Blue Heaven Restaurant

Even by Key West's eccentric standards, Blue Heaven is something of an offbeat place to eat. This rambling, colorfully painted house with a tree-shaded outdoor dining area that's routinely invaded by somewhat aggressive roosters opened in the early '90s and has been delighting fans with stellar soul, Southern, and Caribbean fare ever since - the breakfasts are especially tasty (try the pecan pancakes, or shrimp-and-grits - and be sure to ask for a side of Betty's banana bread). Lunch and dinner are served, too, with Jamaican Jerk chicken a favorite. The restaurant is just a block west of Duval Street (at 729 Thomas St., 305-296-8666), in the historic Bahama Village section of Key West.