What People Are Saying About Louie's Backyard
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene – Louie's has one stunning backyard. A tri-level wooden deck drops down from the elegantly appointed dining room to two patio dining areas surrounded by tropical plants. It ends with a star-lit bar and cocktail lounge overlooking the Florida Straights. The food is haute, the service white-tablecloth professional, and the ambience relaxed and casual. – – The Food – Whether revisiting classics (creamy textured duck rillettes with arugula salad) or reinventing them (savory smoked trout-bread pudding crowned by osetra caviar), Chef Doug Shook displays the skills…
05/06/08
Still a Favorite
by JLowenthal
While I don't think the food is as memorable as it was when I first dined there in the early 90's, when you add location and ambience, Louie's Backyard is still on my list of can't miss dining spots in Key West. 2007 broke a string of 10 consecutive years visiting Key West so I can not address the reviews written that year; I can only say we never had a bad or poorly prepared meal nor were we ever treated badly or ignored by the staff. We'll be back in July and dinner at Louie's is top of the list.
- Pros: Great Location, Right On the Water, Ambience, Service
04/22/08
service could have been better
by MartyTaub
The food was good, service(that night anyway) marginal. First it's are you ready, are you ready to order ? then we can't find her when it's time to order. The next door neighbor was grilling outside and the smoke forced us inside as there were no other tables. Not bad, but I think once is enough at Louie's
- Pros: on the water if you get it
- Cons: cranky waitress
10/23/07
Doug Shook kicks Louie's into high gear.
by cachef1
Having recently returned from Key West October 18, 2007, I can say with gratitude that Louie's Backyard has defied time and is as great as ever. The last time I dined at Louie's was 20 years ago, shortly after Doug Shook took over as Executive Chef. Being in the restaurant business, Louie's those many years back, seemed like a jewel from the ocean, an oasis from the tourist environment of Duval Street. During this last visit I must have had 5 dinners and 2 lunches simply because no other on the island could deliver such consistently delicious food and gracious service. Each day Chef Shook fillets the freshest fish possible, caught and delivered by his fisherman. There may be fresh grouper served over braised red chard and brought together by a multi-layered vegetable demi-glace, or hog fish served over white chantrelle mushrooms, the lunch and evening "specials" are just that, very special. You must try their Bahamian Conch Chowder with Bird Pepper Hot Sauce. I have had other chowders that are OK, but come up short of the complete flavors of Louie's take on this dish. Other dinner entrees that have all been exemplary included Sauteed Veal Sweetbreads as tender as anyone could want; Pan Roasted Young Chicken that was as perfectly cooked as any chicken I have had and served with a melange of Artichokes, Eggpplant, and crist Roasted Fingerling Potatoes. A very special salad, not available outside of tomato season, brings together diced watermelon, heirloom tomatoes, and goat cheese. But it was layered in a circular ring with the goat cheese on the botton, the tomatoes and watermelon on top, placed on a bed of arugula and "sprikled" with balsamic jelly, not just the usual balsamic vinaigrette. It was truely inspired. Sevice was exemplary. I was made to feel as though I had walked into my own home. Wait staff were friednly, excited about the food served, and helpfull in every way that I could expect. Coupled with the ocean view, Louie's remains very special indeed.
- Pros: Very special food, service, wine list, and ambiance by the ocean. Well worth the price.
- Cons: None
The Details on Louie's Backyard
Where to Sit:
A spacious upstairs dining room opens onto a balcony overlooking the Atlantic and accommodates private groups of 20 to 45 people.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
On the patio
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