The Bashful Adventurer explains why everyone should have a long-term romance with Bagatelle Restaurant in Key West, FL.
The first time I went to Bagatelle Restaurant on Duval Street in Key West was so long ago I cannot really remember why I fell in love with the place on our very first date except for the same reasons I fall in love with the place every time I have gone there in the decades since: pure romance.
Everything about the place is right: that prime Duval Street address not far from Mallory Square, the two-story historic building with porches both upstairs and down. The blue-green color, which shifts with the light, entrances. Then there is the service, which never disappoints, and the food, which tends not to as well, and the opportunities for people-watching, up close or more removed should you find yourself on the second story.
I’ve spent long meandering nights there enjoying Bagatelle’s dark coolness and squandered more time than that dreaming of my return.
A Transplant to Duval Street
I like that the restaurant began its life at 716 Fleming Street before being moved to 115 Duval Street in 1974. A few old photos in the depths of the internet depict the trip. If any old bones were broken on the journey, they do not show now. Hints of the building’s life as a sea captain’s home or a fire chief’s residence just add to Bagatelle’s mystery. What was Bagatelle then? What is Bagatelle now?
On the most recent night that we are there, glamorous young women in gold glittery dresses and dangerously high heels ascend the stairs gracefully. Closer by, the patter of a table full of casually dressed tourists reminds that Bagatelle offers something for everyone: love, lust, the power of friendship. It all lingers here. Take your pick.
Go to Bagatelle Restaurant for the Food and the Mood
As much as Bagatelle is the sort of place you can tell someone for the first time that you love them, it is also a restaurant where you can savor a cocktail. Start with a Duval Drop—a gingery twist on a lemon drop martini, or enjoy dessert in a glass with a Key Lime martini. I like to think I am keeping a recurrence of the covid virus at bay by knocking back a cucumber basil martini.
Foodies will appreciate the award-winning swordfish. I opt to start with warm brie before moving on to a crabcake with roasted corn and black bean salsa passionfruit vinaigrette. The Key Lime pie for dessert is the best I will have during my week in Key West.
Go with a crowd, go with a date, go alone—just make sure you have a reservation.
—Bashful Adventurer
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It looks so cozy and the food looks good as well! Will deffinately check it out !