General Horseplay — Restaurant in Key West

Unfortunately, we had a very negative experience immediately upon our arrival Sunday 4/3/22 around 5:30 pm. My daughter and I were the first to arrive out of our party of eight. We sat at the bar and WE greeted the bartender with a smile and a hello. He barely responded as it was apparent he was struggling with the sushi garnish while making hour of their signature martini cocktails, Wake Up Buttercup. He wad sticking his fingers in the cocktails while trying to dig out the sushi garnish from the glass and cursed while we were sitting there and proceeded to tell me that this is why he cannot talk while making cocktails. He was harsh the few minutes we were sitting there only for it to go from uncomfortable to unacceptable. My husband walked in from the outdoor sunlight into the bar and greeted the bartender and asked him where the mens room was, the bartenders loud response to my husband was … use your eyes Sir it is right there in front of you !!! Not only was it uncomfortable for us but it was obviously it was equally uncomfortable to the table of patrons trying to enjoy their Wake Up Buttercup martini! We got up and walked out, I told the bartender that his rudeness was unacceptable, his response as we were walking out the door was … well it is the General Horseplay bar and we like to horse around. There was no humor or horsing around durning the few minutes we were there. Something must have been physically or mentally bothering him or he is just in the wrong business. One of the patrons sitting at the long table in front of the bar ran out after us and said she was sorry his rude to us and said he was rude to them as well. She recommended The Saint Hotel, our party of eight all met there and enjoyed fabulous cocktails and appetizers. We sat at the inside main level bar however there is seating options outside by the beautiful garden and pool area in addition to s roof top bar option. While vacationing we like to spend our money at welcoming establishments. I have a call in with General Horseplay to personally share our...

First Time here. I came to this cute place for Fantasy Fest . It was nicely packed and we found a spot at the end of the bar. I ordered one of the crafted cocktails , actually two, and it was out of this world. PERFECT!!The drink , mezcal based, was called El Cuerno de Aire. This review is very especial, not because of the great drinks or the service, but because the staff , the ones i met and the ones i did not, is a true representation of Key West people. Friendly, helpful, serviceable, down to earth and most importantly ...honest . Let me quickly explain: Our visit was cut short when i had a " wardrobe malfunction" in the restroom and in panic , i left my backpack hung on a hook . 30 seconds later , it was gone. Thank God i had my phone with me but car keys, ID, wallet and my friend's phone and wallet was there too. It has never happened before. Two days later we found a ride back to this place and met with Erick. He checked the Lost and Found but found nothing. We ordered the same drinks as a consolation because we needed to really figure out how to get back home without money, or car keys. Suddenly Erick remembered seeing something out of place back there thinking that it could have belonged to one the staff and went to check again. When this guy came through that door behind the bar with the backpack in his hands, my eyes got teary and my girlfriend started screaming of joy and ....We ordered another round. Who knows how many people handled the bag, even the one who found it. Nothing was missing. We are very grateful to Erick and the ones behind this ,whom probably we will never know their identities. People say we were lucky, i say it was karma, a fine example of GOOD karma for us thanks to the General Horseplay staff. We are back home and next time we visit Key West, we are definitely going back to this place . Always do good to others, the moment you least expect or when you need it the most , it will go...

Ducked in last weekend after the bartender at Irish Kevin's (Jenna?) steered us that way for a craft cocktail made with pride, and she was right, here's why: Livi was our bartender and she is also a partial proprietor, SCORE! Small spot, cozy, well adorned Cocktails made with pride and quality in mind Tray of fresh ingredients handy, that is always a plus! Epic Espresso Martini--very coffee-y and very booze-y, 2 and done! Delish! Awesome decor--thoughtful, balanced, cool posters, homage to old artifacts, Instagram crack all day. Well done. Big back patio that we did not get to experience because that party is later. So, we will be back. Jenga, Pool, darts, and Galaga. Need I say more?

Apparently Livi and her partners have a half a dozen other spots in Key West that are part of the portfolio. She shared a promo pocket flyer with me. I haven't visited them, yet, but you can trust I will.

The folks in charge have an eye for quality, decor, social media, fresh ingredients, proper pricing, hospitality and so forth. Keep up the good work.

I own and run a digital marketing company, so, of course I handed out my card. They don't need me, they own Instagram. And they have bartenders from other spots referring customers their way. Well done.

Good stuff, see you...