My husband and I ventured up to Big Pine Key the other night to meet some friends for dinner at the newish Forks and Stix restaurant. It is about a thirty to forty-five minute drive from Key West. This family run establishment has an eclectic menu of foods from burgers to sushi. Paired with a hodgepodge of decor, the place is certainly interesting.
Our friends were already seated when we arrived. Most of the tables are tiny two seaters; this looked to be the only larger table in the restaurant. There is also a large bar, but they do not serve any alcohol, at least not yet. They are still working on getting their liquor license. So, for now you can BYOB. Or, just enjoy waters, sodas or homemade lemonade that they serve.
The Food
To start, we ordered a couple of appetizers; smoked fish dip and deep fried pierogis. Both were delicious. The fish dip was served with the traditional crackers and it was really tasty; one of the better ones I have had out to eat in recent days. And, what is not to like about pillows of potatoes brushed with garlic butter?
As for dinner, I went with the spicy tuna roll. I liked that they asked me what level of hotness I would like the roll. I went for a 3 out of 5 on hotness and it was prefect. The more I ate the hotter it got, but never so hot as to not be able to taste the food. The tuna was fresh and the roll was beautifully presented. I loved the pickled ginger that came with it as well. Unfortunately, they did not have a ginger salad which I would have loved to go with my roll.
Next, my husband got a tuna roll with no spice and it too was presented well and delicious. However, the seaweed salad was marinated in something that tasted like a combination of citrus and soap which we were not a fan of. He also ordered a BBQ bacon burger which was served with a pasta salad which he said was a good burger.
And, our friends ordered the Poke bowl which looked fresh and amazing and a couple Piner sushi rolls which are always different and always a surprise to whomever is ordering them. I don’t like to be surprised because I am very picky when it comes to sushi, but I know this appeals to a lot of people. John loved his creation and cleaned his plate.
For dessert we got a piece of lemon blueberry cake and a slice of peanut butter pie. I absolutely love lemon cake, but this did not even remotely taste lemony, so I wasn’t really happy with my selection. The peanut butter pie was like eating a huge Reeces peanut butter cup and I thought that was delicious.
More About the Experience
Surprisingly, that we were the only table taken for most of the time we were there on a Friday evening. But, since there was only one person serving, I was happy for that. However, I am not sure what that means for their future. The four of us split the bill two ways, and it came out to about $100 per couple. I thought it was pretty expensive, especially for no alcohol and being in Big Pine, but nowadays everything everywhere is priced out of sight, so I wasn’t really shocked. I would definitely come back here for the spicy tuna roll.
Forks & Stix closed on Sundays and Mondays and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. They are located at 30945 Ave. A, Suite A on Big Pine Key.
More About Key West
See what is happening on the island during your visit by checking out our Key West Events Calendar. And, for other things to do and see in our island city, go to our Key West Web Site.
But, before making your reservations for dinner while in Key West check out our restaurant reviews! Whether you are looking for a casual to go experience or a fancy sit down dinner, we have it in Key West! Feel free to Email Me if you have any questions about Key West!!
Island Genn
Key West Concierge
