Key West is known for its laid back relaxed atmosphere where locals and visitors alike can take in the sun and party to the wee hours on Duval Street. Well then, what better place than Key West is there to ring in the New Year? Key West also has some fabulous restaurants, so even if you are not into the partying lifestyle, you can enjoy a romantic dinner out and watch the ball drop from the comfort of your room on your TV. I usually go for the latter, enjoying a great meal at one of the best Key West restaurants and then enjoying a relaxing, non-crowdede evening at home. Below are some venues that will be offering special dinners and entertainment for the ringing in of 2014.
Entertainment / Celebrations
Key West Dachshund Walk – Frost-free Key West isn’t a winter wonderland during the holiday season, but it may become a “wiener wonderland” when about 200 dachshunds and their owners take a New Year’s Eve stroll through the island’s picturesque downtown. The annual Key West Dachshund Walk, set for noon Monday, Dec. 31, provides an informal, family-friendly prelude to nighttime New Year’s Eve revelry. Spectators can watch the fun and meet the canine participants on Fleming Street between Whitehead and Duval streets. Email: keywestdachshundwalk@gmail.com
Surf and Turf Sunset Sail with Sebago – Enjoy a two hour sunset sail and a grilled surf and turf meal. Tours depart at 5pm and return at 7pm. Cost is $99 per person. Please call 305-292-7212 for reservations.
La Te Da on 1125 Duval Street will have live entertainment starting at 9:00 pm. Call 305-296-6706 for reservations and more information.
New Year’s Eve Shoe Drop Celebration – The Southernmost City celebrates with a descending 6-foot red high heel shoe carrying drag queen Sushi at the Bourbon Street Pub/New Orleans House complex, 724 Duval St. Seconds before midnight, the high heel bearing a lavishly gowned and coiffed Sushi is to be lowered from the second-story balcony of the complex toward the cheering crowds below. As midnight strikes and the New Year officially begins, she will land and gleefully pop the cork on a ceremonial bottle of champagne.
New Year’s Eve: Pirate Wench Drop at Schooner Wharf – For piratical partiers, a New Year’s Eve salute to Key West’s rowdy seafaring roots is scheduled at the island’s Historic Seaport. At midnight, a winsome pirate wench is to descend from the top of the mast of the tall ship America 2.0 as cannon blasts welcome 2014. A dove release is to follow. Scallywags in attendance can expect live music, dancing and festivities until 4 a.m., without a cover charge, at the Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St.
New Year’s Eve: Conch Shell Drop at Sloppy Joe’s – The arrival of 2014 is to be heralded on the island’s Duval Street with the “drop” of a gigantic manmade conch shell, the symbol of the Florida Keys, to the flat roof of Sloppy Joe’s Bar, 201 Duval. Thousands of spectators gather on Duval for the annual gala, emceed by a rooftop host starting at 10 p.m. and featuring dancing in the street and a countdown to midnight recorded on a huge clock. At midnight, the shell descends and cheers erupt. Stellar Mojo Band is to perform on Sloppy Joe’s indoor stage, rounding out the revelry. No reservations or tickets are taken, but a door charge is required to party inside the bar.
New Year’s Eve: A Key Lime Wedge “Drop” – At the Ocean Key Resort & Spa, 0 Duval St. on Key West Harbor, plans call for a huge replica of a Key lime wedge to splash down into a larger-than-life margarita glass as crowds welcome the new year on the property’s Sunset Pier. VIP tickets are available that include entrance into a private dining area for an abundant buffet dinner and four-hour open bar. At 10:30 p.m., the public will be welcomed to enjoy a free performance by Key West’s Big Bawdy Burlesque Show. Contact: 305-295-7005.
Tavern N Town at the Marriott Beachside on N. Roosevelt Blvd is holding a New Year’s Eve celebration with Live Entertainment. Bobby Nesbitt will be on the piano from 5 pm to 9 pm followed by Carmen Rodriguez and Michael Thomas from 9 pm to midnight. Join the party! A 4-course dinner, champagne toast, and party favors for $85 per person. For reservations call 305-296-8100.
Restaurants
Abbondanza Italian Restaurant, 1208 Simonton Street, is offering a special holiday meal for $35 per person with children specials available. Enjoy an appetizer, salad, entree, and a dessert. This is an amazing holiday deal! Call 305-292-1199 for reservations.
Banana Cafe on Duval Street is offering a special New Year’s Eve 4-course Menu. Cost will be $78 per person. Please call for reservations; 305-294-7227.
Cafe Sole located at 1029 Southard Street offers New Year’s Eve Specials. Call 305-294-0230 for details and reservations.
Commodore Steak House at the A&B Marina is offering a special three course meal for $75 plus tax per person with child specials available as well. Call 305-294-9191 for reservations.
Duffy’s Steak and Lobster House at 1007 Simonton Street has a special menu with prices starting at $37.99 per person and specials for children as well. Call 305-296-4900 for reservations.
Grand Cafe – offers three seatings with a special fixed price menu. Call 305-292-4740 for details and reservations.
Hot Tin Roof located at the Ocean Key Resort & Spa, 0 Duval St. is offering a 5-course meal for $110 per person. For reservations call 305-296-7701.
Le Petit Paris is offering a pre-fix dinner from 7:30 to midnight. Call 305-393-2592 for reservations. Seating is limited!
Little Palm Island Dining Room is offering a special New Year’s Eve dinner this year. Little Palm is about a 30 minute drive from Key West followed by a 15 minute ferry ride to the island. This place screams Lifestyles of the Rich and the Famous! This very romantic spot that can only be gotten to by boat or seaplane has hosted many special and unforgettable dining experiences for me. For more information and reservations call 305-872-2524.
Mangia Mangia at 900 Southard Street is serving their regular menu. Reservations required; please call 305-294-2469.
Michael’s, one of my favorite restaurants for anytime including New Year’s Eve, is presenting a special menu for ringing in the New Year. Call 305-295-1300. Opened until 11pm.
Nine One Five – offering a special dinner for New Year’s Eve priced at $100 per person. Call for details and reservations: 305-296-0669.
Pinchers Crab Shack at 712 Duval Street is having a New Year’s Eve Party. $75 per person includes appetizers and a glass of champagne. Call 305-440-2179 for information and reservations.
Pisces be Cafe de Artis located at 1007 Simonton Street is offering a special 3 course meal for $75 per person. Call 305-294-7100 for reservations.
Rooftop Cafe – Hours: open at 5:30pm – 10:00pm… special menu available, preparations subject to change. Click here for the 2012 New Year’s Eve menu. Chef Brendan Orr has created an amazing menu available only on New Year’s Eve. This year’s menu will include Sauteed Sea Scallops, Filet Mignon, Broiled Seabass and more. Choose from a variety of appetizers, salads and entrees and be sure to call for reservations. Please contact us for reservations and details.
Square One in Duval Square has a special New Year’s Even menu. This 4-course meal is being offered at $76 per person. Please call 305-296-4300 for reservations.
Sunset Watersports tropical dinner buffet sunset cruise will live Reggae music is $69 plus tax per person and runs from 5pm to 7pm. For reservations call 305-292-7702.
Surf and Turf Sunset Sail with Sebago – Enjoy a two hour sunset sail and a grilled surf and turf meal. Tours depart at 5pm and return at 7pm. Cost is $99 per person. Please call 305-292-7212 for reservations.
Tavern N Town at the Marriott Beachside on N. Roosevelt Blvd is holding a New Year’s Eve celebration with Live Entertainment. Bobby Nesbitt will be on the piano from 5 pm to 9 pm followed by Carmen Rodriguez and Michael Thomas from 9 pm to midnight. Join the party! A 4-course dinner, champagne toast, and party favors for $85 per person. For reservations call 305-296-8100.
Transportation
Have a safe evening!! DON’T DRINK & DRIVE!!! With that in mind… The City of Key West Department of Transportation is offering transportation for the holiday so that you won’t drink and drive!
Two city buses will travel along Northside Drive, Flagler Avenue, Maloney Avenue, North Roosevelt Boulevard, and South Roosevelt Boulevard and Four Lower Keys buses with service between Marathon and Key West will be traveling southbound to Fausto’s Food Palace and returning as far as MM 52.5 across from Walgreen’s on 109th Street in Marathon. Designated pick up and drop off points in Old Town Key West is Fausto’s Food Palace at Bahama and Fleming Streets.
The New Year’s Eve shuttle begins service at 4:00PM in the Lower Keys and 6:00 pm in Key West and Stock Island. The Last trip from Key West at Fausto’s to Marathon will depart no later than 2:00AM. One way safe ride shuttle fares are $10 per person per trip for Lower Keys revelers and $5 per person per trip for city revelers. Exact change is required and no passes or discounts will be available for this shuttle. No alcohol, toys or weapons are allowed. For more information you can visit www.kwtransit.com or call 305-600-1455 or 305-809-3910.
Before making your plans for New Year’s Eve, be sure to read my restaurant reviews; check out our restaurant review section of this blog as well as our restaurant reviews. Also, 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.
