Blue Heaven Restaurant - Review

Blue Heaven is a famous Key West restaurant. Once the actual location of Ernest Hemingway's boxing ring. A tourist must do when visiting the island and "You don't have to die to get there".
Blue Heaven Key West
Entrance to Blue Heaven Restaurant in Key West

Blue Heaven Restaurant is located right in the middle of downtown Key West just off of Duval Street on the corner of Petronia Street (Restaurant Row) and Thomas Street. Super easy to find as it is very close to the Hemingway House. Somewhat of a local legend when it comes to Key West restaurants, Blue Heaven has been around a very long time and over the years it has managed to keep its charm.

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner they will take reservations for dinner. The rest is first come first serve. Parking is available on the adjacent streets for a fee but Blue Heaven asks everyone to walk, bike, uber, or beam in if possible. Various seating options, some slightly indoors, upstairs and some outdoors under umbrellas in a tropical tree house setting. This restaurant is ok if it is raining but seating will be more limited. Dog friendly

Pricing

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Service

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Atmosphere

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The Food

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729 Thomas St. Key West, FL 33040

Blue Heaven Restaurant Cuisine

American food with a Caribbean flare. There are some popular dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but some say it’s all eclipsed by their very famous Key lime pie with the tall meringue. 

Blue Heaven - Review

Obviously, I have not visited Blue Heaven in quite some time, so I will make it a point to get back there and experience this very popular Key West restaurant again soon. Meanwhile, based on comments from my many clients who have visited this Key West restaurant comes in high regard.

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Blue Heaven Key West
Entrance to Blue Heaven Restaurant in Key West

“Radar” Rob, Indiana Bones and I headed downtown this afternoon to grab lunch at Blue Heaven. Neither of us had been there in awhile so were were really looking forward to it. Finding parking nearby is a real pain. We ended up parking in a lot a couple of blocks away for $10, but I would suggest just take a cab and totally eliminate the pain of parking. 

Unlike coming here for breakfast where the wait time can be ludicrous, we got a table right away for lunch, and we could still order breakfast until 2:00PM! Blue Heaven has indoor and outdoor seating, the latter of which you must share with the local chickens that hang out here. Since Indie came with us we were seated outside. Since the weather was absolutely perfect today, the garden setting was very comfortable. Initially, I was a little upset that we were seated by the live musician that was performing, but it turned out fine as the music was decent and not too loud.

Blue Heaven Key West Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp and Grits served at Blue Heaven

Our waitress approached us shortly after we were seated and we both ordered waters and our entrees. Because we could still order breakfast, I did. Shrimp and grits. Radar got a fresh fish sandwich. And Indie ordered a plate of bacon. Our food was brought out in a very timely manner.

The shrimp and grits were served in a bowl with a side of fruit and a slice of banana bread. The shrimp were overcooked, and the entire dish was a bit bland, but that was remedied with a bit of salt. The bacon was cooked crispy as ordered. The fish sandwich, served with a delicious vinegar based coleslaw, was a good size and very tasty, although there was a lot of mayo on it.

When we had finished our meals our server came back by and asked if we would like any key lime pie for dessert. We declined, but I happen to know that they serve one of the best on the island. You can buy a whole pie to take home or back to your hotel, and it would be well worth it.

While I cannot say that the service was bad, Radar and I both thought that the waitress was just going through the motions. She was not really pleasant or trying to make the experience any more than it was, sitting at a table and eating food.

Blue Heaven also has a cute little gift shop which carries art by local artists, books, t-shirts, and other touristy goods that would make a nice souvenir of your island stay.

To see what is happening on the island during your visit, check out our Key West Events Calendar to see other upcoming special events. For more information about the fun side of Key West… things to do and see in our island city, go to our Key West Web Site.

Feel free to Email Me if you have any questions about Key West!!

Island Genn – Your Key West Concierge

Interesting Notes

Blue Heaven is more than just a Key West restaurant. It is a local institution complete with gift shop and resident chickens!

Historically, this location is rich. The property has been home to a dance hall, a billiards hall, an ice cream shop, and a bordello. And the slate in the courtyard is from old pool  tables once a part of a former life.

More recently, Blue Heaven purchased a farm in Tennessee where they raise cattle among other things. And, closer to home they also purchased a fruit grove in Homestead. All of this allows for a true farm to table experience in Key West, which I think is pretty cool.

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