The past couple of days the four of us had walked miles, been in and out of multiple shops and bars, and just generally go, go, go.
We were quite ready for some down time.
That’s why we saved Blue Heaven for last.
Steve channeling “Weekend at Bernie’s”.
Blue Heaven is a unique place. At one time it had a bordello, where you can still go upstairs from the restaurant and see the sliding peep holes into the little rooms, and at other times it had a pool hall, hosted cock fights, and Friday night boxing, refereed by Ernest Hemingway.
Peephole from the outside.
Peephole from the inside.
A former bordello room.
What used to be a bordello room is now a bathroom with a great deal of character.
This table was on an upstairs balcony. The dirty ashtray and used coffee cup complete the vignette, and I was so happy to see them there – it seemed so fitting!
Blue Heaven is now a safe place for roosters to roam, cats to lounge, and people to enjoy. There’s funky art everywhere, live folk/singer-songwriter music, shaded outdoor seating, an outdoor bar, indoor seating, and a play area. Yes, you read that right, a play area. There’s a ping pong table, a carousel horse, and even a child’s ride-on toy. The vibe is so chill, you might never want to leave. It’s a little oasis in the hubbub of tourism. The food is delicious, the drinks are refreshing, the music is relaxing, and the people are unhurried.
Jill capturing images of her own.
I can’t resist – I suppose “residenal” is native for “residential”
With an entrance like this, you know it’s unique.
Just inside the entrance, and you’re instantly transported.
Your smile broadens, your shoulders drop, and your stress melts away.
You put your name on the wait list here:
You have been warned!
We sat at a table on the side yard and sipped champagne and mimosas until a dining table opened up.
Jill took advantage of an on-site massage. I was going to be next, but our table was ready.
Talk about relaxing!
Ping pong, anyone?
No longer part of an inhumane form of demented entertainment, roosters are safe to roam.
A little something to pass the time with kids.
Do you see the art gallery in the corner next to the ping pong table? That is home to one quirky artist. He may be quirky, but he’s quite well known in Key West. I didn’t photograph his art out of respect.
Looking at the bar from the ping pong table side:
Outdoor bar
Above the bar, it’s easy to tell an artist owns the place (not the same artist with the corner gallery)
Found on a side fence, behind bicycles, a sign from the not-too-distant past.
Our name was called, and the only table available was inside, which was totally okay. We passed the outdoor dining and stage on our way to be seated.
Wouldn’t you love to enjoy a relaxing meal here?
Even the menu makes an artistic statement
No lack of character inside.
When I got up to take our table photo, I noticed Brent’s t-shirt. Good one, Tommy Bahama.
Jill and I split a lobster eggs Benedict. Good call.
“Deconstructed” lobster eggs Benedict. Dee-lish!
We had to try the Key lime pie with the towering meringue. We all decided we prefer whipped cream topped Key lime pie. This pie was good, it’s just a personal preference.
The story of Blue Heaven is told on their menu, and I read about the slabs from the pool tables being repurposed in the patio, so I had to go see for myself.
Pool table slab and brick patio.
Last but not least, going upstairs you’ll see this:
And this:
And this:
Keep looking up 🙂