Established in November 1999 at its original location in downtown Cleveland, OH at the Galleria, Key West Café is a celebration of the Southernmost Point in the United States.

The story of the birth of Key West Café needs no exaggeration. This is not the Beach Boys (who sang of sand and surf but for the most part hated both).

The founder of Key West Café is a lifelong Clevelander who owns a home in Key West, loves the island lifestyle, and brings back to Cleveland both the atmosphere and cuisine of Southern Florida and the Caribbean. He spent several years gathering recipes and designing the resort-like atmosphere that is the Key West Café.

For those who have been to “The Rock” (as Key West residents refer to its 2x4 mile paradise), Key West Café explodes the senses. From island dishes such as Fresh Grouper, Mahi Mahi, and Cuban Sandwiches to works of art from actual Key West artists to island music & live entertainment, Key West Café is so authentic and stays so true to the magic of Key West that one can’t help but look out the window for those beautiful Key West Sunsets!

If you’ve been to Key West, you will smile at the numerous “special touches” throughout the restaurants (for those who have been to the Green Parrot you will enjoy your bathroom break!). For those who have not been to Key West but have longed for the sights, sounds, and smells of island life, we welcome you to our Rock!

The original Key West Café opened in the Galleria in downtown Cleveland in November 1999. In addition to featuring the freshest of ingredients and seasonings, the Galleria Key West Café has been home to some of the best happy hours with great live entertainment (including a special concert featuring Fingers Taylor of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band), and even a couple Fantasy Fest Parties (a Halloween Party as only Key West can throw).

After opening the first Key West Café in 1999, the founder realized he had a problem. He couldn’t stop collecting Key West art, music, and island recipes and needed a second avenue for his passion. Thus was born the second Key West Café at 25048 Sperry Rd. in Westlake, OH (visible from I-90). Taking all of his best recipes, island sounds, and Key West atmosphere from his first location, the Westlake Key West Café offers a bigger location, outdoor dining (in season), larger stage for entertaining, bigger bar, and basically its own 2x4 piece of island paradise! Opening in late 2006, the Westlake Key West Café will provide a great avenue for casual fun and island atmosphere.

Just like Key West (where the slogan is “Slow Down..This Ain’t The Mainland”), you are invited to join us fellow “Ohio Conchs” and have a leisurely dinner or simply enjoy a stationary “Duval Crawl” at the bar.

Quite simply…we look forward to having you at our little piece of the Rock!

On another note, the founder of Key West Café does offer several gorgeous Key West vacation homes for rental. For more information visit http://www.rentmyparadise.com