Key West is definitely not what I expected. I was expecting a bar heaven full of color, full of vibrant energy, and just a cluster of activity. And while I am not a barhopper or a night life folk by any means, I at least enjoy the witnessing of the crazy life. I do enjoy watching (not being madly embedded in) the nightlife of Miami, Santo Domingo, and especially New York City. Key West’s crazy lifestyle personality is honestly limited down to a couple of streets. In a rather ugly buzzkill, I have not had a positive experience with the Key West crowd as of right now. Exception to the rule however is Hog’s Breath.
Hog’s Breath is definitely a local favorite, as the place was quite packed when we got there. This institution is part of the Duval scene since the 80s, creating a cult hit audience. Located seemingly a few blocks from the ocean, Hog’s Breath is a half-indoor/half-covered restaurant with several bars, a live band, and a dining area within its borders. I started the night off with a key lime shooter, which is an alcoholic beverage version of a key lime pie—minus the crust. The drink was decent, it just wasn’t that big.
I ordered the garlic shrimp dip and the fish sandwich. The garlic shrimp dip is a mix of shrimp, cream cheese, garlic, seasoning, and parsley. The fish sandwich is your typical 8-oz fish with lettuce and tomato and tartar sauce. However unlike most seafood joints, mahi-mahi is their preferred choice. And mahi-mahi is my favorite fish, ever. So they have the advantage there.
One thing about Hog’s Breath is that the food arrives pretty fast, at least during the 9:00 hour when I was there. Blink and the appetizer arrives. Blink twice and boom, there’s the entrée. The smoked fish dip was the best part of my meal. It comes in a big plate on top of lettuce and several packets of crackers. This incredible mix of seafood and dip compliments the crackers perfectly by providing a creamy smoky seafood flavor meshed in with a massive garlic kick. Its like a cream cheese---garlic shrimp flavored. And it was darn darn good.
The mahi-mahi sandwich was pretty good but nothing too outstanding. Luckily for me, its much thicker than your typical fish sandwich. The best part was the fish itself, but the tartar sauce was no joke either. The sauce was creamier and less chunky than your usual tartar. So those two elements are out of the ordinary, but I have yet to find a fish sandwich that tries to mix things up. For example, why don’t more places put cheese or basil or bacon along with their fish in their sandwich? Most of these spots have the fish, vegetables, and sometimes sauce. I say a little more variety is required.
Now, you are going to Key West for the festive ambience. While most of Key West not known as Duval Street seems to be missing it, Hog’s Breath will not disappoint in that aspect. There is wonderful live music constantly playing at night, an attentive staff that’s also very friendly, and an influx of other people to potentially mingle with. So while some spots don’t look as inviting for a socializing time, this place nicely fits the bill.
Bottom Line: Hog’s Breath was the first stop of our disappointing trip, and did not disappoint at all. While the fish sandwich is part of the ongoing trend of weaker-presentation sandwiches, it still delivers and will fill you up. But you must come here for the smoked fish dip. This was good, good stuff. And while Key West wants to be more known for the social scene as opposed to the culinary scene, Hog’s Breath offers quality in both categories. If you ever make it down the long dreary road to the island, Hog’s Breath should become one of your destinations.
Final Verdict: Recommend
Hog's Breath
400 Front St # C
Key West, FL 33040-6617
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