I was recommended to try this restaurant by friend who had been here a few years ago. I was looking forward to a nice dinner but my overall experience was poor. It starts with my table location. As a solo dinner I was parked on the corner of the deck, where it was so dark, I had to read the menu and check out my food using the light on my cell phone. After being seated, it took 15 min for a server to come and take my order. I started with a martini - that came with two olives only - every decent barman knows it should be three! And that was $20! The seared foIe gras appetizer was not good. Cold in the centre and stringy. After two bites I was done. To their credit, they deducted it from the bill. The catch of the day special ($52) was snapper, which was perfectly cooked. However the other items on the plate were disappointing. An undercooked pasta, which I couldn’t tell if it was meant be hot or cold - it was just tepid. The green beans were ok, but also on the cold side. A cold dollop of red peppers was not good. Overall this was overpriced mediocre food (total of $92 for a martini cocktail, glass of white wine and the entree) with slow service - you are paying for the location.
Karyn M
We did not have a reservation, so were told that we would have to eat upstairs at the cafe. I must add, that we arrived at 8 PM and there were many empty tables, but maybe they were short staffed. Our server was excellent, ambience is lovely, but portions are “tapas” sized with full dinner prices. Cocktails are a measured pour, but fine. Everything we ordered, which was a lot, was very tasty but extremely small. If you are looking for a light dining experience, and don’t mind the cost, I would recommend.
Li1799
Horrible experience with the manager. Sat us at the crappiest table possible and when we asked to move, he literally insulted me. There was plenty of open tables, but this guy was a total jerk. We drove an hour and a half to come eat at this restaurant and we were treated like trash. I will never eat here again. There are plenty of delicious restaurants in Key West and their food isn't even that great.
robertvR5986WN
Food was good as was the view, but staff was snobby and we were basically ignored for long periods of time. There is an obvious arrogance on the part of the help.
kathym671
Beautiful location, nice atmosphere, beautiful view. Food was expensive and attractive, but some dishes better than others. My shrimp appetizer was great, but my fish tacos were very soggy.
U1859DWlisam
Visited November 2025 during a 3 week trip to Florida and Keys. This was hands-down the best meal of the entire trip. Atmosphere was phenomenal, service was exquisite and the food was exceptional. Our party of four all enjoyed the meal tremendously. We had reservations and were glad we did.
TravelingB0B
Louie's Backyard is a Key West Classic, a "must" when you're in the area. We were a table of six and this time we only went for drinks. We had great service, and great drinks in a beautiful setting. Couldn't ask for more! We'll all be back for dinner.
Erin Porter
Maria is the best! This place is a gem❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Byron Espin
Nice people Good food Good place Great atmosphere
Kevin Bremer
We had best wait staff led by Blonde! We ate up stairs in tapas restaurant. We had so many delicious dishes! Curry scallops, truffle fries with smoked Gouda melted cheese dip, an Asian beef dish (to die for like Curry Scallops) Beat salad was really good! Great atmosphere
If you're looking for an upscale dinner atmosphere while in Key West, this is a great option. Absolutely gorgeous sunset views over the Atlantic, some of the best service we had any restaurant. Wish I remember her name, but she was quick and attentive. The food was expensive, but honestly everything was expensive, so for the quality of the food, atmosphere, and service I felt like we got what we payed for. There's an additional bar a level down from the dining area right on the water. I wish we would have made it over there at some other point during the week for drinks, and we left far too full to get any after dinner. We visited the keys the last week of September and the island was noticeably not crowded but I could see reservations here being a must during the busy season.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kyle Doyle
Great location with wonderful patio/deck seating on the beach. It is no wonder it won't the 2025 Best Waterfron Dining Experience in Key West!
We had a couples drinks and appetizers around lunch. Don't miss this spot when you are in Key West.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My Phone
We went to brunch here on Saturday we were sat at a table and the bus boy brought water over right away and then we never saw anyone again we sat there for 20 minutes while every server walked by us other tables were sat right next to us that were served so I did what I hated to do I have to get up and go back to the host to stand and ask them for our server. My husband and I were in the business for over 20 years so being in the business and going to an upscale restaurant like this you just assume you're going to get great service which we did not. We ordered two bloody Marys that were not good at all there was nothing special about them we had other bloody Marys on the island that were absolutely delicious so they obviously need to work on this this is a key drink for in the morning especially when you're on vacation. The food was very good and when we were finished the manager came over and asked if we wanted to dessert on the house. We ordered two desserts to try them he said the key lime pie was excellent so that's what my husband got he said it was not good no flavor looked pretty but no flavor I ordered the bread pudding it was warm but just okay. When we got the bill we usually just pay and never even look at it and I asked my husband to look at the bill and I saw that we were charged for one of the desserts so desserts are on the house? So overall I was extremely disappointed with this place I've been going here for over 30 years every time I visit the island and even though the ambiance is obviously amazing I wouldn't eat here again there's other places on the island that have way better service way better food and a great view.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 1
Susan B
I would love to give Louie’s a 5 star because the view outside while dining was amazing. However, our waitress was not. After someone else brought our food she never returned to the table to check on us. I had a salad with fried shrimp which was good but there were only a few shrimp on the salad. This visit was disappointing compared to the last several times I’ve been here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 2
Janelle Jordan
Don't miss this restaurant! We sat upstairs for dinner and had the most incredible evening! The staff went out of their way to be professional, thoughtful, and friendly. Our daughters said the Caesar salad and truffle fries were the best they've ever had! I had an epic scallop dish, and it was by far my favorite meal while in Key West. We highly recommend this restaurant for its beauty, menu, and staff; you won't be disappointed.
I was recommended to try this restaurant by friend who had been here a few years ago. I was looking forward to a nice dinner but my overall experience was poor. It starts with my table location. As a solo dinner I was parked on the corner of the deck, where it was so dark, I had to read the menu and check out my food using the light on my cell phone. After being seated, it took 15 min for a server to come and take my order. I started with a martini - that came with two olives only - every decent barman knows it should be three! And that was $20! The seared foIe gras appetizer was not good. Cold in the centre and stringy. After two bites I was done. To their credit, they deducted it from the bill. The catch of the day special ($52) was snapper, which was perfectly cooked. However the other items on the plate were disappointing. An undercooked pasta, which I couldn’t tell if it was meant be hot or cold - it was just tepid. The green beans were ok, but also on the cold side. A cold dollop of red peppers was not good. Overall this was overpriced mediocre food (total of $92 for a martini cocktail, glass of white wine and the entree) with slow service - you are paying for the location.
We did not have a reservation, so were told that we would have to eat upstairs at the cafe. I must add, that we arrived at 8 PM and there were many empty tables, but maybe they were short staffed. Our server was excellent, ambience is lovely, but portions are “tapas” sized with full dinner prices. Cocktails are a measured pour, but fine. Everything we ordered, which was a lot, was very tasty but extremely small. If you are looking for a light dining experience, and don’t mind the cost, I would recommend.
Horrible experience with the manager. Sat us at the crappiest table possible and when we asked to move, he literally insulted me. There was plenty of open tables, but this guy was a total jerk. We drove an hour and a half to come eat at this restaurant and we were treated like trash. I will never eat here again. There are plenty of delicious restaurants in Key West and their food isn't even that great.
Food was good as was the view, but staff was snobby and we were basically ignored for long periods of time. There is an obvious arrogance on the part of the help.
Beautiful location, nice atmosphere, beautiful view. Food was expensive and attractive, but some dishes better than others. My shrimp appetizer was great, but my fish tacos were very soggy.
Visited November 2025 during a 3 week trip to Florida and Keys. This was hands-down the best meal of the entire trip. Atmosphere was phenomenal, service was exquisite and the food was exceptional. Our party of four all enjoyed the meal tremendously. We had reservations and were glad we did.
Louie's Backyard is a Key West Classic, a "must" when you're in the area. We were a table of six and this time we only went for drinks. We had great service, and great drinks in a beautiful setting. Couldn't ask for more! We'll all be back for dinner.
Maria is the best! This place is a gem❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nice people
Good food
Good place
Great atmosphere
We had best wait staff led by Blonde! We ate up stairs in tapas restaurant. We had so many delicious dishes! Curry scallops, truffle fries with smoked Gouda melted cheese dip, an Asian beef dish (to die for like Curry Scallops) Beat salad was really good! Great atmosphere
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
If you're looking for an upscale dinner atmosphere while in Key West, this is a great option. Absolutely gorgeous sunset views over the Atlantic, some of the best service we had any restaurant. Wish I remember her name, but she was quick and attentive. The food was expensive, but honestly everything was expensive, so for the quality of the food, atmosphere, and service I felt like we got what we payed for. There's an additional bar a level down from the dining area right on the water. I wish we would have made it over there at some other point during the week for drinks, and we left far too full to get any after dinner.
We visited the keys the last week of September and the island was noticeably not crowded but I could see reservations here being a must during the busy season.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great location with wonderful patio/deck seating on the beach. It is no wonder it won't the 2025 Best Waterfron Dining Experience in Key West!
We had a couples drinks and appetizers around lunch. Don't miss this spot when you are in Key West.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We went to brunch here on Saturday we were sat at a table and the bus boy brought water over right away and then we never saw anyone again we sat there for 20 minutes while every server walked by us other tables were sat right next to us that were served so I did what I hated to do I have to get up and go back to the host to stand and ask them for our server. My husband and I were in the business for over 20 years so being in the business and going to an upscale restaurant like this you just assume you're going to get great service which we did not. We ordered two bloody Marys that were not good at all there was nothing special about them we had other bloody Marys on the island that were absolutely delicious so they obviously need to work on this this is a key drink for in the morning especially when you're on vacation. The food was very good and when we were finished the manager came over and asked if we wanted to dessert on the house. We ordered two desserts to try them he said the key lime pie was excellent so that's what my husband got he said it was not good no flavor looked pretty but no flavor I ordered the bread pudding it was warm but just okay. When we got the bill we usually just pay and never even look at it and I asked my husband to look at the bill and I saw that we were charged for one of the desserts so desserts are on the house? So overall I was extremely disappointed with this place I've been going here for over 30 years every time I visit the island and even though the ambiance is obviously amazing I wouldn't eat here again there's other places on the island that have way better service way better food and a great view.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 1
I would love to give Louie’s a 5 star because the view outside while dining was amazing. However, our waitress was not. After someone else brought our food she never returned to the table to check on us. I had a salad with fried shrimp which was good but there were only a few shrimp on the salad. This visit was disappointing compared to the last several times I’ve been here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 2
Don't miss this restaurant! We sat upstairs for dinner and had the most incredible evening! The staff went out of their way to be professional, thoughtful, and friendly. Our daughters said the Caesar salad and truffle fries were the best they've ever had! I had an epic scallop dish, and it was by far my favorite meal while in Key West. We highly recommend this restaurant for its beauty, menu, and staff; you won't be disappointed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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