The docks by Alonzo’s are home to a daily tarpon feeding at 4 PM, which also happens to be when the happy hour begins. A coincidence? I think not. People all around count down to 4, when prices are cut in half for drinks, beer, wine, and about 20 favorite dishes.
Beer-steamed Gulf shrimp arrive atop a red-checkered tray that we honestly didn’t know was there until our waitress came over and gently lifted our dishes off the trays, explaining that’s where the shells go. The shrimp are fresh and plump, with the shells left on for that peel-and-devour delight. The beer is hard to distinguish, but the just-caught shrimps are hard to beat. A half pound is about 12 substantial crustaceans.
Mussels al diablo arrive in a huge white bowl filled to the brim with a spicy marinara sauce that gives them a flavorful edge. Bread soaks up the sauce nicely.
The Alonzo combo oyster plate is a half dozen atop a colorful corn salad. Two are are sprinkled with Parmesan, spinach, bacon, and Pernod. Two are topped with key lime butter, garlic, and Parmesan — tangy, crunchy, and creamy all mixed in up in each delicious bite. And then there are two Buffalo oysters, which have buttered cayenne crumbs and buttermilk blue cheese dressing drizzled on top. There’s something about the Buffalo-style-meets-ocean that really works. Yum.
The famous Key Lime Pie martini tastes like it sounds: an intoxicating liquid slice of key lime pie. If you’re dining with someone, I suggest splitting one, as they’re sweet, creamy, and destined to make your head hurt tomorrow. But they are cool and delicious in the moment: liquid embodiment of the Keys.
The big space is mainly inside, but there are plenty of tables outside, where boats are anchored just feet away. Happy hour at Alonzo’s is a wonderful introduction to Key West.
Sunday | 11am - 10pm |
Monday | 11am - 10pm |
Tuesday | 11am - 10pm |
Wednesday | 11am - 10pm |
Thursday | 11am - 10pm |
Friday | 11am - 10pm |
Saturday | 11am - 10pm |
Other Nearby Restaurants
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Hogfish Bar & Grill
Key West, FloridaHogfish Bar & Grill offers a happy, casual, tropical-themed taste of Florida-Keys life, including superb local seafood and masterfully mixed cocktails.
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Hogfish Bar & Grill
Stock Island, FloridaHogfish Bar & Grill offers a happy, casual, tropical-themed taste of Florida-Keys life, including superb local seafood and masterfully mixed cocktails.
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Fisherman’s Cafe
Key West, FloridaAt the Key West seaport, Fisherman’s Cafe is a casual walk-up eatery serving Conch eats to go or to enjoy at al fresco tables. Open early for breakfast.
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Blue Heaven
Key West, FloridaHouse motto: “Blue Heaven: you don’t have to die to get there.” The outdoor terrace is a magical place for breakfast (or lunch or supper) on Key West.
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La Petite Grignote
Key West, FloridaA more secluded version of Key West’s fine French bakery serves the best pastries in town. Egg breakfasts, bread, coffee & smoothies all are grand.
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Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Pie Shoppe
Key West, FloridaThe Key Lime Pie Nexus of the Universe, Kermit’s, at the seaport, invented Frozen Key lime pie on a stick enrobed in chocolate: sweet-tooth nirvana.