Kelly’s Caribbean embraces locals, tradition

Kelly’s Caribbean embraces locals, tradition - A group of people posing for the camera - T-shirt

Bar and grill does food and drink right

In the former headquarters of Pan American World Airways (Pan Am) is the nostalgic and laid-back establishment, Kelly’s Caribbean Bar Grill and Eatery.

It’s named after the previous owner and star of “Top Gun,” “Witness” and “The Accused” — Kelly McGillis. “She lives in North Carolina but is still really involved,” said manager Chuck Bryant who worked alongside McGillis for years. “Now the second generation of the McGillis family works here.”

The eatery’s Cuban ties resonate with Latin flair on the menu. Seafood, tropical fruits and vegetables, and Caribbean spices are the work of head chef Rebecca White, assistant chef Mick Kilgos and chefs Allyn-Lisa Wise, Annie Cutchin, Richardo Barrios and Katy Gill.

Some popular brunch and lunch menu items are the Key West Famous Fried Fish- Po-Boy and Tuscan Stuffed Chicken. For dinner whole yellowtail snapper is a favorite covered with ginger lime sweet chili glaze.

Beer connoisseurs frequent Kelly’s to try the suds brewed on site, sold exclusively at the Key West restaurant.

“Last week a gentlemen from Funky Buddha Brewery came to try our beer and see our brewery. He was impressed,” said Bryant.

A light refreshing Clipper Wheat sucks up the citrus burst from a slice of lemon dropped in the glass.

“It is the perfect beer for a hot summer day,” said bartender Mary Bifulco.

Other favorites are the Havana Red Ale IPA and the house brewed golden ale.

Happy hour happens twice a day (4-7 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight) with $3.50 call drinks and $2.50 domestic beers. Try some of the tasty bar food like nachos, cheese and beer dip for $5.95. Live music is Thursdays from 5-8 p.m. To learn about private events or wedding parties on the restaurant’s beautiful and tropical grounds, visit kellyskeywest.com.