Key West - A look at Schooner Wharf

 

The stage is set up permanently and is always occupied by a performer -
 with a tip hat in front but no tip is required. 

One of the iconic restaurants in Key West is Schooner Wharf. It’s the only place I know of that has two happy hours: one in the morning and one just before the dinner meal. They are also one of the few places with live entertainment starting early afternoon with multiple performers during the day. 

You can see one of the many roosters in the area at bottom right
The kitchen is available for your inspection too

The restaurant may give pause to those not familiar with Key West traditions. There’s no ceiling, no walls, and the floor is gravel. There are roosters wandering around and some hens with their brood. Dogs are welcomed, we often take Hoolie along and there’s always water put out for pets. The food is remarkable good, you can see the kitchen as you wait to be served while listening to the night’s entertainment. 

How many restaurants have their own cigar bar?
Schooner Wharf has had one for years.

If there’s northern blowing, they will put up plastic curtains to ward off the cold, especially if it dips into the 60s. Key West is surrounded by water which acts as an enormous heat sink to moderate any cold front that somehow finds its way that far south. 

So if you’re ever in Key West, be sure to have a dinner at Schooner Wharf, it’s a unique experience and part of the Key West experience.