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.
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!!
