CATCH THE WAVE: Hang Loose at Lucy’s

CATCH THE WAVE: Hang Loose at Lucy’s - A plate of food on a table - Brunch

Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar and Restaurant has hit Key West like the big Kahuna. Open just a few weeks, they have made a big splash on the corner of Grinnell and James streets, garnering local support and rave reviews with their kick-off party. Nightly the restaurant has seen a full house while the word has spread about the easy-going eatery with a coastal menu.

This is the second location for Lucy’s, the original is in New Orleans. (It’s easy to marry Cajun flavors with the Key West party atmosphere.) Happy hour is already a success with $3 house wine, draft beer and well drinks and half-off appetizers. With the newly renovated bar, there is enough room for everyone to enjoy a drink or two like the Worm shot (tequila with vodka-soaked worm) or the Scorpion, (gold tequila with vodka-soaked scorpion). Those brave enough get a complimentary T-shirt while supplies last.

The lunch and dinner menu has a bevy of favorites. Burgers, sandwiches — including New Orleans’ style Po’ boys — tacos, and fresh salads are available but get your seafood on with some of their finer specialties. Start the night with the Shaka Ceviche, fresh local fish cured in a citrus marinade served with avocado and plantain chips, or the Avocado Fritas, delicious beer battered fried avocados. So far, locals are showing a preference for the loaded, beer-braised mussels and the classic shrimp ‘n’ grits topped with a little honey jalapeño just to kick it up a notch. Locals are usually picky about Key Lime dessert, but the Key Lime Mousse with crushed pistachios, is light and airy, without the tart aftertaste.

“We want people to feel like it’s been here for years,” said Lucy’s Marketing Director Leigh Wright. “This location fit because we really want to be a part of the community and create a good place for locals to come.”

On Wednesday, Oct. 26, make plans to attend the “Blue Party.” The ocean-inspired fiesta will have a costume contest, food and drink specials, and Patrick and the Swayzees playing live. For more about Lucy’s go to www.lucysretiredsurfers.com.

 Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant

320 Grinnell St. | 305.922.2616.

Open at 11 a.m. on weekdays and at 10 a.m. on weekends, until late.

“Lucy’s loves Key West tradition and is very dog friendly!” — Leigh Wright, Lucy’s marketing director

 

Hays Blinckmann is an oil painter, author of the novel “In The Salt,” lover of all things German including husband, children and Bundesliga. She spends her free time developing a font for sarcasm, testing foreign wines and failing miserably at home cooking.