Alma

3.0 star rating
2 reviews

Categories: Lounges, American (New)  [Edit]

61 Hawks Cay Blvd
Duck Key, FL 33050
(305) 743-7000
Hours:

Mon-Sun 6 pm - 11 pm

Good for Kids:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Private Lot, Valet
Good for Groups:
Yes
Price Range:
$$
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Music:
DJ, Live
Happy Hour:
Yes
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
No
Coat Check:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Dogs Allowed:
No
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2 reviews in English

  • Review from Ronnie L.

    • 58 friends
    • 111 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    1/17/2010 3 photos

    For the record, I am doing this separate from a review of the entire Hawk's Cay resort because I think people who come to this area in general need to know about this place if they wanna have a drink.

    Why?  

    Because it is Unlike Any Other Place I've been to on these islands. I appreciate the swarthy sailor dive bars, and the Conchyness of the more fine establishments that still retain that "Island" appeal, but in the long run, It gets really old and my heart wants to see a swanky lounge with big couches, and a classy appeal that I thought was only available in cities.

    Well, it's not.  This is a trendy looking lounge that someone stole out of the city and transplanted into this Hawk's Cay resort.  I scouted it out the other morning, just by chance - I'm like, "What is this island all about?"

    So I went into this resort, which, by the by, looks to be f---ing amazing!!  But let's not lose focus.  My gal wanted an espresso martini.  She swears the one she had from Alma was the best she has had; better than some other place she said made the best one up until last night's visit.

    I, being the guy I am, had one of my own, a little tweaked since I like them a little less sweet and not chocolaty or vanilla-ee.    The gal behind the bar knew her stuff.  I was so pleased with her I let her make me a second drink of her choosing.  I said, "I don't care what you make, I'll drink it."

    So she hooked it up and made me her Signature - The Pink Diamond.  Sure sure...  It sounds girly, but It was really good!  Props to her.  Then the "Euro Guy" bartender arrived on the scene.  He was a little too confident, not quite a chach all the way but just like he was confident in what he was doing but insecure about it at the same time which made him try to SEEM a little more confident.

    The thing is, he wasn't really annoying with it.   He was capable.  I taught him how to make a Peacock and he did it well.  The only thing he did wrong was when I was trying to tell him to flame an orange peel on top of the drink.  That's when I noticed his "Euro Guy" behavior.

    (PS - Google "Conan Euro Guy")  That's the Conan O'Brien skit I'm referring to when I use the term.  ;)

    He was like, "Of course...  I would know how to do it because I am from Europe."

    I was like, "What does that have to do with it?"

    "Well of course," he said, "Since most of the cocktails come from Europe It is natural I would know how to make them."

    I was like, "Did Vodka and Redbull come from Europe?"

    He just kind of chuckled but wasn't sure what to say.  I was having fun with him.

    But then after all that he Orange Flamed the Martini glass with no alcohol in it, and he did it behind the bar.  I decided to just let him do it because I was having a good time regardless.  The drink was good but the FLAIR he was missing was that you make and pour the drink FIRST and then orange flame the drink to finish it to add just a touch of flavor and a wonderful smell of orange effervescence to the part of the bar where the person is drinking.

    Still I liked this place.  We decided to sit back in their couch section and chill, which was really nice.

    Meanwhile let me mention something else - their Bar Mix.  It was almonds and corn nuts and some other stuff but it was delicious!  I swear it was the best bar munchies I've ever had.

    Lastly there's this option - right outside the bar door is this schmancy brick fire pit with a fire going.  You can plastic-cup your drink and go have it out there and chill, it's a beautiful view of this beach-resort type atmosphere right off the Atlantic.

    If you wanna see the coolest bar I've been to since I came to the Florida Keys, make a stop.  I need to get another Camera.

  • Review from Jonathan S.

    • 12 friends
    • 106 reviews

    New York, NY

    1.0 star rating
    6/7/2010

    Okay so not like anyone really reads Yelp in the Keys... (do they?) but it seems like Hawks Cay is set on it so here I go.

    I came to Hawks Cay last week and tried this place.  It's the first time I've been back since Hawks Cays' major renovation.  My parents own a villa at the resort so I used to come all the time.  So I'm well versed of the keys.

    So my friend (a vegetarian) and I decided to try it after reading a bit online, and seeing their sample menu which looked good.  

    When we got there, (a Tuesday night around 8:30) the menu was sort of sparse.  They only had 5-6 entrees and only one of them was fish.  Swordfish.  Really?  It's the keys.  Grouper?  Mahi-Mahi?  Stone Crab?!

    They were out of the vegetarian item my friend wanted, the veggie pasta or something?  So they just brought him a plate of veggies.  I got the swordfish which really didn't have much flavor and the black pepper sauce with it was not good, and was very overpowering.  The veggies were just boring.  Just steamed veggies.

    They were also out of the vodka in the raspberry drink I ordered... ahh the music was too loud, it was too expensive for what it was.  I liked the old place better before they renovated the resort.

    I really think this is one of many problems the new resort has.  They took a keys resort that needed some updating and made a modern South Beach type of place that doesn't fit in well.  

    I certainly won't be eating anywhere at this resort at any return trip to the keys.  There are too many good places in Marathon.  

    And this isn't just my experience.  I've asked a few people that have been here and their experience all echo the same thing.  

    Total flop.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Jennifer D. of Alma 6/9/2010   
    Jonathan, We're sorry to hear your Alma experience did not… More »
What's This?

About This Business

Provided by business

Specialties

Alma brings a new level of Latin cuisine to Florida Keys fine dining. A fusion of casual elegance and laid-back luxury.

Alma's menu offers an innovative rendition of classic Latin cuisine highlighted by local ingredients, fresh-from-the-ocean seafood, expertly grilled meats, tropical fruits and farm-fresh vegetables. Top your meal with Alma's eclectic wine list and sinful dessert menu. This tantalizing cuisine of the Florida Keys is combined with impeccable service to create a one-of-a-kind Hawks Cay dining experience.

Alma is open for dinner only. Hours may vary by season.  Please call ahead for reservations.

The Bar at Alma
A favorite gathering place for both locals and guests, The Bar at Alma offers an exotic selection of rums, tequilas and other spirits, along with hand-crafted signature cocktails. The Bar at Alma also offers drink service around the resort's ever-popular fire pit.

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