- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Louie's Backyard
Categories: Restaurants American (New) Restaurants Seafood American (New), Seafood [Edit]
700 Waddell AveKey West, FL 33040
(305) 294-1061
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Classy, Upscale
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Ethan T. said: "We were a group of 6 this weekend in key west and we wanted sea food in a dive like place. I read through Yelp and this place received great reviews so we trusted it and came in. Okay, keep in mind we were starving, and we all…" read more »
110 reviews for Louie's Backyard
Review Highlights
"Then a salad with blue cheese that was great."
(in 3 reviews)
"Fourth, and most important, the food was excellent."
(in 7 reviews)
"Only minor complaint: the wine list sure was pricey."
(in 6 reviews)
Loading...
110 reviews in English
-
Review from Andy L.
Marietta, GA
1/31/2012
This review is strictly for the outside bar -- we didn't discover Louie's until the day we had to leave, so we only got to drown away an hour or two here.
O. M. G. The view, the air, the ambiance... it's just fantastic. I cannot say how much we love it here. Next trip down we'll actually *eat* here! -
Review from J N.
1/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
I can't review the food, sadly. We came for a drink pre-A and B lobster. It's too bad we missed the food here, but well, we wanted overpriced touristy lobster on the other side of the island. (To be fair, that was still pretty good, too.)
Beautiful place on the water next to our beautiful Waldorf.
Sorry that we missed the brunch here but alas, it's only offered on w/ends.
The bartender was friendly. Although drinks seemed a bit pricey, the pours were generous. We don't get free pours in Canada. :(
I have heard that the upstairs is less spendy, but I'm sure if we returned it would be totally worth it and probably better than Latitudes--but at half the price, I'm thinking.
We will just have to return. The shellfish looked divine btw. -
Review from James R.
Cape Coral, FL
12/30/2011
This place is (and has been) always "the bomb". The view and ambiance are dead perfect, like no other in Key West. But what makes it work is the food overseen by Executive Chef Doug Shook. You will not find better anywhere in the Keys.
Examples: The conch fritters are not only delicious but light enough to float off the plate. This is not the case with the usual "rubber balls" of conch fritters found in most Keys restaurants. The conch chowder is so flavorful and multilayered you will find yourself wanting to make a meal out of it. And it is served with a cruet of local bird pepper hot sauce, so you can take the spice to whatever lever you desire. I am a two spoon advocate. The bird pepper sauce is great.
Other appetizers rotate and there is always a special one which is always creative. You will find things such as sushi grade tuna "poke", always something creative with local Key West Shrimp, perhaps a delicious and perfectly done slice of "foie gras", Florida lobster in a sinful truffle cream, and many others.
Salads are creative using the best produce such as vine ripened heirloom tomatoes, a wonderfully simple green salad brought to life by home made spiced pecans, and several others that are always creative. Back to the appetizers; don't miss the Calamari "Chop-Chop" if it is on the menu.
Entrees do not disappoint here but each is a creation until itself. There is no standard "plate set up". Each entree is paired with those items that best accompany it. The Sautéed Shrimp on creamy Stone Ground Grits, with bacon and butter will make you a grits fan even if you don't think you cared for them. Here you will love it. There are always "Day Boat" scallops, finished in various manners, perhaps on top of Louie's own home made pasta. Steaks are perfect, just hope they may have some of their terrific beer batter onion rings! The lamb is mild, tender, and generally served with "risotto style potatoes" which take potatoes to about the 10th degree. If Sweetbreads or Liver are on the menu and you like these as I do, you will not find any better anywhere.
Of course there is always the fresh catch of the day, and I really mean fresh. Black Grouper is always delicious, but then may be Triple-Tail, fresh Yellowtail snapper, Cobia, it all depends on what is brought to the restaurant that day. It is as fresh as you can get.
Desserts and the wine list don't disappoint either. The desserts do change but there is generally always some type of delicious Crème Brule and if you are lucky it will have a surprise chocolate brownie at the bottom. Wines run the gamut on the well chosen wine list. Service is attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly. What else could you ask for? If dinner seems a little to much for you, although it is worth it, go for lunch. The prices and selection are terrific and you will have a great view. They also do a mean Sunday Brunch. -
Review from Sarah P.
Dayton, OH
2/9/2012
After reading reviews on Yelp of Louie's Backyard I was excited to experience all it has to offer. My husband and I went on a weekday for lunch. The ambience is spectacular. They really have done a very good job of keeping a small, intimate atmosphere at a terrific location that could easily be exploited as something bigger. I found the menu to be somewhat limited in terms of the flavors offered. For some reason I had expected more selection across cultures.
We both had the snapper lunch special and split the conch chowder. The chowder was totally out of sight, especially with their special hot sauce. The snapper was perfectly done with just the right amount of seasoning and super fresh fruit alongside.
Next time, I'd love to come after sunset and try the dinner menu. It is pricey, be ready for a larger bill. -
Review from maria b.
San Clemente, CA
Updated - 2/3/2012
If you like to be treated nice when dining, don't go to this restaurant!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
8/12/2011
Extremely rude waiter and owner - the food was nice but I was so unhappy with the service that it… Read more »
-
-
Review from Jeff F.
12/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you're at the Casa Marina, this place should be in the rotation. There's not too many chances to both hear the ocean and eat exceptional food. Louie's is literally on the water.
Regrettably, we found this place hunting for some dessert. Brownie creme brûlée was really good and I don't like creme brûlée. Finally tried key lime pie and confirmed what I originally thought... I don't like key lime pie, but I'm glad I tried it.
Recommended for drinks, casual food at the bar or a nice dinner. -
Review from James O.
North Miami Beach, FL
1/18/2012
This was an amazing disappointment! Our meal for 7 people couldn't have been worse. Everything from the salads to the entrees were very sub par! Our snapper dishes which should be an easy chip shot for a high end restaurant in Key West was the worst I ever had. No one ate their appetizers or entrees and no consideration was offered by management! Will never go back and highly recommend it be avoided! I would like to think it was due to the Chef quitting or something but have seen no evidence of that so have no choice but to pan this place in the strongest terms.
Now if you want a good meal and great friendly service try Sarabeth's! We loved it! -
Review from carrie s.
San Diego, CA
1/15/2012
This is definitely the place to go if you want a "fancy" night out in key west. Get here in time to see the sunset because that is 90% of the experience. The view is unbelievable.
We had foie gras and it was just ok. Maybe because it was duck instead of goose. The blue cheese salad was delicious. Husband had the conch soup and really liked it.
I had the shrimp and grits and it was very tasty. It's a pretty heavy dish and has a ton of shrimp in it. Husband had the lamb chops and we liked it also.
I agree with the other Reviews that the wine list was overly pricey.
We did make a return trip one afternoon after hanging at the beach and just had beers on the deck so we could appreciate that view again! -
Review from Alison T.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
12/28/2011
For Key West, this was great! I've always found it hard to find really great food in Key West. The location is wonderful and the service was just as good. Had the Hogfish special and it was delicious. It's also one of the few places on the island where I wouldn't show up in shorts, tanktop and flip flops.
-
Review from Eden V.
Charlotte, NC
9/26/2011
We just drove by this hidden gem and stopped to check the menu. The dinner menu was a little expensive, but the brunch menu was very reasonable. We returned on Sunday morning and stepped out onto the fabulous patio to one of the most wonderful views in Key West! The staff was warm and welcoming. My mother and I tried the conch chowder and the heirloom tomato and egg on brioche topped with basil hollandaise. Everything was delicious! My only complaint would be the coffee. At this level of fine dining, I would have expected a higher quality of coffee, but although it was fresh, it was cheap coffee.
Will return! -
Review from Paul A.
Mt Dora, FL
9/6/2011
I am not exactly sure what is going on at this place.
Does Louie's believe that sunburned, hungover tourists will eat anything and pay $30 a plate for it? Grilled scallops for $36? Really?
If you disagree with me, go back there tonight and order the tuna balls cooked apparently in vinegar, eat them, and then order them again.
The lobster cooked in butter, cream, and sherry was deliciouis, but very rich. Anything (crickets?) cooked in butter, cream and sherry would be delicious, and rich.
The three of us were unable to determine what the hard green 'roof' was attached to the top of the salmon.
The final act? The maitre'd was getting into it with a fellow diner on our way out of the restaurant. Judging by the other negative comments regarding him, the guy either needs therapy, medication, or to be replaced.
Take home lesson: An ocean view can not compensate for poor food and service. And attitude. Avoid this place. Go to Azur or Cafe Marquesa. -
Review from Renee B.
Bedford, MA
1/12/2012
Gorgeous outside, we were the youngest by 20 years when we went and the service was a little slow but the view and atmosphere is nice. We then moved to the Upstairs Tapas and we had a great time. Our waiter - wish I remembered his name - was fabulous and steered us in all the right directions. Mojito's were great. Meatballs, ribs, duck pizza - all good flavors and good quality. Fun place. Great location.
-
Review from Wendy C.
Irvine, CA
7/18/2011
I have to admit the food was actually really good and a pleasant surprise for this quiet town. We got off our cruise ship and walked the 1.5 miles to the restaurant. It was 90 degree heat and we had originally made reservations for outside deck which would have been nice with water views except it was freaking hot! My parents and godparents are close to 60 so we opted to sit inside. That's when we got major attitude from the maitre'd who proceeded to roll his eyes and give us cold treatment. It completely overshadowed the pretty restaurant and nice meal.
The waiter I have to say was nice to us and the food a pleasant surprise. I had a lobster avocado salad and octopus with angel hair pasta. The food was plated nicely. Would be back if I was ever in key west again and if they give the host an attitude check. -
Review from Lindsay D.
Miami, FL
6/20/2011
We spent Saturday night here as part of our friend's 30th birthday weekend! Although everything we ate was great, it seemed overpriced to me. I don't think anything on the menu was less than $30 for an entree. It's nice to know that not every dinner place in Key West is a burger or mahi-mahi sandwich, but it would have been nice to have a few more affordable options.
I guess if you consider the ambiance as included in your dinner price, that can slightly justify it since it is a gorgeous restaurant! The interiors are very Key West with wooden shutters and large ceiling fans, reminiscent of The Raleigh and The Palms' lobbies in South Beach. We sat outside on the deck and had dinner by candlelight, so pretty to enjoy as you look out among the Southernmost Point!
My friend and I shared the I Ahi Poke with Thai Peanut Sauce for an appetizer. For dinner, I chose to deviate from eating local since I'd already had mahi and tuna at lunch (and for an appetizer at dinner), so went for the salmon. It was prepared in a very unique way and wrapped in char-grilled grape leaves, and served with a citrus salsa and a side of Artichoke Hash.
This is a great date place, but I don't recommend for a birthday party unless you plan on it being the only place you're going for the night! You will be too full (and prob a little broke) if you really enjoy everything they have to offer from their wine list, appetizers, entrees and desserts, that there won't be room in your stomach for an after-party! :) -
Review from Jennifer P.
Durham, NC
10/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Our cab driver recommended this restaurant and we were able to make a reservation for 5 for later that night. The restaurant was not very crowded for a Friday night. I saw a few comments about the host - but he was kind and professional and was able to accomodate us when we arrived 30 minutes early. We sat outside (it was already dark, so we missed the view). The atmosphere was beautiful and every table seemed a bit unique. Each of us got something different and every dish was absolutely amazing. I had the scallops with noodles and it was to die for! The wine list was good, there were plenty of good and not-too-expsensive options. I am from a larger city - so paying $35 for an entree at a nice restaurant is not unexpected. That said, it was our one "get dressed up and go to dinner" meal while we were on the island. It's totally worth it!!
-
Review from Bec J.
Virginia Beach, VA
7/12/2011
Rather expensive but the service was excellent, the food was terrific and the atmosphere was everything that you would expect from a high end beach restaurant.
We had the pork chops and Mahi Mahi special - both plates were phenomenal in their flavor and presentation.
"JR" was our server and he was fun, playful and right there when you need something.
The bill was a bit high and not what I would want to pay regularly but for a special night out, it was okay.
If you read the other reviews and are concerned about the heat, just ask for inside seating and they will gladly accommodate you. -
Review from C J.
Brooklyn, NY
7/15/2011
Food= excellent. Service= excellent. View= spectacular. So why one star? Because of the horribly trashy people that ruined our dinner!
First, we were seated inside and there was only one other table with a large party. They were obnoxious. They were yelling and cursing. So we asked to be moved and the owner totally understood. He even told me that he had already asked them to quiet down, but they didn't.
When we were moved outside, even though it was really dark by then and we couldn't see the beautiful view, the noise level wasn't bad. Then the trashiest couples I've ever seen sat next to us. Here's a breakdown of what they did:
1. the drunkest girl in the group straddled her date multiple times and I basically saw things I shouldn't have seen up her skirt
2. THEN she SAT on the man's lap at the neighboring table (whom she didn't know)
3. She also knocked over her wine glass
4. THEN she got up and danced in her very short dress (again, I could see everything).
5. She was also so drunk that she was yelling while talking 'cause she was so out of it.
6. The rest of the party was loud, yelling, and encouraging the drunk girl's behavior.
At first, it was funny, but by the time our entrees arrived, we were ready to go and didn't get dessert 'cause we wanted out so badly. Another table asked to be moved away from these people.
This place was highly recommended to us, and I might try it again, but go before 9pm, not on a weekend night. -
Review from Matthew C.
East Brunswick, NJ
7/19/2011
Came here with my family and showed up a bit earlier than the opening time (we were on a cruise and the parents are always anxious about having enough time). Sister found this place by yelping the best restaurants in the area by the beach.
The waiters were excellent, however the maitre d (perhaps the owner or manager) was super rude. He kept throwing us dirty looks and huffing loudly when we asked for simple requests (lowering the fan speed, getting a table indoors).
The view from this restaurant is amazing though. There are a few coconut trees adjacent, a pier and oh yeah... an seemingly endless ocean.
The food made up for the poor attitude. We tried conch fritters, lobster salad, swordfish fillet, fish tacos, and a seafood soup i think was conch based as well.
The fritters were very tasty with their sauce, however the conch was either pureed or diced very finely. Tasty, but not a conch heavy dish.
Lobster salad had a heaping(in a good way) portion of lobster with fresh looking greens.
Fish tacos were very good the fish was very crispy and the veggies on top were fresh and crisp.
Swordfish was firm and had a matching sauce.
Seafood soup was light and not too rich(again in a good way).
Mojito was very strong/ alcoholic (but when you are on vacation this is great!)
All in all I would suggest this place to friends visiting the area. -
Review from Jack J.
Camano Island, WA
11/29/2011
A hidden gem in a posh neighborhood. We had the mahi mahi tacos and they were perfect; best in the keys. The salad on the side was very good, and presented well....The view is spectacular with a deck right out to the beach. We ate lunch and thought it was a bit pricey but the food was great so I'll take it! I saw concerns about service; yes it is a bit slow, however, it's an island; relax enjoy the view and the company. I don't mind slow service if the food is served hot and in a correct fashion and it was.
-
Review from J M.
San Jose, CA
5/26/2011
Loved Louie's. We went twice while on vacation. For me, most of my love for this place is the atmosphere. If you have ever dined at the Blue Bayou in Disneyland, and loved it, you will love the atmosphere of Louie's if you sit on the back porch. I don't know how else to describe it, but I felt like I was sitting in the inspiration for that restaurant in Disneyland.
The back patio is tiered, and everyone has a good view of the water. In the nighttime, there are twinkle lights overhead, the sound of the waves in the distance, the warm, still air, and the quiet chatter of your fellow diners.
The food was excellent - I had fish, and it was done very nicely. The second trip we both had fish tacos for lunch, which were prepared well, and were light and fresh. We determined this place had the best key lime pie, out of the 7 pieces we tried during our trip. -
Review from Tracy S.
Ashburn, VA
3/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
What can ruin a beautiful view and good food and drinks? The d@*&^%bag host. He was extremely rude. When the waitress came, I thought the experience might be redeemed. Then she immediately flaked - took way too long to bring our drinks, even longer to come back to take our order, and even longer to take new drink orders, bring our food, then completely disappeared as we were waiting for our check.
Skip meals there - go for drinks only on the back porch, soak up the view, then go to a restaurant where they will actually treat you like paying customers...not like customers who are totally inconveniencing them by expecting hosts and waitresses to do their jobs. -
Review from Dewitt M.
Tallahassee, FL
11/5/2011
My wife and I had dinner here last night. Outstanding service, wine list, dinner, and desserts. A must if your here. Reservations needed.
-
Review from Melissa S.
New York, NY
10/19/2011
Go here for the snapper sandwich. You won't be disappointed. great bloody marys too! I dinged it a star for being overpriced though.
-
Review from Megan M.
Richmond, VA
2/20/2011
This was my favorite meal while in Key West.
Ironically, we were planning on skipping a nice dinner when we stumbled into Louie's Backyard. We were going to eat tapas upstairs, but somehow ended up putting our name on the list for a table and heading to the bar for drinks while we waited.
As pretty much everyone says, the atmosphere here is superb. It's relaxed elegant, overlooking the water, with dim lights. Very romantic, even more so when you get sat in a one-sided booth directly facing the water. The perfect spot for an intimate meal.
Service here was spot-on. Our server, Richard, was on point and super friendly. He achieved a great balance between elegant and really really nice. He even wrote us a list of his favorite spots in Key West before we left. What more can you ask for?!
The food was also pretty darn good. I must admit, there were one or two meal misses: our tuna appetizer was a bit too mayo-y, and the bf got a tomato fennel soup that he said tasted a little too close to Campbell's, but the rest of the meal was great.
I got an arugula salad with apples, blue cheese and spiced pecans. Yes, a standard, but delish, nonetheless. Even though the bf's soup was a bit plain, it was served with a superbly grilled prawn and piece of chorizo, which was pretty neat/creative. For main course, I got the short rib, which was like no other short rib I'd ever seen. It was big, meaty and full of flavor. The bf got a ribeye, which was perfectly prepared, too. After all this and a bottle of wine, we'd already splurged on dinner, so we also went for an order of creme brulee with a brownie on the bottom. Yum!
Only minor complaint: the wine list sure was pricey! But hey, this is a nice restaurant, so we splurged on a nice wine, too.
So, this probably ended up as the nicest meall on our trip, but it was soo worth it. Wish I could go back right now!!!Listed in: Key West Fun
-
Review from Justin C.
3/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
For our last night, we decided to go to Louie's Backyard. I would recommend a reservation for this place. Unfortunately one of the people I was with oddly hates sitting outside, so we made a reservation for inside, but when we got there, you want to sit outside, its a gorgeous deck overlooking the ocean.
Appetizer = (special) Friend Calamari, this was the second best fried calamari i've ever had. the batter was nice, light, and fried extremely well, and the calamari seemed to have been caught only moments earlier. the sauce on it was extremely good also. the only reason its second best, there was not enough.
Dinner = my meal was the Tuna, cooked rare, over a rice cake. this was extremely good, and the rice cake was interesting, but a good interesting. Other meal was the Special Yellowtail snapper, with panko, this was amazing, and if offered again as a special catch of the day, order this, melts in your mouth. third meal was the lamb chops, which also melted in your mouth. as you can tell, the food at this place was very, very good.
a must eat. -
Review from Eric W.
The Loop, Chicago, IL
7/8/2011
Amazing food, awesome atmosphere and a great location. We really enjoyed our time. The wait staff was perfect. My only suggestion would be having a more pleasant host; the man that welcomed us had no personality and acted as if us dining there was an inconvenience.
Otherwise everything was perfect. I would definitely recommend dining and drinking at Louie's. -
Review from Elizabeth S.
Minneapolis, MN
4/14/2011
We fell in love with Louie's on vacation. With all the options in KW, I was surprised to find myself saying, "Let's just go to Louie's again!" The first meal was amazing. We had an appetizer made with lobster, spinach, truffle butter and cream. OH MY GOD. Never in my life have I had such a delicious appetizer. We also got the shrimp and stoneground grits entree. Our server steered us toward both these items and we were immensely happy.
When we returned the next night, we realized the importance of getting a reservation. We ended up at the tapas bar upstairs. One of the server's assistants mistakenly brought us kobe beef skewers. Our server comped them. Best free food ever!
The night after that we returned yet again. Seriously, this place casts a spell on you! The views are mesmerizing no matter where you sit. Our server that night was a bit rude to us, maybe because we ordered 2-3 appetizers, desserts and wine and no entrees. We could only get a reservation at 9:30 and had snacked a little to keep ourselves alive. The Key Lime pie is just right. There's also a flourless chocolate hazelnut dessert that I can't recommend enough.
On our second night, the couple next to us was incredibly rude to the server because the bugs were "completely disgusting" to them. Please bear in mind that most, if not all, of the seats are in the open air. It's a little muggy and there might be bugs. I didn't notice any bugs and I was on the porch. It pains me a little not to give Louie's five stars, but that one server, yikes. It was a complete 180 from what we had come to expect. -
Review from Superfly T.
Moorestown, NJ
4/27/2011
We were wise to make a reservation, do so for the deck outside overlooking the ocean. When we arrived our table was not quite ready so we had some drinks at the intimate deck-bar. Louie's is a very comfortable and romantic setting; the dining room is casual yet very elegant but we opted for the staggered deck area for dinner which I recommend most since Key West weather rarely disappoints.
Now for the food; seafood appetizers and entrees surveyed very good at our table and I opted for the Bahamian Conch chowder - a must have selection; spicy and authentic island style.
Several of us went for the NY Steak; it came perfectly prepared and included a very unique onion artichoke finish which made this one of the better and juicier steaks I ever had.
Next time we're in Key West, Louie's will be at the top of our list. -
Review from Sherrie P.
San Francisco, CA
8/7/2011
Love. A bit off the very beaten path of Duval Street. Should have gone here every night! The outside patio is awesome. Very chill. Great place to watch the sunset. Excellent place for a drink after dinner too out on the patio. Not your scene if you're looking for the mad drunkeness of the north end of Duval. And the super friendly chef even took us to his local hangout afterward. Now that's hospitality!
-
Review from Jeremy M.
Chattanooga, TN
1/12/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This was almost a 5 star review...
Great location overlooking water.
Very good service.
Great food. Including a truly memorable lobster and cream appetizer.
Our table had the Lamb--very good, scallops--a little overcooked, and the Shrimp and Grits which was the best I've ever had and I've had plenty!
Definitely a place to visit if you're looking for a great meal in the Conch Republic! -
Review from Hannah S.
11/18/2010 1 Check-in Here
What dinner dreams are made of: the glorious tropical breezes of a Key West evening, palm trees against a glowing skyline, impeccable service and my favorite company.
The BF picked this place for my birthday dinner, and he gets gold stars for this one. We arrived early and headed to the waterfront bar area for a cocktail. The sun set as we sipped our drinks, and the setting couldn't have been more picture-perfect.
I was wary of the service, since so many reviews outline how bad it is, but out waiter was PHENOMENAL! Seriously, so attentive, polite and perfectly timed. the host was also fabulous, and he remembered us and came to get us in the bar area when our table was ready. (Definitely recommend sitting on the patio btw - you'll get an amazing waterfront view)
We went with the Maine lobster salad with avocado as an app - it melted in my mouth. For my entree, I didn't want to go overboard (an entree is usually way too much food for me), so I ordered an app and salad.
The spicy prawns app was a little too spicy for my taste - but heck, it's called "spicy" so what can you expect? The prawns were lovely though and the flavor was there. I also had a salad with blue cheese & apples that was crisp and delicious.
The BF had a grouper dish that was truly exceptional as well.
For dessert, we went with the black bottom banana cream pie. I had only a couple of bites, but they were memorable. Loved it.
All in all, Louie's Backyard was simply superb. I couldn't ask for a more incredible setting for a birthday dinner.Listed in: Weekly Yelp Mentions
-
Review from Eric S.
Phoenix, AZ
11/13/2010 1 Check-in Here
What an abject disappointment this place was. My first seafood experience in Key West, Louie's is both locally renowned and highly recommended by Yelp, but my experience was a disaster, through and through. It started well enough. The place is beautifully appointed, situated right on the beach and the view of the ocean from the back porch seating was so spectacular that we even put up with being seated at a table that (by design) sat us side by side, unable to converse with each other comfortably but happily entranced nonetheless.
Then the service started. Our waitress had a French accent, so it was perhaps forgivable that she couldn't seem to understand what we were ordering. Less forgivable is that we waited for nearly an hour in this barely half-full restaurant for a fish sandwich and a burger. Even less forgivable is that we waited this entire time completely ignored by our waitress while we watched everyone around us munch on complimentary bread and butter - which we were also served, after we asked for it and after we had already gotten our food. Thanks for nothing.
And what of the food? A snapper sandwich with remoulade sounded absolutely wonderful to me, but that was because I was under the impression that remoulade had, you know, FLAVOR. I had to do something I NEVER, EVER DO - liberally salt my sandwich - before it was even edible. What crap. On the side, some sort of slaw which had plenty of flavor, all of it disgusting. I couldn't eat it. The kettle chips were... ok, I guess? Congratulations on being able to open a bag? The pickle spear was the only redeeming thing on the plate. My wife had the "blue cheese" burger, which arrived overcooked, dry, topped with battered, deep-fried onions and thoroughly drowned in an unappetizing brown gravy. She described it as (and I quote): "the worst burger I have ever had in my entire life."
My wallet fifty dollars lighter for the experience, we departed Louie's backyard - never to return. -
Review from Joseph P.
Miami, FL
7/22/2011
This was the spot I chose to take my wife on the day of our anniversary. I have to say, it was a wonderful decision on my part. (gently patting myself on the back) From the building, to the view and everything in between, it was a wonderful experience. The server was patient, attentive. We never had to seek him out. Very knowledgeable and wanting to offer his opinion on what we should try. My wife had a dish that consisted of shrimp, bacon and get this, GRITS! I would never think to put that combination together but I am glad they did at Louie's. It is easily one of the best tasting dishes I have EVER HAD ANYWHERE!! I personally had swordfish with prosciutto. Also, a very tasty dish. For dessert we had a brownie creme brulee. What? Yes, it tasted as amazing as it sounds. Next time we are in Key West we will definitely eat at this wonderful establishment once again.
-
Review from jen p.
Charleston, SC
4/5/2011
One of the few beachfront restaurants in KW. It's pricey but if you're up for shelling out some many then definitely give it a try. You cannot beat the ambiance or location, waves are literally lapping on the beach all around you. You can watch jet skiers and parasailing only yards from you. If you request to sit inside then there's something wrong with you. : )
Started with the "Really Cold Iceberg Wedge" --- OMG good
We had the Bernaise Burger - $15 and worth it
Banana and Chocolate Torte with Burnt Peanut Butter Icing....it'll make you slap your mama it's so good!
It's off of Duval at the opposite end from the Sunset Celebration and what is referred to as the more happening end of Duval and you have to kind of wind your way back to it, but if you're okay with spending some dough for food that is worth it then give Louie's a visit! You won't be disappointed -
Review from Jill P.
Dallas, TX
1/2/2011
The location of this restaurant is as delicious as their food. We went there while visiting family during Christmas, and it was a fantastic Christmas Eve meal.
I had the lamb chops with mashed potatoes and asparagus. The portions were huge, and I was so sad that I couldn't finish everything on my plate, since it was all so tasty! I also sampled my hubby's meal, which was also off the special holiday menu - a mouth-wateringly tender filet topped with crab.
Our waiter was also extremely helpful in recommending wines, and his service was friendly and prompt all night.
Too bad we were there during an uncharacteristic Florida cold front...I just wish the weather had been warm enough to sit outside on the beautiful deck by the water.
I definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting Key West who wants to escape the shenanigans of Duval to have a nice evening out. -
Review from Maritza M.
Houston, TX
9/15/2011
Beautiful views but food was way overpriced. Service irregular.
-
Review from J W.
Chicago, IL
7/9/2011
We loved it!!!! Amazing free range grilled chicken sandwich with jalapenos, bacon, cheese and sauce. Homemade potato chips. We were impressed. The view was breathtaking, and we had a very nice server. The wine menu looked impressive- we didn't get a chance to check that out though. We recommended this place to our other friends in town.
-
Review from Jenna P.
Turners Falls, MA
1/13/2011
After driving through the Keyes, my boyfriend and I decided to indulge in a nice dinner. We chose Louie's Backyard, because of the great reviews, which were more than true. We had a fabulous experience, except instead of the main dining area, we went upstairs which is a complete view of the ocean, and at sunset it is incredible. Upstairs at Louie's tapas are served for $12 or less and there is an amazing wine selection. We had the duck confit pizza, with gruyere and a mango moutarde, which was delicious. But what really topped it off was our server, Steph. He made our evening perfect, suggested excellent wine and food choices, he was also very attentive and made our evening just wonderful.
Thank you Louie's Backyard for making our experience in Key West dining wonderful :) -
Review from Lisa M.
Raleigh, NC
9/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Every bite was perfect and the view and service outstanding.
-
Review from Christian H.
Princeton, NJ
6/26/2011
Heard rave reviews from friends and read all the great reviews on here. And I would have given this place 4 stars, but I have to give it 2 for the following reasons. We arrived for dinner seating at 8. We were seated immediately at an interior corner table on the outside deck. It was hot at our table with absolutely no air flow. Despite the ceiling fan and the apparent ocean breeze, our table received cooling from neither. We endured it until our appetizers arrived as we thought we just needed a moment to acclimate. We were obviously uncomfortable and sweating, yet the waiter (who was otherwise very nice and professional) merely told us its June and basically that we should deal with it by jumping into a pool after our meal was over. There was no attempt to relocate us to another table or to an inside table (which the A/C would have been a godsend at that point). Once our entrees arrived we were so sick from sweating that the food was not enjoyable. For the amount of money one has to shell out for dinner (our bill came to $130 for two people) being stuck in the seventh circle of hell, obviously uncomfortable and not even having our requests for re-accommodation entertained was completely unacceptable.
To make matters worse, upon leaving, I advised the manager that he should not seat people at the table we were at, he basically laughed and said there was a ceiling fan and the ocean breeze.
Yes the food was tasty, but being stuck in the seventh circle of hell in a clearly second class seating accommodation made the whole experience truly torturous.
If you go you will like the food, but be very weary of interior corner tables stuck in a stagnant corner of hell.
