Nestled between 24 North and The Gates Hotel is the expanse of Sunset Green event lawn, and less conspicuously, the Blind Pig food truck. The Blind Pig is technically the hotel restaurant of the Gates, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, while the Toasted Coconut is the restaurant of 24 North. The sister hotels co-host events on the lawn, and that’s when the Blind Pig really shines, dishing out high-end comfort food to the masses.
That said, the time to visit it is really a regular old (sunny, Key West) day. Sit outside and soak up the greenery and enjoy fare that scratches the itch for comfort. Executive Chef Michael Torres describes the fare as “fabulicious,” with an island-style approach and a Cuban influence.
On the menu? Favorites like the nachos (“The Pile High Club”) with generous melted cheese, black olives, jalapenos and guacamole, which can be topped with chicken or pork, as well as the “Pillow Fight,” pillowy pretzel bites with a creamy cheddar dipping sauce and spicy mustard. It’s almost like being at your favorite ballpark—if it had a great chef and ocean view.
Standouts are the signature sandwich, the Blind Pig, which Torres describes as “smoked pulled pork, aged and seasoned twice: first in a mojo, then in a barbeque sauce, topped with caramelized onions and Swiss cheese.” The vegetarian winner on the menu is definitely the Golden Goddess, an unexpected twist on a grilled cheese with “pears marinated in orange juice and red wine, reduced for caramelization, grilled with goat cheese and American cheese” on buttery toast. It’s exceptional.
The Blind Pig also has a full taco menu, from carne asada to local fish and shrimp, all served with interesting and flavorful accoutrements like fire-roasted corn and house made bajaremoulade. They serve breakfast starting at 7 a.m.
“Bling Pig” is Prohibition-era slang for a speakeasy, in keeping with the rum-running theme at Rum Row, the bar at the Gates. But there’s no need for discretion when you drop by this little roadside joint—just bring an appetite and some extra napkins.
The Blind Pig
at the Gates Hotel
3824 N Roosevelt Blvd.
Key West
(305) 394-7427
