Geiger Key Pub & Grill
5 Geiger Road, Geiger Key off Big Coppit Key
Geiger Key, Florida
Phone: (305) 294-1230
REVIEW
I have to say I had heard from a number of people that there was a place to eat and drink where you felt like you were a local right away and the surroundings were a truly rustic waterfront environment. One woman I met was a bartender and she said she loved working at this spot. The place of which I speak is known as Geiger Key Marina about 5 miles east of Big Coppit Key at the 10-mile marker off route one. You will by all means need to ask someone how to get there if you’re not familiar with the territory. I ended up there only because I had a friend who lived nearby and it was convenient to her home. My one visit was sufficient.
I will say that sometimes you go to a pub or restaurant because it’s just the local place to be where “everyone knows your name” as the sitcom theme song states. I guess I can see that where Geiger Key Marina is concerned, and since I don’t live there I’m sure that’s why I felt separated from the warm experience I would hope to have had. The service was basic but not special, the food comes picnic style in a plastic basket and the flavors nothing to write home about. I can be happy pretty much anywhere that boats float, so the highlight for me was the surroundings, but I can have that here in Key West any day at a number of eating establishments that have excellent quality food and broad menu selections all 5 minutes away rather then 20 minutes off the island.
I ordered the fish sandwich with French fries and a coffee. The bun was obviously out of a plastic bag that came off a grocery store shelf, the lettuce had been around for a while and all the while I was doing battle with a fly or two. The coffee was “cooked” a bit so it was bitter. Thank goodness for good conversation. I had heard a few good things about the place and opportunities to visit there had eluded me for so long I had actually gotten excited about the chance to go. I guess some local flavor is best shared and enjoyed among the most local inhabitants.
Parking is relatively plentiful and the drive out there is pleasant. I will say that if you are a resident and you’re hungry or in need of libation Geiger Key Marina will certainly fill the void, and I only visited there one time so I don’t claim to have the whole picture. You should always go off the beaten path to explore and experience new places, and I want to encourage that, so try Geiger Key and let me know what you think!
Doug Heyman in Key West for the Food Reference Website
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