Blue Heaven is one of Key West’s most memorable restaurants, blending serious food with the relaxed, creative spirit of the island. Located in historic Bahama Village, just a few blocks from Duval Street, the restaurant is known for its tropical courtyard, live entertainment, roaming chickens, eclectic artwork and towering Key lime pie.
Guests can visit for breakfast, lunch, happy hour or dinner, with indoor and outdoor seating available. The setting may feel playful and unconventional, but the kitchen takes its food seriously, serving American, Caribbean and vegetarian dishes in a distinctly Key West atmosphere.
A One-of-a-Kind Key West Setting
Blue Heaven’s open-air courtyard feels more like a colorful island hideaway than a traditional restaurant. Tropical foliage, shaded seating, handmade decorations and a sail stretched between the trees create a casual setting that is unmistakably Key West.
Chickens and cats have long been part of the restaurant’s personality, while the property’s artwork, painted signs and unconventional details give guests something new to notice during every visit.
Live entertainment adds to the experience, making Blue Heaven a popular place to relax over a meal while enjoying the sights and sounds of Bahama Village.
Breakfast and Lunch at Blue Heaven
Breakfast and lunch are served daily from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Blue Heaven is especially popular for breakfast, with menu choices that may include pancakes, eggs, seafood-inspired dishes and other hearty island favorites. Lunch selections feature American, Caribbean and vegetarian influences, with locally sourced ingredients used when available.
Because breakfast and lunch can become busy, especially during peak travel periods, arriving early may help reduce the wait.
Dinner, Happy Hour and Reservations
Happy hour is offered daily from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., followed by dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The dinner menu highlights seafood, Caribbean flavors and thoughtfully prepared entrées. Signature selections may include Jamaican jerk chicken, Caribbean shrimp, yellowtail, scallops and vegetarian dishes.
Dinner walk-ins are welcome, and a limited number of reservations are available by telephone. Guests planning dinner during a busy evening should call ahead when possible.
Famous Mile-High Key Lime Pie
Blue Heaven is widely known for its Key lime pie, topped with a dramatic layer of baked meringue. The towering dessert has become one of the restaurant’s signatures and is often one of the most photographed dishes in Key West.
Even guests who dine elsewhere sometimes visit Blue Heaven specifically for a slice of pie. It is large enough to share, although many visitors decide to keep one for themselves.
A Colorful History
The property occupied by Blue Heaven has entertained Key West residents for more than a century.
Over the years, the site has reportedly served as a place for gambling, cockfighting, boxing, billiards, dancing, theater and other forms of entertainment. During the 1930s, Ernest Hemingway is said to have refereed boxing matches held at the former Blue Goose arena on the property.
The second floor has housed a dance hall, playhouse, gallery and bordello. Some of the building’s unusual historic features can still be seen today.
Blue Heaven Since 1992
Blue Heaven’s modern story began on September 19, 1992, when artist Suanne and writer Richard served black beans, rice and fish to their first lunch guests at painted picnic tables beneath a Spanish lime tree.
From those modest beginnings, the restaurant gradually developed into one of Key West’s best-known dining destinations. It remains closely connected to the family that created it, while its chefs continue to emphasize distinctive flavors, careful preparation and locally sourced ingredients when available.
Close to Duval Street and Key West Attractions
Blue Heaven is located at the corner of Thomas and Petronia streets in Bahama Village, approximately two blocks from Duval Street.
Nearby places to visit include:
- Duval Street
- Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
- Key West Lighthouse
- Truman Little White House
- Southernmost Point
- Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
- Historic Bahama Village
Blue Heaven is approximately 1.1 miles from the Key West Express terminal. Guests can reach it by walking, bicycle, taxi, pedicab or another local transportation option.
What to Know Before You Go
Blue Heaven is open daily except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Breakfast and lunch are first come, first served. Dinner walk-ins are accepted, with a limited number of reservations available by phone.
Parking in Old Town is limited, so many visitors choose to walk, ride a bicycle, take a pedicab or use a rideshare service. Blue Heaven is easily reached from many of Key West's most popular attractions. This better matches the restaurant's location and visitor experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Blue Heaven located?
Blue Heaven is located at 729 Thomas Street, at the corner of Thomas and Petronia streets in Key West’s Bahama Village.
How far is Blue Heaven from the Key West Express terminal?
Blue Heaven is approximately 1.1 miles from the Key West Express terminal.
What are Blue Heaven’s hours?
Blue Heaven serves breakfast and lunch from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., happy hour from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Does Blue Heaven accept reservations?
Breakfast and lunch are first come, first served. Dinner walk-ins are welcome, and limited dinner reservations are available by telephone.
What type of food does Blue Heaven serve?
Blue Heaven serves American, Caribbean and vegetarian cuisine, including seafood, Jamaican-inspired dishes, breakfast favorites and its famous Key lime pie.
Is Blue Heaven known for Key lime pie?
Yes. Blue Heaven is famous for its mile-high Key lime pie topped with baked meringue.
Does Blue Heaven have outdoor seating?
Yes. Blue Heaven is particularly well known for its tropical outdoor courtyard, although indoor dining is also available.
Is there live entertainment?
Yes. Live entertainment is part of the Blue Heaven dining experience, although schedules may vary.
Is Blue Heaven family-friendly?
Yes. Blue Heaven welcomes families and visitors of all ages. Its spacious outdoor courtyard, relaxed atmosphere and varied menu make it a popular stop for both couples and families exploring Key West.
Is Blue Heaven open every day?
Blue Heaven is open daily except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Enjoy a True Key West Dining Experience
Blue Heaven combines flavorful food, island history and a setting unlike almost anywhere else in Key West. Whether you visit for breakfast beneath the trees, dinner with live music or a slice of mile-high Key lime pie, it is a memorable addition to any Key West itinerary.
Travel aboard Key West Express, arrive near the Historic Seaport and make your way through Old Town to experience one of the island’s most distinctive restaurants.
