One of the most iconic restaurants in all of Florida, Blue Heaven in Key West is a funky haven known for its southern and Caribbean fare and massive slices of key lime pie. Nestled in the historic Bahama Village neighborhood in a century-old building, the restaurant’s eclectic decor and open-air courtyard creates an island-style ambiance that shouldn’t be missed on a trip to Key West.
Opened by a pair of free spirits, Blue Heaven began as a casual lunch spot in 1992. The building was formerly a pool hall, an ice cream shop and a bar where Ernest Hemingway was known to referee boxing matchings. While its vintage vibe mixed with canopies of tropical foliage and whimsical decor will certainly lure you in, the tempting array of food will have you coming back for more.
Breakfast is the standout here, as its made-from-scratch banana and blueberry pancakes and luxurious lobster Benedict pairs perfectly with a bubbly mimosa. If you’re here for lunch, try the popular Shrimp and Grits, which is made with local Key West pinks and is sauteed in butter, white wine and scallions over white cheddar grits. At dinner, start your meal with a carrot or curry soup garnished with mango chutney or nibble on succulent Florida lobster bites.
Of course, no visit to Blue Heaven is complete without ending your meal with a slice of their famous key lime pie. Made daily with fresh squeezed limes and a graham cracker crust, it is served with a heaping portion of meringue on top that is simply hard to resist for anyone with a sweet tooth. If key lime isn’t your thing, they’ve also got a Banana Heaven dessert with flambeed banana over banana bread that’s served with vanilla ice cream and a Belgian chocolate torte.
Sit outside in the private courtyard and listen to the live entertainment as you enjoy your meal under the shade of a lush, tropical almond tree. Soak up the restaurant’s iconic island atmosphere, from its mismatched furniture to the chickens roaming the area and resident cats sitting in the sunshine, as it’s all a part of the Key West charm.
Blue Heaven Restaurant:
Official Website
