Greetings From Key West

The real estate market in Key West has heated up to the level of the good ol’ days of 2004/05. This from a friend of ours who is a realtor—someone we’ve known since we got here in 1990. The offshore boat races just ended here amid much excitement and plenty of spending. It looks like it will to be a full house this year in Key West when the weather turns frigid up north.

Here is some intelligence on a brand new addition to the Key West food and beverage landscape. First, with a few exceptions, you want to avoid the Duval Street scene and all the tourist traps so strongly promoted in the national magazines. A favorite new addition is Deuce’s Off The Hook located at 728 Simonton St. in the heart of old town Key West. It is open for three meals daily (except Tuesday). Off The Hook has a distinctly locals feel, so unlike the majority of high profile restaurants in Key West.

There are still a handful of great spots that are much more locals-oriented than tourist-centric. But the Internet has let the cat out off the bag far too often. Off The Hook, like every place in Key West, is strictly informal. You probably should reserve for dinner, as the restaurant is small, but a reservation is not required. Make your first visit a lunch stop. We had lunch at the bar last week and it was very comfortable. The menu is local seafood oriented and fresh, as well as reasonably priced. Oysters, crab, clams, shrimp and snapper head the list. There is a nice selection of draft beer and for a small place the wine list is just fine. We are happy to introduce to you our #1 new Key West place for fresh Key West seafood and a pleasant low-key time. Enjoy Off The Hook.

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