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Shanna Key Irish Pub & Grill (Irish Pub Fare)
1900 Flagler St., Key West, Florida
Phone: (305) 295-8880
Hours: Open Daily for Lunch and Dinner
Parking: Free parking in the rear
Price Range: Low - Moderate
Review
We have a number of Irish Pubs on the island of Key West, but they are all in primary tourist areas. Shanna Key has broken that mold and operates in “New Town” but just a few blocks from White Street, which is the point of demarcation to the “Old Town” historic area. This ostensibly means it’s a local’s spot almost exclusively, but it would be a shame if the visitors missed it. Good food in the dining room or at the bar and a fun crowd, but now they’ve added an American twist. Wednesday night from 6 till 9ish is “Bike” night as in motorcycles. If you have a Harley or a Yamaha or anything else that you can rev up and make noise with that has two wheels then you’re in for some special attention. They have live music that ranges from Beatles to folk to Irish, raffles (I hear some of the goodies they give away are high end), food and drink specials and discounts at a local “bike” dealer. Just pull your “hog” up to the corner of Flagler and Bertha and join the throng that collects there and gab with your fellow 2 wheelers. I’ve driven by a few times and everyone’s having a good time so go for it. I hope they plan on renting a tent for Poker Run!
Doug Heyman in Key West for the Food Reference Website
Review
I love a good Irish Pub and we have our fair share of them here on the island. The Irish just know how to have fun and when they drink hearty they need to eat hearty as well, so you know that the corned beef and cabbage or the bangers and mash will be a meal and a half. Shanna Key is no exception. There’s no question they have every decent brew one could possibly need (I’m a Killian’s Red fan) and a menu with all the favorites and some local influence as well. Pool tables and big screen TV are a standard I guess, so you’ll get those elements for sure and plenty of the Irish brogue from behind the bar and apron.
Depending on which door you enter you will get two distinct impressions of the place. Enter via the front door and you will be in a very locals bar with all the usual characters in attendance. Take the back/side entrance and the white tablecloths, crockery laden window shelves and the dark wood seating at the booths puts you into a small family owned style café.
The menu is very full and you won’t be unhappy with any of the typical Irish selections. I was impressed with the beer battered fish and chips on one visit and the shepherd’s pie on another. When eating at the bar we ordered the wings and I will tell you right now they were the hottest/spiciest I have ever personally consumed. The Guiness couldn’t flow fast enough! Service is laid back and friendly with good presentation and a reasonable pricing scheme. The few times I’ve eaten in the dining room it was relatively slow and we were served promptly. It’s a very comfortable environment and I enjoy relaxing with good conversation.
The pubs on Duval Street scream at you that they’re “Irish,” but the two that are away from the main tourist area; Shanna Key being one; are permitting themselves to be real and not overly commercial establishments. You will have to make a point of going to this spot as it’s off the normal tourist path and will require a short drive for most. It’s definitely one of my comfort zones and I hope you will make it one of yours. Plenty of free parking in the rear.
Doug Heyman in Key West for the Food Reference Website
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