Rusty Anchor (Seafood)
5th Ave, corner of Old Shrimp Road
Stock Island, Key West, Florida
Phone: (305) 294-5369
Parking: Large parking lot
Prices: Moderate
REVIEW
(February 2010) We went to the Rusty Anchor early in the day to be sure we knew where it was. The outside of the building was in good repair and the parking lot was clean and neat.
When we went back later, we were seated in a timely manner. There was ample seating. The atmosphere was casual and family oriented and a rustic, nautical motif. The parking lot was full when we got there and a steady stream of guests kept coming. Most were groups of 2 or more and many families.
The bathroom was clean and neat and well supplied.
Brian was our waitstaff. He spent a lot of time with us. He was courteous, friendly, very talkative and he spent a good deal of time helping me to decide what entree to purchase. After probably a good 20 minutes, I figured out what I wanted. Brian described the food entrees in detail and was very patient.
Our water was served in a speedy manner and never left empty. The drinks were made with plenty of alcohol and flavor and delivered in a speedy manner. We ordered a salad to split and it also was delivered rather quickly - within five minutes. The salad was plentiful and fresh, crisp and delicious. He brought two types of dressing - one for each of us - since we were sharing.
Brian was excellent at clearing dirty plates from the table as soon as they were empty.
My Florida lobster was hot, tasty, served as requested. It was tender and flavorful and fresh. It came with a baked potato which was large and delicious and cooked completely. It also came with green beans that were sauteed with onions to some extent. The green beans would be my only complaint in this entire review. They were rather mushy and appeared to be canned.
Paul's fried Captains Platter was giant. The squid was good, the Mahi was excellent, the scallops were excellent, the shrimp was slightly overcooked but still good. The shrimp was butterflied and would probably have done better if it had not been butterflied. The conch fritters were good, and the french fries were plentiful. The entire platter was hot and it was enough for 2 or more people.
Our waiter, Brian, made repeated trips to our table to fill the water, ask if we needed anything, and make sure we liked our food. He repeatedly engaged in conversation and paid attention to us and our needs, as well as having many interactions with us about his travel desires - which matched ours - and places where he and us had both traveled. Things had slowed down a bit so he was able to spend more time chatting with us.
He was honest and forthright. If he felt something was not the best choice considering what we expressed to be our taste, he told us so. He did say and it was confirmed by the retiree we talked to that their prices on many items is $10 less than other places on Key West.
We would definitely return to the Rusty anchor and would go there more often if in the area. They were steadily busy. When we got ready to go, Brian gave us a hearty handshake.
Dera & Paul for the Food Reference website
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