Key West Fish Market & Grill

As I promised, I did revisit Key West; it was a Friday lunch with a client of mine that also lives in my area, Mission Viejo. In a nutshell, I’d say it was an OK visit, and I can, with some slight reservation, recommend Key West as a reasonable, medium cost, «grilled fish restaurant.» And I’ll add up front, that there are those that see this as a 5-​star fish restaurant; not me.
We started with two Cokes; I find that Coca-​Cola has that caffine kick, and is also sweet and cooling. (I always order lots’a ice and fresh lemon on the side.) For our appetizer, we ordered the «combo platter», which included a tropical sauce-​coated shrimp, calimari and crab cakes. My friend ordered the Mahi-​Mahi entrée with fries and cole slaw. I ordered the Ahi Tuna Steak, blackened but rare, with mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. And I told the waitress to make sure that the Ahi was, at least, warm inside… not cold as I’d had it served before.
Now about the service…
The service was adequate plus. We walked in on a crowded restaurant, and found their large corner table available and took it. We had paperwork to go over so that worked for us. Problem for other patrons who sat at the South window tables was that the windows have no blinds, just a short drape, and everyone that sat there, showed visible stress over the heat. I’d recommend mini-​blinds. Our server was nice, and took the time to clarify our entrée orders; blackened, grilled, lemon pepper options, etc. While we got our drinks quickly, we did wait a bit for our entrees. We could see that there was only one chef-​cook in the open kitchen, and he was pumping ‘em out, and there were only two servers. Our young lady was doing her best to attend to every table. We would have enjoyed more frequent passes and table checks, but I don’t blame her. She was efficient, given the customer load.
Here’s the food summary…
Yes, this visit, unlike our other visits that yielded the 2-​star, was much better in every way BUT ONE. Again, my entrée plate was room temp., not even warm. My mashed potatos were tepid, not even close to hot, and they were very dry. I’d say they’re prep’ing the mash, letting it sit, and not monitoring it for moisture content. I would have re-​hydrated and certainly warmed it up before plating and serving. The warmest item on my plate was the creamed spinach, which makes sense as it’s got the most moisture. My tuna was blackened, but not really as warm in the center as I’ve had at many other restaurants. There’s a trick to searing/​blackening that tuna, without over cooking, and still getting a rare but warm piece of fish on the plate. I have a good idea of what’s contributing to the cold plates and barely warm food. It may have to do with the fact that this kitchen DOES NOT HAVE A HEATED «HOLD AND PASS» area. That’s right, after plating, if the food doesn’t go out immediately, it just sits and gets colder and colder. It also appears that their plates don’t come from a heated or steamed storage, so the cold plates act as a «heat sink» while the food sits there. So there’s little chance that my plated entrée will arrive at my table as hot as it should. That’s my best guess. But this all reflects back on the kitchen not having anyone really check the food. And if the servers are busy, the entrees sit and just lose heat.
That’s about it. It was an OK fish meal for me. Portions, by the way, were above average. My client was very happy with his entrée, and we both liked the tropical shrimp in the combo platter. But this is not, in my opinion, a «notable» fish restaurant. And again, I’d add that maybe it’s just me, but if I compare KW to Market Broiler in Riverside, which is priced very closely, MB would win hands down. In my opinion, this location needs an «on the floor» manager. I remember the previous owner walking the dining area regularly, asking how things were, and keeping a very watchful eye over the entire store. At least a manager could check for things like food temp, plating, and table service.

I am really giving it a 2.5 because the service was truly very good and lovely.
We had two plates, fish tacos with ceasar salad and tuna melt. Ceasar salad was OK. Fish tacos were far from what they should be. They were bland, had too little sauce and I had a hard time finishing them which is very rare especially when I am hungry. I can’t judge the Tuna melt, haven’t had many to compare to, but it may have been my last.
I went there because of the high Unilocal rating and I was very disappointed. I liked the décor, loved the service and care but the food needs to improve to make it *** or ****.
Down here in San Diego, fish tacos are the best, I admint I am spoiled, but hence I was really disappointed.

A girlfriend of mine who used to work here ages ago turned me onto this place and I’ve loved it ever since. It’s one of the spots in OC that I constantly think about whenever I’m down this way. The Blackened Halibut is hands-​down one of the best I’ve ever had and the creamed spinach is amazing… My boyfriend got the catfish, though, and wasn’t too impressed. TRY THE HALIBUT!

Not sure what every one is raving about, this place does not know how to cook fish. We had Blackened Ono fillet and Jamaican Lime yellow tail filet. The fish from both dishes was over cooked. I really hate it when restaurants over cook fish. When fish is over cooked, you get a very dry piece of fish which has no flavor. Also, I can barely taste the cajun flavors. We also ordered Battered Oysters. That was really good. Maybe the fried dishes are the only thing to order here.

Actually a 4.5. Sorry to break the streak… It was really good, but I save my 5’s for the best of the best… Waitress was cute and friendly. Got the ceviche, Key Trio, and fried oysters (holy freaking crap, it was good). For entrees I ordered the salmon/​mahi mahi and my lover the catfish. Oh, the Key Lime Pie. Kind of wanted to melt in my chair.
We were the only ones there so it lacked atmosphere (it’s a wee little place in a strip mall… it needed more people) and the catfish was so-​so, otherwise I’d be all over that perfect score.

Ohhhhh Key West.
This place is so good, and it’s not really expensive.
We went there last night and it was almost empty, so weekdays you have virtually no crowd. But the cooks were up to their magic as always.
Being Monday wine was 50% off each glass of wine ordered a cold white one (not a wine-​o) for $ 3 and it was gooooddddd.
Now onto the food. their seafood is fresh and DELICIOUS.
I’ve had a Fried Lobster Avocado Wrap from the special menu before, but last night I did not see it on there. So I asked our waitress if they could make it and she said… YES! As long as they have lobster you too can enjoy perfectly golden fried bits of clean lobster surrounded by slices of fresh avocado, rice, lettuce, tomoatoes and a light amount of sauce. All wrapped in a tomato tortilla… heaven.
And then you get 2 sides, grilled veggies and fries and the fries are thick perfectly salted and delicious.
I’ve had the swordfish, fish and chips, stuffed prawns, and fishtacos w/​ceasar, keylime and they have all been great. Never had a bad meal from these guys.
And my uncle painted the interior for them! Looks really nice at night, perfect spot for anyone and I highly suggest it for flavorful fresh seafood that won’t drop a bomb on your bank account.

Great Lobster Bisque, also have great fish n chips. Give it a try, you will not be disappointed! Parking can be an issue, but on crowded nights they have a free valet!

I usually eat here for lunch, but I’m sure dinners are great too. I’ve never been let down here, service is excellent, very friendly. Both indoor and out door seating.
Usually get the fried calamari as an appetizer, and the the halibut. Granted halibut isn’t the hardest fish to cook, but I’ve been to so many rest. with poor quality, over cooked, really dry fish. I agree with Brian, its a great motorcycle ride to this location, wide streets, with some nice tight turns. More for a touring joy ride if anything. Salmon is great too!

This place is awesome! One of my favorite places to get some very fresh seafood, i mean you are damn near the water already right? My lawyer recommended this place back in 2001 to me and i have been going ever since. Plus Ortega Hwy. is great to ride or drive up and down. Definitely fun if you are a motorcycle rider.
When i come to Key West i am always always greeted by the friendly staff the key items on the menu are:
New England Clam Chowder
Fresh Blue Crab Cakes and Calamari
Key west Triangle
The entrée is a toss up, everything is very fresh and delicious, the key items from the list are the Clam Chowder and Crab/​Calamari Cake; THE BEST i have had in Southern California. If you are not into the fried Seafood then i can also recommend the following:
Ahi Tuna Steak
Swordfish Steak
Bermuda Triangle
The prices are fair, fresh seafood is typically pricey anyway but it is definitely worth it.
Aside from the dining the place is also a market seafood outlet where you can buy all the fresh seafood to take home. Parking can be a pain as there is a carwash on the corner of the complex.
I would definitely recommend this place for a quick lunch or tasty dinner