A little bit of the old Key West magic may still be found on the island, if you know where to look. Along the south half of Duval lies The Speakeasy Inn and Rum Runners Bar – step in, and step back in time after you look up and check out the second story railing. Look closely at the symbols cut into the railing; you’ll soon figure out the semi-secret Prohibition Era codes for drink, women, and good times.
The Inn has four (4) rooms, all clean, renovated and individually air conditioned. There are two (2) two-bedroom units for larger groups and families. Every room has a small frig, microwave, coffeemaker and hair dryer. Bathrooms are clean, and the plumbing actually WORKS! If you’ve stayed a lot in Key West, you know what I mean. The rooms are surprisingly quiet (you’re on Duval Street, so don’t expect total silence), and the management is exceptionally professional and caring.
The Rum Runners Bar is on the first floor with its own entrance. A wide selection (over 117 and growing) of rums, rons, rhums, and other cane spirits await your tasting pleasure. If you’re not into rums, their selection of other potables will quench your thirst. It has an intimate yet convivial atmosphere. It’s not a huge place, but they manage to fit you inside or outside (my favorite location when the sun goes down).
Anne Perina and her professional staff make everyone feel welcomed. This is one of my favorite rum bars on Cayo Hueso, and I always stop in more than a few times. On an island with a zillion bars, that says a lot.
The Mid-Atlantic and New England have a new location for an escape with a tropical flair. Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Café has opened up at Mohegan Sun, located at the new Casino of the Wind. It’s a two-level restaurant. The lower level has good seating, along with a couple of landlocked boats for semi-private seating, each with its own flat screen TV. The stage is in a very nice, strategic location. The upper level is waaaay up, with good views of the floor and stage, with a sizeable tiki god. At the top of the distant ceiling, a rotating monstrous ‘Nor’easter’ cyclonic storm is centered over the downstairs bar, and produces both misty fog and a gusher of margaritas.
The bars are very well stocked. I found a nice selection of rums at both, and I took the time on a briefly calm afternoon to chat up the downstairs bar staff about them. I watched them prepare a selection of classic cocktails, and their mixology skills were evident. The Café’s food combines the chain’s standard favorites with local additions. The Smuggler’s Hold gift shop won’t disappoint the souvenir seeker. For those who gamble, the Casino of the Wind offers an expanded selection of poker.
Margaritaville Management Group has a strong philosophy about staff training & education. I witnessed the results firsthand at their grand opening of this location. Despite a demanding army of hungry and thirsty customers, the management and staff performed beautifully. Kudos to Craig Wilson and the MMG for the job they did in preparing servers, kitchen and bar for the onslaught.
