Margaritaville

"A tale of two cities", Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Niagara Falls, Ontario on Tuesday, June 18th, 2013, and Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Key West Friday, June 21st, 2013.

The painful review can be found on the Niagara Falls Margaritaville Yelp page.

After visiting family in Toronto, Ontario Canada, the wife and I were invited to visit her sister who happened to rent a house about 20 miles outside of Key West. No sooner we get back from Canada, we lightly packed, and headed 151 miles south "to where I'd really rather be". Joined by the sister and family, we ventured into Key West on Friday, June 21st, to do a little sight seeing, shopping, and maybe grab a bite.  Carnival Cruise lines had a ship in port, the streets were a little busy with shoppers and the like, but it was a normal HOT Friday in Key West, beautiful weather, and good times with family.  We ended up at Margaritaville again, this time 1,500 miles south of the last one in the same week, and this time we knew we were back in the nest of parrotheads where magic is everyday, fantasy is a few beverages away, and it's always somebody else's fault. The five of us arrived for lunch, greeted by the hostess, served by the lovely Nicole, and what painful memories of Margaritaville in Niagara Falls I had were quickly erased by the ambiance, service, and quality here in Key West. I ventured for the conch chowder and an order of wings (hot), the wife and other guests all ordered burgers, an appetizer, and ice teas all around. I got my chowder almost immediately, as the rest of the food came out promptly thereafter. The music was great (and not overbearingly LOUD like Niagara Falls), we could enjoy our conversation without having to shout at each other. Our waitress Nicole was incredible, checking back on us several times, making sure everything was cooked properly (the burgers were HUGE compared to Niagara Falls, and cooked perfectly to order), the wings were great (10 to an order!), and we just had a really great time! We cashed out without any surprises and with tax tip out the door we'd average about $15 a person, compared to over $30 in Niagara Falls.

It was tough leaving the keys to come home, but we're fortunate that they're only 150 miles south and are a convenient escape and distraction as my car tends to head south on the Turnpike without any reason at all. We'll be back, and highly recommend it to all!!!

Yes, it's a "chain restaurant " which is something of a rarity in Key West. Still, good food and a fun atmosphere. The conch fritters were very good.

This is the original Margaritaville location and it's on Duval Street so its much much smaller than the location in Orlando but its got great character and theming which captures the Jimmy Buffet fan/island vacation feel all in one.  

Pros:
*If you are a Jimmy Buffet and Kenny Chesney fan then sit back and enjoy the music (live or not)
*The buffalo wing appetizer is actually much better than i expected but have a glass of water ready because they have a kick to them!
*Drinks are yummy

Cons:
*Service left much to be desired. The downside of this being a tourist destination and landmark is that the service seems to take their business for granted.  Our waiter was with us within minutes of being seated but our drinks took a good 15 minutes to arrive, which, for a place named after a Margarita, should at least be speedy behind the bar.
*Price. There are so many great local places on Duval street to eat and drink that offer much better deals so overall I'd say visit this place once just to experience it but just make it a drink and appetizer place to save your meal money for a better bargain.