Our favorite restaurant for lunch in Key West. Be sure to make reservations.......unless you enjoy punishing waits. For clarity reservations are really easy, and Nina (our waitress) made some perfect suggestions based on our tastes. Enjoy! read more

Louie's Backyard - Key lime pie to celebrate a birthday - New American Near Me - Key West, Florida

Didn't eat here; only took in the view and vibes on the afterdeck bar late afternoon. Terry is an asset. While busy, he always acknowledges people waiting. I have seen bartenders put their heads down and ignore. Not Terry. He has certainly built up a following with locals and returning guests. Restaurant nicely decorated inside read more

Louie's Backyard - New American Near Me - Key West, Florida

My sister and I were on vacation in Key West. We went out after sunset for a stroll and came upon this restaurant. We walked in and were looked upon like aliens b/c we had no reservation? Well, just two hungry old ladies, we were seated at the bar after about a 30 minute wait. And we had the best dinner on our entire trip! I don't remember her name but I'm going to call her Angel. She made us some excellent cocktails and really made us feel welcome. Fresh warm bread with butter, to tide us over. We ordered the fresh catch dinner which was yellow tail with a potato croquette and fresh asparagus it was all amazing! We both cleaned our plates! I really wanted to try the key lime pie so we got dessert to go! It was very good pie and I would definitely go to Louie's backyard again! With reservations this time. Even though we thoroughly enjoyed our time at the bar Thank you to the Angel read more

First timer here at Louie's and my goodness the view was perfect. Definitely need to make reservations for dinner here, open table App. worked well. We started at Louie's patio bar along the waterfront and the old fashion was great and my wife said espresso martini was OK. read more

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Loved visiting this quintessential location. Visited for lunch with dear friends and thoroughly enjoyed our time and our food. The staff is super friendly and attentive from the host to our server. The dining room is beautifully laid out with views to the waterfront throughout. This spit must be on everyone's list and with the read more

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We were excited to get reservations here for my birthday dinner earlier this week. Overall the atmosphere and service was great. We started with the bacon wrapped scallops - they were the best I had ever had. Melt in your mouth delicious! My bf isn't big into seafood but tried it and also really loved it! I had the Beef Filet, while I found the amount of sauce on the plate unnecessary - I really enjoyed this dish. The filet was cooked perfectly. My bf had the pork chop and was disappointed. It was so fatty that it just ruined the meal for him. (This is why I deducted a point). We ended with the Creme brûlée - it was good. Not the best I've had but still good. We didn't tell them it was my birthday, so no candles but they do offer that. The drinks were good- again not the best but good enough. I'd go back for lunch and enjoy the views! read more

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Such a pleasant experience all around. I called the day before for an outdoor lunch reservation for 2 and was seated at a nice shaded table with a view of the beach when we arrived. Our waitress was super knowledgeable (I wish I remembered her name, she was terrific). Our drinks, food, and key lime pie were phenomenal. We can't wait to come back! read more

Louie's Backyard - Snapper sandwich - New American Near Me - Key West, Florida

Great spot. Service, ambience, food all wonderful. Outside table (in April) was perfect.

Mostly a lovely night here on the back porch for a late dinner. Here's the good: --I got a reservation through a day of the dinner phone call. The person answering the phone at 9 am was wonderful and we were delighted to get a reservation --it's beautiful and well-tended building and space. The table and the views surpassed our expectations. --the service was professional, perfectly timed, and warm --the menu is diverse with lots of choices and the cocktails were outstanding --the bacon wrapped scallops appetizer was tasty--we'd get this again The slightly off: --we both ordered the filet of beef and caramelized onions--it was served hot, with a twice-baked potato, and delicious asparagus. Sadly, it was all swimming in demi-glaze that dominated the dish. There was no getting away from this salty bath--it touched everything. The potato was already salty, and it became unedible and soggy where the sauce drenched it. --A little sauce (about a quarter cup) under the filet would have been good. But the chef went full commitment and drowned out the other flavors with this brined addition, which wasn't mentioned on the menu. Bummer. --the table just below ours featured a young man with a loud voice talking non-stop about his views on everything. They were done with dinner when we were seated so we assumed he would move on. Alas, he had a captive audience at his table, and they lingered with his commentary. Truly, it was hard to tune out. I get that this isn't the restaurant's issue and we could have switched tables from our stunning view to something inside. We decided to wait it out and did enjoy 40 minutes of a stunning evening after Chatty McGee finally left. We'll try this place again if we return to Key West. I do recommend asking questions about dishes on the menu. I would have requested all the sauce on the side. The atmosphere is beyond stunning. Truly, go for that and cocktails on the deck. It's romantic and unique. read more

AMAZING food and views!!! Ok so we came here for a nice dinner and unfortunately needed to make reservation and the place was booked. Wish we had called before as we walked to the restaurant. Host let us know that there was no space. Wish the host was a bit more professional and also a bit more positive. We asked if we could sit at the bar and in his words "I doubt it but you can check" Glad we did "check" we had an amazing time at the bar bartender was awesome very knowledgeable and service was great! We were able to enjoy full menu right from the deck. Appears alot of tourist come back to this place a see why. The food AMAZING! Great atmosphere! Next time I come will get a reservation for sure. But if you want to just walk back out and see there is a spot for you. Thank you! read more

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We had a great experience overall. The Grilled Shrimp, Octopus & Garlic Sausage with Cannellini Beans & Citrus Bagna Cauda was excellent--well balanced, flavorful, and one of the highlights of the meal. The yellow snapper (fresh catch) was also very well prepared. The Crab Cake with Sweet Corn Guacamole & Charred Jalapeño Aioli was average compared to the other dishes. The key lime pie was a solid 4.5/5 and a nice way to end dinner. The service was great, ambiance was awesome, attentive and professional. A good Key West spot, especially if you focus on the seafood and fresh catch. read more

I have been coming here for 30 years and have never been disappointed. The food, service, and Ambiance has always been fantastic. We have dined in the main dining area, The Cafe and at the afterdeck bar. It's has always been fantastic. I would also like to thank Blonde who is just awesome. This is a fantastic place. read more

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Great views of the ocean from the dining area on the deck. We came for her birthday celebration at the recommendation of a friend - we left a bit disappointed after all the Yelp hype. Let's start with the good - service was excellent. Professional, friendly and fast. Already mentioned the view. Bar service offered an excellent martini. Wine list was great. Bacon wrapped Scallop appetizer was awesome. Entrees were good, portions just right. And the not so good - both our dinners were served cold. The appetizer came with 2 scallops - that's $10 per shell. Prices were VERY expensive - even for Key West. If I'm going to drop $100 per plate on a meal, it's gotta be perfect to earn 5 stars. We enjoyed other locations in Key West for much less money and had a better meal. Can't say the upcharge for the ambiance is worth it a Louise's. read more

A lovely spot to eat. We always try to make it our first meal when we arrive in Key West. The location is spectacular. The food is just good.we arrived a couple of hours before our reservation, and we were seated anyway. I had the snapper sandwich which was light and well prepared. Great bread, on the table and on sandwich. The table bread was warm with a thick slab if butter. The sandwich was soft but held the sandwich together. My wife did the French Dip. It was flavorful with great au jus. A great meal and a great experience. read more

Louie's Backyard - From our table - New American Near Me - Key West, Florida

The view is spectacular. The food isn't what it used to be. Our coconut grouper was bland. The green beans were raw. The rice had no flavor. We've been coming here for years and I was really disappointed this time again. Unfortunately the last I was here my fish was burnt. read more

We were able to walk to Louie's from our hotel. We were welcomed warmly and seated in a great corner spot. It was like we were floating on the ocean while dining. The drinks, meal and dessert were delicious and we enjoyed the evening fully. read more

Fantastic menu, excellent service with incredible view! Highly recommend. Lovely restaurant to watch the sunset. read more

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Service and atmosphere were great.... Lobster app was good but all three dinners were terrible .... Even the special .... Made no sense... shrimp green beans mushrooms..... I think there were also peanuts in it... completely random read more

Louie's Backyard was one of the most special nights of our Key West trip. It's the kind of place that feels like a true treat -- beautiful ocean views, incredible food, and top-notch service -- but also welcoming and relaxed, even for families like ours. We came with our 4-year-old twins and didn't feel out of place at all, even though we weren't super dressed up. The setting is stunning -- right on the water with a breezy, peaceful vibe. We sat on the back patio (definitely request it if you can), and the kids were able to explore the little beach area nearby while we waited for our food. It made the whole evening feel effortless. The food was absolutely fantastic. I had the filet mignon, which came perfectly cooked and was served with truffle mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus -- rich, flavorful, and one of the best steaks I've had in a long time. My partner went for the New York strip with a red wine demi-glace, roasted shallots, and duck fat potatoes. It was just as impressive. The bread basket was fresh and addictive, and the wine list was excellent -- I had a glass of cabernet that paired beautifully with the steak. We really appreciated that they had a thoughtful kids' menu too. Our son had grilled chicken with veggies, and our daughter got the shrimp -- both solid options that made them feel included in the experience (and gave us grown-up time without complaints!). Our server was incredibly attentive and kind -- just the right mix of professional and warm. From the moment we walked in to when we left, it was clear that this is a place that knows how to make people feel taken care of. If you're looking for a beautiful, upscale dinner in Key West that's still approachable (even with kids in tow), Louie's Backyard is it. Book in advance -- we could only get an 8 PM reservation when we called -- but it was 100% worth it. read more

This restaurant does have very tasty food, but it is very overpriced. We weren't allowed to wait for a regular table so we went upstairs for the "lighter" menu thinking that meant just less options. Ordered 3 things thinking we were getting an appetizer and two entrees, $65 later and we left hungry. read more

Enjoyed fine dining Key West style at Louie's Backyard. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. Service was attentive and helpful. Our server had recommendations for the table. We started with the Lobster braised in truffle butter - wow! What a decadent app and we used the bread to sop up all the melted goodness. Our table enjoyed the sautéed shrimp, grilled swordfish and a special I can't remember . Ended with the chocolate cake and a most delicious and refined key lime pie. read more

Louie's Backyard - Sautéed Gulf Shrimp - New American Near Me - Key West, Florida

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Although we made our reservation from home 2-3 weeks in advance and requested outdoor seating, we were seated at a table for two that was indoors, and it felt like we were being put in "time out". A very strange way to seat your guests who don't get to be seated outside. (It would have been nice to have known in advance that we had a table indoors so we could have made a dinner reservation elsewhere.) After being told how great the food was, we were expecting delicious food. Our server was very good and did a good job of selling the specials to us, but my husband ordered the shrimp and grits and I ordered the swordfish, both of which were just subpar. My swordfish was under seasoned, overcooked and dry, and the watery sauce on it did nothing to improve its flavor. I had to request salt and pepper, and was handed salt and pepper shakers that looked like they hadn't been used in 30 years. My husband's shrimp and grits was good enough, but nothing special. We didn't order desserts because we, quite frankly, just wanted to get the heck out of there. On a positive note, our martinis were good and we enjoyed the bread served with them. However, the bottle of white wine we ordered was not served chilled and we drank a glass of lukewarm wine while the bottle was chilling in the ice bucket. All in all, a very disappointing experience that we will never wish to repeat. Don't listen to the people who tell you how amazing it is. read more

We came here today for lunch based on several recommendations. I had the snapper sandwich. Hubby had the fish(snapper) tacos. Presentation was great but both dishes lacked flavor/seasoning. We will continue to come back for drinks on the deck but will probably go elsewhere for food. We both agreed Garbos tacos were 100% better. read more

Amazing is so many ways 1st people-many have been there since opening in the 1980s. Like Flick-she is awesome. 2nd The perfect location if you want a formal dinning room or a more casual outdoor experience or a beach bar. 3rd OMG the food is amazing, fresh, well-made, with amazing sauces and complex in flavors. The vinegar based hot pepper sauce is amazing. So good, so perfect i recommend it for lunch and dinner. read more

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This venue is superb. But the food, drinks & service are beyond. I would give more stars if I could. We saved the best for last as this is our last night in Key West. Could not get a reservation. But did not let that deter us. At 5 pm we were at the bar. Spoke to our server & other patrons. We were told definitively to go scope out the bar and restaurant upstairs. We snagged an awesome table at the veranda with a fantastic view of the Atlantic. Beautiful beach. We had cocktails & wine. The Sancerre I had was so memorable. I want to order a case when I get home. For starters we had truffle fries with melted smoked Gouda. Totally decadent We split a wedge salad that was chock full of bacon & avo. For entrees we had scallops with pork bellies and I had the lobster risotto. Sounds like a lot of good. But there are small plates. Dessert was the flourless chocolate cake with luxardo cherries. Amazing. read more

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It was very unassuming when we pulled up. Found it accidentally. So glad we did. Our server was absolutely wonderful. She was a little blonde and filled us in on local life. Food food so good. I had a salmon salad, and my husband had duck. We had the brownie Brulé and coffee to finish off our wonderful meal. We had driven down from Key Largo to check out the drive. The best thing about it was Lily's backyard. We sat on the patio looking at the ocean. The only thing disconcerting was the bartender at the lower bar. Some customers wanted to have the umbrella and while it was being moved to provide shade for them, she got into their business and was so rude and obnoxious they left. So without her chasing off customers, the place was wonderful. I would highly recommend it to anybody in the area, our server, let us know that Jimmy Buffett used to live next-door. We could picture him sitting on the sea wall on the sea wall writing tunes. read more

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We came to Louies with a party of ten... the waitress came up and asked for the orders that she was "in a hurry." There was a hesitation in our order deciding what drink to get and she walked away from our table mid-order without a word. We always come to Louie's when we visit from Tavernier but we will never come again. This Jimmy Buffet experience was ruined for us. It was horrible, we picked up our party and left the establishment. It was very unprofessional and not the kind of service that is the norm everywhere else we go. Don't go to this place. read more

We enjoyed a cocktail on the waterfront then moved inside for our dinner. Wonderful Stone Crab claws and a must have lobster soup! My entree was garlic roasted shrimp and grits - scrumptious! Our server was very helpful and informative. Cannot wait to return! read more

Louie's Backyard - Shrimp and grits - New American Near Me - Key West, Florida

We stop here every trip. And it has been fine. Today, we stopped by the beach bar to have drinks, it was blazing sun, and there was only one umbrella up. I asked the bartender if I could open an umbrella and she told me no they're all broken. Well we left because I had to have some shade however, when we were at Casa Marina, we could see over there and there was at least three of the "broken"umbrellas that were now opened. Utter bullshit! read more

Louie's Backyard - Island Cosmo, Pina Colada - New American Near Me - Key West, Florida

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I'm extremely sorry to give a 2 star review because Louie's has always been one of my favorites Key West restaurants. Unfortunately my last 3 dinners there have not been up to par. I had the fillet mignon which has always been terrific and it wasn't even worth finishing. Next time I went for the pork chop in hopes of redeeming them and it was worse. Last night I switched it up again and tried the chicken. It was barely ok. Sorry Louie but something has changed read more

Most of the food is great. There were a few appetizers that we did not care for but the entrees were excellent. We would come back again. read more

Excellent Sunday brunch spot on the veranda. Nice views of the ocean. Outdoor seating is mostly covered at the restaurant. There is also casual seating lower deck bar. We both had the snapper sandwich, it was excellent! Reservations recommended. read more

Louie's Backyard - New American Near Me - Key West, Florida

Great spot off the main strip and on the water. Locals suggested we go here. This is a cute, quiet spot on the water. The food was phenomenal. I had the filet and my hubby had the grouper. Both were cooked perfectly. The service was attentive. This spot should definitely be on your list to hit while in Key West. read more

Louie's Backyard - New American Near Me - Key West, Florida

Was so looking forward to the ambiance and food at Louie's. The ambiance and views didn't disappoint, and the service was good, but there was something hard to define that lacked in the food - it was all good, but... The best and most interesting dish was the cracked conch appetizer. We've only ever had conch in fritters and ceviche. The cracked conch was served kind of like a veal tenderloin, where the conch was flattened, fried, and sliced. The server warned it would still be a bit chewy, and it was, but it was really good with the avocado and pepper jam. Our entrees of tuna and scallops were good but unremarkable. read more

Louie's Backyard - New American Near Me - Key West, Florida

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It was a lovely day, so we sat outside. The service was prompt, but our waitress was rather unpleasant. She seemed incapable of being helpful, pleasant or courteous. That said, my quiche was delicious. Unfortunately, my husband's chicken and waffles, were a disappointment (dry, overcooked chicken and dry, bland waffle). read more

Louie's Backyard - Bacon and leek quiche - New American Near Me - Key West, Florida

Came here with a couple of my friends for lunch and it was great! They got the Louie's lemonade, flatbread, and tuna burger, which they said were good and I enjoyed the snapper sandwich. The server was really attentive and the service was quick as well! It wasn't too busy when we went but we did make a reservation since that was suggested. The place is also right on the beach which made it really nice to eat by, take pictures, and could also go swimming if you wanted to! It didn't have the sulfur smell that some Florida beaches can have which always makes the experience more pleasant read more

Louie's Backyard - Snapper sandwich - New American Near Me - Key West, Florida

Went here in a recommendation from the doctor I worked for in NC. Hubby and I went for lunch. This place is right on Dog Beach. We had to wait for about 30 Minutes but it was worth the wait. All tables are staggered so everyone has a perfect view of the beach. The staff was very pleasant and attentive. We ordered drinks mimosa for me and hubby had a mojito and a plate of shrimp with mango cilantro with homemade fresh still crackling chicharrones. They brought us out some fresh bread and butter which was delicious. For our main course I had the original hot fried chicken salad with caramelized onions , hubby had fried chicken with waffles and gravy. Both dishes were very good. Highly recommend and if we are in the area agin would return. read more

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These were the best meals we had during our stay! Yes, we enjoyed it so much and were so curious to try more items on the menu that we went twice. This is such a cute restaurant located inside a keys style house overlooking the ocean, and the food and service certainly back up the ambiance. Our first night, we were early enough to catch the sunset and sat inside. The second time, we sat outside on the patio overlooking the water. Ambiance, ambiance, ambiance. From the menu items we tried, I will list our favorites and the must haves in caps: FLORIDA LOBSTER BRAISED IN TRUFFLE BUTTER, conch chowder, BACON WRAPPED SEA SCALLOPS for apps, and swordfish, SESAME SEARED TUNA, FILET for mains. I don't feel like you can go wrong with any of their options, but those were our favorites. Additionally, Stacy was an amazing waitress with great recommendations and a funnier personality. I will be dreaming of our next trip back to the keys, just so I can dine here again! read more

Louie's Backyard - Shrimp and grits - New American Near Me - Key West, Florida

Excellent service and views. The green goddess salad was simple and fresh. The bacon wrapped shrimp with avocado and mango was delicious. But the sardine stuffed and fried olives were out of this world. Not really a fan of any of that. Couldn't stop eating them. read more

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One of the best spots on key west. Directly on the ocean with amazing views. I always ask The servers for a recommendation at a new restaurant and the French dip did not disappoint. I would go back just for that dish and to add the atmosphere. This place is an absolute repeat. The fries could have been better but who really cares about the fries. Outside seating is key. Drinks were very expensive was the only real downside. They are extremely proud of their vodka grapefruit.... read more