Dockside Tropical Cafe

Oh my goodness, Ray and I took such a walk down memory lane the other day. We stopped by Dockside in Marathon to have a look around. It's been several years since we've been there, but thought we needed to re-visit some old stomping grounds and a place that our good friend owned for a couple of years. We were happy to see that little had changed although the bathrooms are exactly the same (not sure that is a good thing), as they were 10 years ago. The bar and restaurant has taken on a cleaner, more cared for look but that seemed like a nature progression of things too. In the old days, Dockside was a rustic bar, where musicians sometimes showed up and sometimes they didn't. It was a stop-over for cruisers heading to or from the Caribbean. On any given day you could talk to someone from Barbados or St. Johns and share a drink or two. While the marina is still full with many cruisers, I'm not sure the vibe is the same, (just this writer's biased observation). Now keep in mind, we stopped there mid-day. There were just a few people eating lunch or having a beverage - we only had drinks. We got to talking to a couple that have lived nearby for many years and they talked of the old days and had the same memories that we did, yet they still said the place was hopping and full of fun.

I was so happy to see though, The Table of Knowledge. When we first visited Dockside The Table of Knowledge was a big deal. That was where the cruisers and live-boards sat and drank and discussed and talked about all things that mattered and all things that didn't matter. While it's smaller in size now it is a tradition at Dockside and it made me happy to see it was still around.

Dockside Tropical Cafe has music most nights. It is located at 35 Sombrero Blvd. in Marathon. Visit their website at docksidetropicalcafe.com for entertainment information and directions.

New York Pasta Garden

I love this place. It feels like a 4 star white table cloth restaurant without the outrageous prices. The food is tasty and well prepared - not to mention plentiful. The cuisine is creative and the wine list is comprehensive. We've been there a couple of times and have never needed a reservation, but you may want to think about it - 305-292-1991. They have indoor and outdoor seating and the staff is friendly. Manga Manga!

Located just off of the 1000 block of Duval in Duval Square, back in a little alcove - 1075 Duval St., Key West, Fl. 33040 www.newyorkpastagarden.com

Vinos Wine Bar (Key West)

What a great spot. With an inviting patio and ecletic decor, this little gem is a must visit. The bartenders are knowledgeable and the food is fantastic. You can enjoy a relaxing glass or bottle from their extensive wine list that is ever changing to keep their selection fresh and exciting. They offer cheese plates and several appetizer options. And, if you have a non-wine drinker in your crowd, that's okay, Vino's also offers a fairly large selection of beer. This is a great place to meet interesting locals or the many Key West guests that frequent this cozy spot. The best news of all - they offer free delivery on bottles of wine from 2:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. How cool is that? Cheers!!

810 Duval St., Key West. www.vinosonduval.com 305-294-7568

Looe Key Tiki Bar

Looe Key is one of the last hold outs for a true Florida Keys experience. Lots of locals frequent the joint and some even sit on the same bar stool everyday smoking their cigarettes and drinking their beer. Ray and I go in there quite often because it's close to our rental home. As a matter of fact, we've gotten to know a number of those locals and they are all hard working guys and gals that just want to relax and have a good time. Tuesday night seems to be the best time to be there - It's jam night. That means that locals come and bring their instruments and simply jam. The place is always packed and there is plenty of room to dance to your favorite tunes.

Looe Key also has one of the best happy hours around. It runs from 3:00 - 7:00 and you can't beat the prices. They also offer some discounted bar food, like wings and fries - that kind of thing. My favorite thing on their regular menu is the BLT - good bread and lots of bacon. Bathrooms were new last year although if it's raining you have to dash across the driveway to get to them.

Looe Key Tiki is definitely and experience and I urge you to visit there - it's a blast.
27340 Oversees Highway, Ramrod Key, FL 33042. Visit their website at www.looekeytikibar.com to read about the other entities offered at Looe Key - diving, snorkeling, motel rooms, etc.

Geiger Key Marina and Smokehouse

Geiger Key Smokehouse is a hidden gem off the main drag of Oversea's Highway. It is located to the south of, and abridged to, Big Coppitt Key. Ray discovered it years ago and we still make a point to visit there at least once or twice every year. On our 2016 visit, we were pleasantly surprised to see that some improvements had been made all while keeping it's uniqueness and "keysey" feeling. The views from their outside restaurant and bar are spectacular. You can watch boats come and go, see fish swimming just below, and watch a parade of birds doing their dance all while eating great food.  They have music almost every night, but check out they website to be sure www.geigerkeymarina.com. They are open everyday for lunch and dinner and open for breakfast on the weekends. Do yourself a favor and visit Geiger Key Marina and Smokehouse. It's a wonderful Keys experience that you'll soon not forget.

If you have an opportunity, sample their Sunday barbecue - it starts at 4:00 p.m. Is a great time to get down with the locals. 

To get there turn on Boca Chia Road at approximately at MM 11 (oceanside) and follow the road a mile or so to Geiger Road - turn left. From there you can follow the signs. Geiger Key is also home to a marina and trailer park.

5 Geiger Road,

Key West,FL

(305) 296-3553