Updated Review of A&B Lobster House
My updated review of A&B Lobster House. This used to be a fairly regular spot to go to for special occasions and business dinners. However, with a change in ownership and huge price increases, we do not come here as often as I would like.
Our friends Bill and Janet wanted to meet here for dinner a couple of weeks ago and I was very happy to be dining at A&B Lobster House again. We started off with cocktails from the bar and some appetizers and salads.
My husband’s new drink of choice is the espresso martini, and Berlin’s makes a wonderful one. Actually, all of the drinks from Berlin’s are amazing. I highly recommend getting drinks at the bar if you are waiting for a table at A&B or even if you just want a craft drink in an upscale setting.
The Food
The wedge salad is just as we remembered it. Still a nice start to the meal. We also ordered New England clam chowder and this was almost as good as what I have experienced in actual New England.
Bill and Janet ordered oysters Rockefeller to start and were kind enough to let me try one because this is a favorite of mine. The oysters were huge and meaty. This was a tasty appetizer, although it was a tiny bit too citrusy for my palate.
Bill and Janet both went with steak, and while my go to here is usually the filet, I opted for the crab cakes. Honestly, I did not have high hopes for them because getting crab cakes pretty much anywhere in Florida has always proved disappointing, but these were really good. They were full of crab and not so much filler like what is so typical at most restaurants. I was very happy with my decision. The cakes were served with leek mashed potatoes which were different but tasty as well as broccolini and tartar sauce which was truly not needed.
Steven decided to go with the shrimp and scallops which were served with fingerling potatoes, green beans, and beet root puree. The seafood was cooked perfectly and not overly seasoned. He too enjoyed his food very much.
For dessert, both couples ordered a creme brûlée, and it was amazing. I love the crisp, sugar coating mixed with the sweet custard. And the fruit garnish not only made a gorgeous presentation but paired wonderfully with it as well. It was the prefect cap to a delicious meal.
About the A&B Dining Experience
The food is still very good as is the service and the ambiance. I used to think that the prices were high with entrees prices from $30-$70. Oh, how times change! That was a drop in the bucket compared to the new prices. At $41 -$156 per entree, dining here is truly for the special occasion now.
The experience was slightly marred at the end of the dinner with the bill. One couple put a card down and the other put down cash. We told the waitress to split the bill in half. She somehow did not do this and as we were animated in conversation she came back and questioned why her tip was not better. We rectified the situation, but had she done as requested initially, this snafu could have been totally avoided and prevented embarrassment on all sides.
In addition, parking is no longer free as it always has been. We were having so much fun with our friends, catching up that we practically closed down the restaurant. Luckily, it was not very busy that evening so it was no big deal. However, when we left and had to pay the parking meter at the lot, it came to $50! My advise is to come early and find parking elsewhere.
While we really did not need a reservation the night we went, that is not the usual, and reservations are suggested. Dress is casual, but this is an upscale restaurant, so please don’t come in wearing a hoodie or a wife beater.
May 9, 2016
A&B Lobster House (short for Alonzo and Berlin) has been a fine dining staple in Key West since 1947. This elegant restaurant overlooking the water offers seating both inside and outside, so that you can enjoy your meal in the cool air conditioned dining room or outside where you have an amazing view of the harbor and the gorgeous boats docked there.
My husband and I dined here this past weekend. The menu features tempting soups, salads, fresh local seafood, and steaks. In the past I have ordered the lobster bisque to start, and it is mouthwateringly good with that lovely hint of cognac. But this time we went with a simple wedge salad and steak; the ribeye for my husband and the filet mignon for myself.
One of the first ways in which I judge a restaurant is by the quality of bread that they serve. I absolutely love the bread here. It is nice and crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. Yum! So we were off to a fine start!
What is there to say about a wedge salad? It is a pretty simple concept; iceberg lettuce, bacon, and blue cheese dressing. This one also added onions and tomatoes. It was a nice light start to the meal.
At first look, our plated entrees did not look overly impressive. The kitchen really skimped on the sides. Can you even see the mashed potatoes in the picture of the ribeye? But, the steaks were absolutely amazing. After the first bite my husband and I looked at each other and said at the same time, this is the best steak we have ever eaten in Key West. The Bernaise sauce served with the filet was delicious, but the steak tasted so good without it that I did not end up using it. The gorgonzola potatoes were flavorful with just the right amount of sharpness; they were the perfect pairing for the steak.
For dessert we each ordered coffee and we shared a piece of the cheesecake. The coffee was served in small individual pots; I was not expecting a great cup of coffee, but that is what we got. It was probably the best cup of coffee that I have had in a restaurant in quite awhile. The piece of cheesecake was small, but it was rich and creamy and not overly sweet.
The food is very good as is the service and the ambiance, but the prices are high ($30.00 – $70.00 per entree). So as much as I would love to eat here more often, A&B is our special occasion spot. However, the restaurant’s location is superb and free parking is available as well which in my opinion makes up for some of the cost of dinner. Reservations are suggested. Dress is casual.
You can also enjoy a before or after dinner drink at Berlin’s, their cocktail and cigar bar.
More About Key West
Before deciding where you are going to eat while visiting Key West or the rest of the Florida Keys, be sure to read my other restaurant reviews too; check out our restaurant review section of this blog as well as our previous restaurant reviews.
And to see what is happening on Key West 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
Key West Concierge
