either side of a table with another lamp. The fan and air conditioning worked well. There is no TV or telephones in the rooms. Keeping in mind that the hotel is over 100 years old, it's no surprise that wooden floors slope and doors stick a bit. The staff is personable and welcoming. They do everything from checking you in to cleaning rooms to serving in the restaurant. Breakfast is included in the price of your room. You can also get coffee before hand . Breakfast was served starting at 8 am. You sit at any table with water glasses. It's a full American breakfast too. Coffee or tea; plus your choice of fruit juice;home made biscuits with strawberry jam and butter and bacon one with all meals. Choices change but we had our pick of French toast, eggs scrambled or fried, or mushroom/onion quiche. We also ate dinner here one night. The only "fine dining" in town, I had an excellent crab bisque and can highly recommend the red fish done piccata style. This is definitely a slice of slow-paced old florida and not for everyone. Bring books to read and plan on sitting around, taking naps, and chatting with your fellow guests between eating some great seafood. read more

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My wife and I stayed here for 2 nights to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. Andy & his staff work diligently to make sure you have a wonderful experience. The food is absolutely amazing. The bar is a fun & delightful experience. Thank you, Andy & and team for an amazing time. We are looking forward to coming back soon. P & J Wager read more

Food is good and the service is friendly and attentive, but the dining room needs to be updated. It has a 70s vibe.

Love this hotel with the little Neptune Lounge downstairs.. I had never been to Cedar Key before, what a cute little town. Things were mostly closed due to COVID-19 but enjoyed walking around and exploring the trails. Also drove thru Rosewood FL, site of the massacre. Paid respects at the plaque on side of the road. We lived room number 32, next time room 29 the haunted room! read more

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Cool older place. Been around is the mid-1850's. Food was good. We only had appetizers. Soup de jour for me with was Mexican Tortilla. Tasted more like black bean soup to Me. It was good, the tortilla was mush for me. Hubby loved the mushroom caps that were stuffed with Parmesan & artichokes. The place has the coolest decor and is worth the stop in! read more

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Great local spot - we ate in the lounge (bit more budget friendly) heart of palm salad was really cool and different. Service was super friendly. Not too many vegan options for my wife but a few vegetarian ones. I had the burger and can't complain. This place is also on national register of historic places and it has that feel also. Takes credit cards. read more

Island Hotel & Restaurant - Heart Of Palm Salad - Hotels Near Me - Cedar Key, Florida

Very comfortable dining experience. Very good food, fun time in the bar, enjoyable. Nothing to add, just trying to hit 85 characters.

Food wasn't bad, but it wasn't good. If it was $15 a plate I'd rank it higher, but certainly not worth $25-30 a plate (which I'd gladly spend on a good dinner). The hotel has a cool storied past. read more

The hotel itself is an interesting place to stay. Like going back in time. Very clean and the staff were most accommodating. But best part was the food. The chef's creations are magnificent!The steak was perfect as was the Ahi tuna. The appetizers were wonderful. Try the escargot and then back bayou grits if you want to be amazed. The sit-down breakfast was included and didn't disappoint. There was evening live entertainment in the lounge too! If you are a little adventurous and are looking for something a little different from the usual, this place is worth a visit. read more

If you are expecting Cedar Key 5-Star Waterside Plaza Hotel, this place isn't for you, as you will be highly disappointed, finding yourself nit-picking at anything your silly mid will find. However, if you are looking to stay in an 1859 historical building with all of it's characteristics of creaky floors, doors that don't shut quite right, and some true southern hospitality, then you will love this gem of a hotel. You are given a room key and a key to the front door, so you do have 24-hour access. Not sure what another reviewer was talking about as we have stayed here multiple times without any issue of coming back into the building. Deana is great at the front desk, able to assist you with any questions about the area, or needs for your room. You will also find her at morning breakfasts serving your free breakfast. Don't forget to tip! You can find Andy from time to time in the kitchen,behind the bar, and bicycling around town. The kitchen staff do an amazing job will a wide variety of items on the menu! Remove your expectations and enjoy what this charming hotel has to offer to include the porch swing! read more

Island Hotel & Restaurant - Hotels Near Me - Cedar Key, Florida

Superb dinner at the Island Hotel. Garden salad and balsamic vinaigrette for Jan and mushroom soup for me as appetizers. Steamed Cedar Key clams for Jan and I had a combo of redfish, scallops, and shrimp for dinner. Then we had to fight over the very tasty coffee cookie cheesecake for dessert. OMG.....triple yum Morning coffee while a manatee plays the piano . The owner's fly tying desk with an 8wt, 10' Sage fly rod. My life is complete. What a great way to start the day while waiting for breakfast. Had a superb breakfast and we are now relaxing on the second floor porch swing. Heading home soon. Life in the slow lane is great. The property has ten rooms and thirteen ghosts, although we did not see any of them. We did see some colorful characters in the bar though. read more

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We had a great time!! Service was excellent and loved our room. I highly recommend going to the bar

Wonderful place for dinner and drinks! The Neptune bar was a must see, the painting is 73 years old. The history behind this town and especially this building is outstanding. We had the carrot soup for dinner, the signature hearts of palm salad and fish piccata for dinner. Everything was amazing! When the locals go here for dinner you know you are in the right place!! read more

Island Hotel & Restaurant - Neptune - Hotels Near Me - Cedar Key, Florida