A&B Lobster House

cakelady
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
4
Reviews
Editor Pick

A&B Lobster House Oyster Bar

  • July 14, 2006
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Kim M. from Key West, Florida
A&B Lobster House has long been a Key West favorite, with tasty seafood and upscale dining. Ask a local, however, and he or she might tell you to try the oyster bar downstairs. This was recommended to me by a long-time resident, and I was pleased to find that the rumor is true: you get the same great food downstairs, with a more casual atmosphere and a lower price. If you are willing to forgo linen table cloths and snooty service, you can go home with something in your stomach AND your pockets.

I dined downstairs at A&B a few weeks ago while my parents were visiting. Having dressed for a walk along Duval Street and the nightly sunset celebration in Mallory square, we did not feel exactly presentable for upstairs dining. Instead we slid into a comfortable booth and took in the evening view of the docks. My mom and I both ordered bloody marys and the lobster tail dinner. We were very pleasantly surprised both by the strength of the drinks and the large shrimp taking a dip off the rim. No skimping from the bar! The lobster was cooked well, and quite delicious—not dried out. I very much enjoyed the red skinned potato salad and freshly steamed veggies which accompanied the meal. I was readily accommodated in my request for a french fry substitute, which is always a benchmark of customer service for me.

The dessert menu is quite tempting, but be forewarned that portions are large. My Mom and I split a dessert, and there was more than enough for both of us after such a large meal. We had the cheesecake, which was super tasty.

The atmosphere at the A&B bar is fairly bright, with a light wood paneled interior. The decor consists primarily of fishing photos and fish replicas. There are both tables and booths as well as outdoor seating. They do seem to be popular with families, so be prepared for the possibility of children in large quantities. If you can tune out the occasional screech, it shouldn't bother you. This is a good place to go for a laid-back meal with lots of conversation with friends or family. No one got the least bit upset when we snapped a photo of ourselves after the meal. We had a great time and I will definitely make a return visit.

From journal A New Local Cruises Key West

A&B Lobster House

  • October 26, 2005
  • Rated 5 of 5 by WendyGoByeBye from Indianaipolis, Indiana

If you like lobster bisque and a good steak, this is the place to be. The tomato and mozzarella salad is to die for, and the wine list is extensive. The waitstaff is knowledgable about the wines, and the wine steward was extremely helpful. If you are still hungry after this fantastic meal, dessert is hard to contemplate, but if you are brave, the chocolate cake is excellent.

The atmosphere was quiet and formal, but not stuffy - people were eating in flip-flops and formal wear. Reservations are recommended to avoid the lines and get a seat out on the balcony where you can see the harbor.

From journal There is no better sunset....

A&B Lobster House

  • October 9, 2003
  • Rated 4 of 5 by mikesj13 from Saint John, New Brunswick
A&B Lobster has a very friendly staff and an excellent seafood menu. I highly recommend that you eat there at least once when in Key West.

From journal Canuck in Key West

Editor Pick

A&B Lobster House

  • June 30, 2002
  • Rated 3 of 5 by cakelady from TAMPA, Florida
An obvious favorite among the pleasure boats docked outside the door. We were quickly seated in the large, open dining room. Grateful to get into the air conditioning, we didint complain about getting a table for 7 directly (and I mean directly) in front of the door. The very casual dining room features lot's of blond wood, blackboards on the wall listing the day's catch, and the usual "fish house", no frills atmosphere. The kitchen, however, shows many creative sparks. I was expecting, from the decor, fried fish and coleslaw, but was happily suprised by a large selection of interesting entrees, as well as daily specials. My husband ordered the "Florida Gator tail Special" ($19.95)It was perfectly sauteed and nicely presented with a light picatta (garlic,lemon,caper) sauce. The "Coconut Crusted Grouper with mustard alioli and daikon garnish" (19.50), was a good choice , with the grouper very fresh, white and firm, and not a hint of grease in the coconut crust. Daikon garnish was not seasoned and seemed out of place piled on top. I happily pushed it aside and devoured the delicious fish with the light mustard-mayonaisse. Some of us ordered appetizers in lieu of an entree, a good idea given the generous portions. The server was very agreeable to this; as in most of Key West "anything goes" have an app, an entree or just a drink, or whatever.

Spinach and garlic baked oysters, and Oysters Rockefeller ($9.95ea) both arrived piping hot, the huge oysters plump, juicy and well seasoned. Buffalo Shrimp ($7.95) had good sized whole (not breaded) shrimp in an extra spicy chili sauce. Even the kids meal chicken fingers were a quality plate, with crispy chicken and "real" french fries, housemade and delicious. This restuarant was a great combination of upscale cuisine and very casual atmosphere.

From journal A Weekend Wedding in Key West

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