Discovering Blue Heaven: Key West's Spot for Unforgettable Meals and Key Lime Pie

If you're heading to Key West and looking for a great place to dine, you must try Blue Heaven restaurant.

Located on Petronia Street in the heart of a residential neighborhood (Bahama Village), this spot is so magical that calling it just a "restaurant" feels like an insult. Step in, and you're instantly transported to another world—banyan trees form the ceiling and curtains, fairy lights twinkle from branches, and real sails stretch overhead.

Founded by two artists in 1992, every table features hand-painted tiles in vibrant shades—from sunflowers to paisley. It feels like entering a different land: roosters and well-fed cats patrol the grounds, and the stage where Ernest Hemingway once refereed cockfights in the 1930s might host a local improv troupe (as it did the night my mother and I dined there).

Within minutes of being seated by a smiling hostess, our waiter explained the evening’s specials. I chose Bonterra Merlot (~$10–$15/glass today; organic grapes), and my mother ordered the same brand’s Chardonnay. Both arrived quickly with large glasses of ice water—much needed on that humid Key West evening.

Then came the apps: My Vegetarian Black Bean Soup (~$10–$15 today) was a thick, hearty “choup” (Rachael Ray’s term for thicker-than-soup, thinner-than-stew). Steaming hot with chunks of carrots, beans, topped with fresh scallions, shredded sharp white cheddar, and sour cream—so delicious it's hard to believe no meat stock.

My mother’s Splendid Salad (~$10–$15, +$2 for gorgonzola) featured crisp romaine, sprouts, carrot, avocado, tomato, gorgonzola, and orange cider vinaigrette. The acidity perfectly balanced the creamy gorgonzola and avocado with crunchy veggies—truly splendid.

The Main Event

I caught some of the improv performance while sneaking a quick cigarette between courses—hard to follow but definitely interesting. A walk around revealed the open kitchen out back and upstairs (now a gallery, used for dining in bad weather) with sliding peephole doors from its bordello days.

Back at the table, entrées awaited. I had the Eight-Ounce Filet with Cabernet Demi-Glace (~$40–$50+ today; similar steaks now higher) served with freshly baked cornbread, herbed red potatoes, and haricot verts. A single strip of roasted red pepper topped the perfectly seared medium-rare filet.

My mother’s Sautéed Yellowtail Snapper with Citrus Beurre Blanc Sauce (~$30–$40 today) was, in her words, “out of this world.”

Careful not to trip on roots or uneven Chicago brick walkways between courses!

Save Room for the Best Key Lime Pie Ever!

Only because we're Blue Heaven vets did we save room for dessert. We've heard great things about other options but always order the Key Lime Pie (~$10–$12/slice today)—served with a towering cloud of meringue that looks like heaven on a plate. Not too sweet, not too sour; crumbly graham cracker crust divine. The kind of dessert that makes you forget how full you are.

You can read more about Blue Heaven (including past accolades like #1 on Yahoo Travel) at blueheavenkw.com. Check their blog too. Officially at 729 Thomas Street (entrance on Petronia—most likely your route). Enjoy your next Key West trip!

Blue Heaven (2026 Update)

Blue Heaven remains an iconic, beloved spot (blueheavenkw.com; open daily for breakfast/lunch 8am–2:30pm, dinner 5–10pm). The menu has evolved with vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free options, but the whimsical outdoor setting, roaming roosters/cats, live music, and legendary Key Lime Pie endure. Prices higher due to inflation/time (entrées often $30–$50+; check site or call 305-296-8666 for current menu/reservations—highly recommended, especially for dinner). Still worth the visit!

Editor’s Note: Originally published May 29, 2009. Updated in 2026 with new photography; Rebecca Rush's original writing remains unchanged.