The Flaming Buoy Filet Co. — Restaurant in Key West

We were in the mood for Grouper and came here for dinner one evening because their menu showed them having Grouper in a couple of styles. We actually walked past it, because the signage is basically just a sandwich board outfront, which we overlooked when walking by, but then we walked in… isn’t this place interesting?!?! A Star Wars theme with eclectic décor and an interesting version of Urban Gothic of the owner on the wall.

We were quickly checked in and given a table in the window… nice view to see all the folks on Eaton near Duval enjoying the evening.

The menu is extremely interesting, we later learned from our server (sorry for not remembering, but I think his name is Neil?) that the majority of the recipes are from family and friends. They had everything from Cincinnati-style chili on hot dogs (I saw them, they’re “Skyline” style too!!) to Italian to Thai… Normally I don’t do Pan-Asian joints, let alone joints that make and server everything, but this place seemed like the place to give in.

We started with their trio appetizer (which seemed popular this evening, as other tables ordered it too) and I have to say that everything in it was excellent! The flavors of the lobster mac were the most robust of the three, but each were fresh and very nicely created. For my fav, it was a toss up between the lobster mac and the chimichurri shrimp… that chimichurri was excellent and the shrimp perfect flavored and grilled!

Dinner for me consisted of their Thai red chili curried black grouper – Awesome! Such a huge portion too!! The Thai red chili curry was excellent and had one heck of a kick to it (then again, I asked for the kitchen to spike it up!) and the grouper was fresh and nicely brought to temp! The veggies, specifically the snow peas were so very good!! Wifey ordered the seafood marinara, as she loves a really good gremolata and this one not only didn’t disappoint, she fell in love with it, INSTANTLY!! She couldn’t stop enjoying it, even though there was so much food, half was all she needed… she kept on going!

We both really enjoyed everything about Flaming Buoy – The service, the menu, the food, and most definitely the wine list! They have a very nice wine list, which isn’t too excessive with the mark up, but no cocktails… We do enjoy a nice cocktail before dinner, but we also enjoy wine to a greater extent, so we were disappointed. (I did hear the server at another table inform the patrons there they could bring cocktails from Tempt across the street over to enjoy with dinner – which is a great idea too, as Tempt is an AMAZING cocktail bar!)

We definitely plan on visiting The Flaming Buoy Filet Co. when back in town next time… this place was so good, it’s worth visiting more than once to try so many more of their...

We came here on recommendation by my uncle who frequents Key West and boy are we glad. I made a reservation for my small family (husband, three-year-old son, me) because I know how popular this place is. Although there was no kid’s menu - the guys were extremely accommodating and welcoming to my son. They had a booster seat which I think was great - my son doesn’t really need it but just the fact that they had it set up and ready for him was proof that they cared about our satisfaction. The food was excellent - my husband had the ribs which he thoroughly enjoyed, and I had the catch of the day which was red grouper. It was so so so delish!!!! They made my son fresh Mac and cheese which I thought was really nice. The decor was awesome - lots of Star Wars stuff, and cool paintings.

Now- My son is a very very well behaved kid - used to going out to eat all the time in New York where were from. He RARELY acts out in a restaurant. This day - he had been up since 2am because of our early 5am flight to Key West, so he was a bit exhausted. We probably shouldn’t have taken him out to dinner on the first night (our bad). Towards the end of the meal he was a bit cranky - so of course out of respect to the rest of the people in the establishment, my husband took him outside for a bit to calm him down (we NEVER like to be that couple with the annoying kid - lol). After a bit of a walk and some hugs they came back in, we finished our meal and my son was quiet for the rest of the meal.

If you’re in Key West - don’t pass up this small place. It’s easy to miss - kind of a hole in the wall place - but the food is great, the service is awesome, and just the overall vibe is cool. If you have well-behaved children totally bring them! We’re so happy we went! Thanks guys for the great...

This place was recommended by a family member who also agreed with our assessment after this meal.

Pros: Location is very good, it has a nice ambiance, some food items ordered tasted excellent.

Cons: They kept both front doors open so the restaurant was humid, no air circulation. It is a very small restaurant unless you prefer it that way. It doesn’t help getting food delivered any sooner either as we waited about an hour to get our main meal. For this style dining, we we’re not pleased with being handed a can of coke vs a nice tall glass of soda. The Surf & Turf was a disaster. Sure the lobster tail is mainly a shell with a couple of pieces of lobster but it was made up of mainly breadcrumbs with mushrooms. The rest of your lobster is in their Mac n Cheese. I specifically asked how much a size difference is there between the filet mignonette and the filet on the Surf & Turf and he said 6oz vs 4 oz/ So I kept with the Filet and my husband got the Surf & Turf. When his arrived, his filet was wrapped in a slice of bacon. It was no bigger than a Scallop! I had to speak up.Our waiter simply said it shrunk while cooking. It was not just 2oz less than my filet, this was a single bite size. The mashed potatoes it came with could’ve been made by our 12 year old. No flavor, just bland potatoes. The small portion of spinach was good with the sliced cheese on top. If you want mixed drinks they send you across the street to buy it. They do serve wine an beer though so that’s good.

I get that restaurants in the Keys are pricey and sometimes the portions are small but No we would not return here. It cost us far too much and I left hungry. My husband had to order the Noodles just to...