This place was surprisingly good. I thought to myself, oh great, "bar food" when it was recommended to me. However, everything was delicious and exceeded expectations. The Conch Fritters were a good option for an appetizer, although I can't say I've had them before so I don't have much to compare them to. That being said, I would have it again. I'd say from first experience, they remind me of a cross between a hush puppy and a crab cake. We also got the Island Style Roast Pork Bowl and Caroline's Famous Fish Sandwich as our entrées. We tried a bit of each others meals and both of us enjoyed both dishes, which is a rare feat. The bowl was as good as any mojo pork I've had in the area. It was my personal favorite of the two, and I would eat it regularly if I were local. The fish sandwich though, was also a great meal not to be overshadowed. The portion was extremely generous, and what made it was the quality of the bread and the seasoning and battering of the fish filet was perfect. The fiIet was flaky and moist and extremly fresh. I could eat either dish again. For dessert, we shared a slice of Key Lime Pie. I would say to it wasn't my favorite of the places I tried here, but she disagrees. I suppose it's a preference of flavor. This version was a little more subtle in Key Lime Flavor, did not have the tartness of versions I prefer, and had a very thin, almost non existent crust in comparison. So, if you aren't a fan of the real in your face zing of Key Lime, this might be the slice for you. All in all, I would recommend Caroline's as one of the better restaurants I went to...
Read moreThe next time you visit Key West you must stop at Caroline's Cafe for lunch, I promise you will not be disappointed. We had a group of 8 peeps and they seated us right away. The server immediately brought us water, which is the most important thing a server can do for customers, especially walking around in the summer sun. The seating was outdoors under a huge canopy and thankfully there were huge fans blowing a cool breeze just inches from our table. We were visited several times by the locals - a few roosters and some chickens, pecking their way through the restaurant.
The drinks and the eats: We were in a drinking mood, so our table ordered Key Lime Mojitos - filled with Key Lime Rum, Fresh Mint, Lime, and Soda. Perfect to get our palets ready for yummy food. My family started off with chicken wings, which hit the spot! They were crunchy and covered in the most delicious buffalo wing sauce. A few of us ordered the Boston Lettuce Wraps with grilled chicken, carrots, coconut curry noodles, bean sprouts, and cucumber salad with peanut and spicy red chile sauces. I am a vegetarian and I ordered mine without meat, and it was so satisfying and delicious. The rest of the family ordered Shrimp Po’ Boys, which came with a fried shrimp, lettuce, tomato, and remoulade served on a toasted roll. Everyone at my table was very happy with their food and would def visit again the next time we visit Key West. Caroline's Cafe is located at 310 Duval Street in Key...
Read moreOur experience at Caroline’s was five star from the moment we asked for a table. We were greeted with many smiles and given a table that was easily accessible for my son and his wheelchair. Our server, Michelle came over within moments of us being seated to say hello, ask about dietary restrictions and get our drink orders. Robert, the manager arrived at our table simultaneously. Robert and Michelle both quickly won over our son and entire family with their fun, compassionate, and kind personalities. Our drinks were filled constantly. The runners promptly and accurately delivered our orders. And Robert and Michelle checked on us frequently. Robert even offered to puree our son’s food and even bring it a littler before ours so we could help him start eating. These are things we would never even think to ask for as we have learned what’s easy to order and just roll with it. Our son loved getting to meet the chef that helped make the meal. The attention to detail was outstanding and this was not only happening at our table. I watched Robert work the room and check on all of the tables with the same genuine interactions he had with us. Although we appear to be pretty high maintenance guests- we really request little- a pile of napkins, something to smash for my son, and hopefully an option without gluten for me. Caroline’s exceeded our expectations in every single way. I’m not sure I ever left a Google review- but the experience warranted it for sure! So...
Read more