The majority of my reviews this past week reflect various restaurants that we had dinner in while in Key West for the week. Based on the reviews, I thought that I was saving the best for last… we reserved a table, for sunset on Friday at Hot Tin Roof. When we arrived for our reservation, we were told that the patio area for full, even though I Had made the reservation a few weeks out. The choice of tables was loud music from the pier with limited view or a table with one person having a view. The second issue was the selection of gluten free items. The staff was not very knowledgable and actually seemed irritated by our requests. The menu was also pretty limited for the non– gluten effected people as well. Based on our experiences for seven nights of dinners, this was would be rated number six of the seven dining experiences. Recommend paying attention to the write ups — our experience was that the restaurant didn’t live up to the hype. For the General Manager — need to look at the trend line of your reviews — seem pretty negative over the past eight months… Something has changed.
Mr H.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Potomac, MD
While the food was very good, though limited for Gluten Free dining. The service was about a 1.5÷2 at most, and we considered getting up & leaving at one point, but did not… Waitress seemed to disappear & walk right past us numerous times without even glancing our way
Stephanie S.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Jupiter, FL
Overall, I thought the dinner was ok. The only thing worth returning for is the tuna tacos which were very small and the sunset views. My husband has the swordfish with plantain crust-couldn’t taste the plantain at all and overall nothing eventful but it was cooked well. The chorizo appetizer had a good amount of spice but not very hot in temperature. I think for the price I would’ve preferred a dive bar with fish sandwiches and clams.
Alexandre C.
Rating des Ortes: 1 Coral Gables, FL
This place is totally not going to be my favorite restaurant for sure. We decided to have dinner at this place since it looks great from the pictures. The service is good but the food is terrible. We ordered the mussels and it taste just rotten. We stopped our appetizer and wait for our Entrée to come, we ordered paella and we expect the kitchen to pay more attention about the food that going to serve their guest. Once we taste the rice, it was just fine but then we tried the mussels in the paella, it totally rotten, worst worst and worst. way this point we won’t be able to eat anything anymore coz this rotten mussels ruin the whole thing and it still stuck in our mouth. Guys, you can’t serve rotten food to the guest, it might cause sickness. Please care you guest rather than the $$$$.
KJ D.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Brandon, FL
We paid a visit to Hot Tin Roof, Key West, FL. We were greeted and seated early. Seating availability was a choice as later the establishment began to fill up after we got there. We did something a little different with the menu. Just so we are able to get more from the menu, the wife and I agree to menu items and shared; Conch Croquette and Clam Cake as an appetizer; Scallop Risotto and Latin Chicken; dessert, what else… finished off with Key Lime Pie. The food and dessert overall was very good and prepared well. The staff worked well together!
Io S.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Methuen, MA
Positives: Excellent paella and raw oysters. Decent wine selection, though comically marked-up.(I think they have Campo Viejo — a drinkable table Rioja Temperanillo — for $ 35 or $ 40. I can get it in New Hampshire for $ 10 at the state-run packy.) Fine desserts. Back-lit menus. Has sunset view. Negatives: Sunset-view dining room has one or two too many tables in it for comfortable dining. In fact, we were seated at a two-top that boasted a 5– to 10-degree angle(probably closer to 5, as it didn’t seem so bad when we were seated, smashed up against the wall in the corner. What’s more, that«sunset view» they boast about is really the view of the back of tourists and other nincompoops who file into the dining room at the last moment, even though they haven’t made reservations for it. Wine service was maddeningly slow, with green wine«captain»(more like a seaman recruit) forgetting his knife, initially bringing out the wrong bottle, and taking well over 20 minutes between wine order and initial pour. Food service, however, was prompt and efficient. Pricey. If the seating experience were better, it wouldn’t seem so steep. About $ 150 a person, with one bottle of decent Malbec, two appetizers(8 oysters and delicious pulled-pork empandas), two entrees and one shared dessert. For the price, the experience should have been quieter, more comfortable, less rushed. Frankly, on the fence about recommending.
Nadjah N.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Hollywood, FL
To start I want to say that this restaurant was very beautiful and the host and server were impeccable. However the actual food there was very mediocre. Starting out we got seelbach which was a twist on a Manhattan but with prosecco, very good and well made. For dinner we got the scallop risotto, this I have to say was not good at all. The scallops were seared to perfection but the whole dish lacked seasoning, and the risotto was just mushy rice. Then we ordered the 8 oz steak which was well prepared and the guava bbq sauce was a good touch. For a side we got the Brussels sprouts and I was so disappointed in them. They were undercooked and extremely hard to chew. I want to give this place a four but the food wasn’t executed that well, which really sadden me because the restaurant and the staff were so amazing.
Jennifer I.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Austin, TX
Excellent view Excellent service Excellent food Recommended at sunset & truly gorgeous!
Ryan L.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Tampa, FL
What a great experience! My wife and I had dinner here shortly after sunset on our date night. We were greeted by Joseph who offered us two complementary glasses of champagne to celebrate our special night. We were then seated promptly at our reservation time for a lovely meal on the patio. We chose to have the surf and turf for two($ 110), which included an 8oz filet(I actually substituted this for the grouper), a half pound Florida lobster tail, two shrimp, two sea scallops, black truffle fries and brussels sprouts. It was a great value and a terrific meal that we shared together. We finished our evening with some Key Lime pie, which was also delicious. If you can get there for the sunset, there is no better restaurant from which to watch what must be some of the most spectacular sunsets you will ever see. But, outdoor seating is not guaranteed, so good luck!
Boris V.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Francisco, CA
We came here for a cocktail at sunset. Great location, great service, great cocktails(thanks Patrick!).
David T.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Arlington, VA
The Hot Tin Roof ambiance is great. You can watch the sunset as boats pass you by. The food is above average but I felt it was not worth price. Moreover, the service the night I was there was below average. You can find a much better value somewhere else. I had the short rib entrée and lobster mac & cheese small plate. Both, lacked the flavor I typically associate with these dishes. I give this a three star because of the ambiance and above average food. However, take away the ambiance and this would be a two star. I do not recommend because the overall quality of the food and service do not mirror the final bill.
Dalia M.
Rating des Ortes: 4 West Loop, Chicago, IL
This was our first meal on our honeymoon as Mr. & Mrs. and we were super excited to just eat and drink everything! I had requested to sit outside for the sunset(as I’m sure everyone does) but I did note that it was our first stop on our honeymoon and we were staying at the hotel but they still sat us inside which was unfortunate. They did send over some bubbly to celebrate but I had really wished they had honored the request for such a special occasion! The food and service was excellent. We ate a ton of delicious seafood and had a great bottle of pinot noir. We were able to catch glimpses of the sunset from our seats(we sat on one side of the booth to see out). Our server was really great. He even took us outside to take a sunset photo. Always attentive and honest about our order size — you don’t always get that! I recommend this spot for a nicer dinner in Key West. We enjoyed it as our first date night as a married couple!
Jon B.
Rating des Ortes: 4 North Hollywood, CA
The food here was terrific! One mistake — the bus boy dropped water on my mom. She wasn’t too thrilled about that. Also — not sure if it’s a nightly ongoing thing but there was a really loud band on the pier. So — every time the door opened we couldn’t hear each other talk. But — the food was great! It was so good that I have this place 4 stars even with the above issues. If you’re in Key West go here!
Brian R.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Boca Raton, FL
I have to say it was a good experience. The food was very good. The bar is run by some really pleasant folks who serve well. The view here, from the patios, is one of the few good water views from a quality restaurant, so it has that working for it. Definitely skip the breezy pier and the cattle herd of tourists to come up to HTR’s more civilized porch and have a libation or three(It’s the Keys). My meal was well prepared, but not memorable. They seemed to be going more for keep everyone happy than ‘holy freakin’ wow.” Table service was excellent, and the kitchen turned food out well considering that they had a large private party there at the same time.
A W.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Brooklyn, NY
Dinner with a spectacular sunset view when sitting in their outdoor patio. Very romantic. Cherry tart Chardonnay: light sweet and smoky flavor Meiomi Pinot Noir: sweet berry taste Sataki: Very interactive. You get raw tuna on a stick and your own mini grill. Grill your own tuna, dip it in either soy sauce or sweet spicy sauce and sesame Flatbread: So good! Lobster Mac & Cheese: Didn’t get that many lobster pieces but still yummy, creamy, and filling Scallop Risotto: Very delicious. scallops were tender Braised Short Rib: Very tender and flavorful Key Lime Pie: so rich, creamy, smooth. it just melted in my mouth. Not too limey or sour. Just a well mixed of sweetness and tangy, Service was very on point. Highly recommend!
Laura W.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Baltimore, MD
We experienced a most enjoyable brunch here. All cooked to order and served table side. The brunch starts with a seafood platter consisting of mussels, raw oysters, ceviche and steamed shrimp and the biggest cinnamon roll ever brought to the table. Bloodiest and mimosas are bottomless, with the bloody Mary’s given a personalized twist at fixing bar. The whole menu is unlimited and consists of pancakes, waffles, seafood, fruits, cheese platters, Benedicts, and more prepared in ways you haven’t had before influenced by Caribbean and tropical cooking. The wait staff was excellent and the bartender was engaging and excellent. Water glasses were kept filled, plates cleared timely and drinks refreshed as needed. This was worth every dollar and will become a stop for us each visit to the Keys.
Valentine A.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Washington, DC
We had a very good time at the Hot Tin Roof. We made a reservation for 7 or so, and got to eat on the patio while watching the sun set over the ocean. Just for that experience, the Hot Tin Roof is definitely worth it. The Hemingway daiquiri was the best we’ve had on the island. I’m not a big fan of daiquiri, but I really loved that one. We had a series of small plates instead of ordering 2 mains. Those small plates felt playful and fun, on top of being delicious, and we were really happy with our choice. There was one small plate where we got to cook our pieces of raw fish over coal, and that was my favorite of all. Do check out their decadent desserts, they’re the perfect indulgence for your island evening…
Carolina Z.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Miami, FL
Our hotel suggested this Restaurant and it was an excellent suggestion. This restaurant has a very nice & sophisticated feel. This is an excellent choice if you are looking for a classy feel. They have an outdoor terrace which overlooks the ocean. Since we were going to be a group of 12 I did call a few weeks in advance to make the reservation. They kindly called me to confirm the day of the reservation. Our table was ready when we arrived & they really made an effort to treat us like royalty. The food was exquisite and all my friends in the table agreed it was wonderful. The service was also wonderful. The manager also kindly stopped by to welcome us. I definitely recommend if you are in Key West and want to have a nice dinner. Enjoy!
Michele W.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Jeffersontown, KY
Great Key West restaurant, for the incredible food, great service, and beautiful sunset view. It is It is a little pricey, but not too bad. They do not charge you to share a plate, which I really appreciate. The Tuna Tostadas small plate was delicious. The Caramelized Grouper large plate was also good, as was the Lobster & Mac side plate. I wanted dessert, but we were SO full.
Sarah T.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Philadelphia, PA
Amazing brunch! Give me a create your own Bloody Mary bar and Im hooked! Come full though. Its pricey but well worth if if your hungry. The Oysters were delish and my kids loved the desserts. We would definitely go back again!