Mathieson’s 4th of July Ice Cream Parlor/Restaurant
1110 White Street, Key West, Florida
Phone: (305) 294-8089
Hours:
Tues - Thurs 11am-10pm Fri - Sat 11am-11pm
Sun 11am-9pm
REVIEW
You always hope someone who takes the chance by opening a new restaurant in Key West, and they are taking a big gamble economically here, will build the proverbial better mousetrap. Mathieson’s 4th of July on White Street in Key West hasn’t built a new or better eatery, but has yielded back to an old concept that pulls on the heartstrings of many baby boomers and appeals to the hearts and minds of youngsters as well. They have given us the classic ice cream parlor, but with a bit more.
The homemade ice cream is so very good that it makes the sundaes, egg creams and floats among the best I’ve ever had. The “bit more?”… They serve very good food as well including deli favorites. I chose the pork barbeque sandwich and my friend ordered the foot long hot dog (split and grilled just right). Both meals came with thin cut french fries, cole slaw (creamy style) and a kosher pickle. It was not only the most delicious lunch I’ve had in a while, but simply a lot of fun.
You have to love the red and chrome bar stools, the glass cylinders holding the straws, the step up booths, the small children’s table and chairs by the entrance and the rough hewn red, white and blue clapboard walls. The big glass freezer case with some 30-40 flavors of ice cream plays center stage. There’s something timeless about watching children with their noses pressed up against that freezer glass.
If you want to feel like a kid again yourself then you must stop by the 4th of July Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant on White St. The two of us ate lunch and enjoyed floats for a total bill of $24.00 plus tip. White Street isn’t downtown, but parking is limited to the streets. I’m also happy to hear they’ll be delivering. They will be closed on Mondays. My guess is that this great new eatery will outgrow its confines in 6 months. Definitely go and enjoy!
Doug Heyman in Key West for the Food Reference Website
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