Louies Backyard

Established in 1983.

The Structure that houses Louies Backyard was Built by Capt. James Randall Adams around the turn of the 20th century, when Key West was a city made rich by salvaging goods from shipwrecks. Wealthy Wrecker Adams bragged that the House was constructed entirely from salvaged materials. In the 70’s it was a small seaside restaurant/ bar that was frequented by Jimmy Buffet, Jim Harrison, Thomas Mcguane and other notable literaries. In those days it operated out of a Cigar Box Register and liked to be known as an “inexpensive place for people with money” In the 80’s Phil and Pat Tenney became first time restaurant owners and with the new ownership, came beautiful and responsible renovations that gained the recognition of the Key West Historic Preservation Board. Since then it has won many awards and accolades for its food and ambiance. Today it is Owned by Phil and his son Jed Tenney

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    OUR STORY

    In 1971, Louie Signorelli’s oceanfront Victorian home was transformed into Louie’s Backyard. The original restaurant seated only 12, and had one lone waiter. In 1983, Phil and Pat Tenney purchased and lovingly renovated Louie’s – with special attention to the maintenance of the buIlding’s historical integrity – and transformed it into the architectural delight it is today. Their efforts earned it a placement in the National Register of Historic Places. Today, Louie’s is a gourmand’s playground, a cafe-style restaurant with an oceanfront background setting – a must-do experience which has become a Key West tradition.  Phil Tenney and his son Jed Tenney are at the helm, steering Louie’s Backyard into the future with it’s long standing traditions and excellence.

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    OUR CHEF

    Doug Shook has been the unseen genius behind Louie’s cuisine for 30 years, drawing on culinary influences from around the world. Doug’s relentless commitment to quality and his endless experimentation and exploration of tastes result in four to five menu changes each year. He is an artist; Whether it’s finding the perfect amount of calamondin juice to brighten the flavor of a yellowtail snapper or the creation of a new oriental salad, his skills are Louie’s palette; your table is his canvas.

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    OUR FOOD

    Each dish at Louie’s is prepared to order, with care and respect to each ingredient. Our seafood influence is on “hooked” local fish: grouper, hogfish, snapper, and swordfish. Our Key West “pinks” come from the local shrimp fleets. And at Louie’s, your Florida Keys lobster was caught yesterday. Louie’s also features fine steaks, heirloom pork, double lamb chops and free-range chicken.

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    OUR PRODUCE

    Our commitment to quality is met in part by local growers of fruits and vegetables. Island Farms grows produce specifically for Louie’s: beautiful lettuce, fragrant herbs, oriental greens, tomatoes, and edible flowers. And the inimitable Mr. Wong provides us with extraordinary fresh fruits: lychee, starfruit, mango, papaya, guava, to name just a few. All are hand-selected and delivered within hours of picking.

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    THE AFTERDECK BAR

    … Sits only a transom’s height higher than the open Atlantic Ocean and is considered a destination watering hole. Sitting directly on the Old Bahama Channel, the afterdeck offers unobstructed ocean views, gentle breezes, and the glamorous light of Key West’s famous sunsets to add a hint of tropical color to your cocktail. The afterdeck offers handcrafted martinis and cocktails, fine wines by the glass, and a gathering place for both the hip and the hedonistic, for celebrities and canines, for both locals and our long-distance visitors.

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    Louies Backyard

    THE CAFÉ

    The Café at Louie’s offers a perfect setting for sipping and tasting. Fine wines by the glass are perfectly complimented by the island’s best panoramic view of the ocean. The Café also serves elegant small plates of Fried Artichokes & Lemons, Truffled Fries with Smoked Gouda Fonduta, Grilled Octopus with Smoked Paprika, A Truffle Lobster Risotto, Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Crab Stuffed Shrimp, Grilled Baby Wedge Salad – even a Three Cheese Board and a Pizza of the Day. Our knowledgeable staff is devoted to the art of food and wine.

    Open Tuesday to Saturday 5 PM to 9 PM for walk-in.

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  Louies Backyard

  OUR STAFF

  There have been so many wonderful employees over the past 30+ years who have shaped our “place of mind.” They are, and will always be, family, devoted to the art of great food and fine wine. We pride ourselves in their knowledge, efficiency, and conviviality. Their attentiveness and cordiality is legend.