Blue Heaven Restaurant may be the single best thing in Key West Florida. While Key West has become more and more commercialized over the past 20 years, Blue Heaven has stayed true to its roots and remains a unique and wonderful dinning experience. Not only does Blue Heaven provide that thing or experience most people seek in Key West, Blue Heaven also provides the tastiest food on the key.

Blue Heaven or more formerly, Ricky's Blue Heaven is located a located a few blocks off Duval street (the main drag through the center of town) in an otherwise residential block. From what I have seen and read, not much has changed in Blue Heaven's appearance since opening in 1992. At that time an artist names Suanne and a writer Richard opened the restaurant. Being under capitalized the restaurant was outfitted with hand painted picnic tables. Fortunately Suanne was an artist. Also fortunate was the fact that Richard's brother Dan was a formerly trained chef. The combination of hip creative artists and classic chef has manifested itself into the perfect balance of atmosphere and amazing food.

The atmosphere is unique, colorful and hand made. Its so rustic and uniquely Key West that its cool. The best way to experience Blue Heaven is skip the inside tables and sit outside. The grounds are basically dirt and old brick. And yes the rumors are true, roosters are running around. This is not an atmosphere for stuffy yachters. It is a great atmosphere for anyone with an open mind.

The bar is among the coolest. Looks like the kind of place that you would find tucked away on a tropical island, mainly because it is! Most important they have a solid selection of beers and great tropical drinks. Blue Heaven generously pours top shelf spirits and blends them with fresh juices to make very tasty concoctions.

Now for the food, this is what truly makes Blue Heaven completely special. Blue Heaven serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. All menus are heavenly influenced with Caribbean flavors. The Dinner menu features everything from Caribbean BBQ Shrimp to Beef Tenderloin and even Tofu Stir Fry. The real key is the spices used to make any of the meal from Blue Heaven's kitchen uniquely Caribbean and uniquely Blue Heaven. Items like Plantains and Mango Chutney are often served as sauces and accompaniments to main dishes. Delicious!

Blue Heaven today stands as a monument to what Key West stood for twenty years ago. The wait staff if friendly and as hospitable as they come, you will be made to feel as if a guest in their home. The atmosphere at Blue Heaven is colorful and unique to Key West. The food at Blue Heaven could not be better. I can't imagine a trip to the Keys without at least one meal at Blue Heaven.