Your Survival Guy and Gal have spent some time at Louie’s Backyard in Key West, Florida. Sitting there, eating a cheeseburger in paradise is a great way to remember Buffett and his time spent in Key West. At Tasting Table, Rosie Govin discusses Buffett and Louie’s Backyard, writing:
Jimmy Buffett landed in Key West in November of 1971, and the rest is history. In addition to playing at venues like the Snake Pit, aka the Old Anchor Inn, the Chart Room Bar at the Pier House Motel, and Howie’s Lounge, Buffett chowed down at legendary restaurants. Louie’s Backyard opened the same year Buffett arrived — 1971 — and quickly became a hang-out spot for the coolest Key West residents.
Louie’s Backyard’s address is 700 Waddell Avenue in Key West, and for a while in the ’70s, Buffett lived at 704 Waddell, right next door. You better believe there were some unforgettable nights spent at Louie’s Backyard, which, when it first opened, boasted just 12 seats and one waiter. In Buffett’s 1974 hit, “Trying to Reason With Hurricane Season,” he sings, “I knew I could use a Bloody Mary / so I stumbled next door to the bar.” While Louie’s Backyard isn’t exactly name-checked, we can surmise that Buffett spent enough time there that it became a fixture in his life and his art.
Action Line: If you’re headed to Key West, check out Louie’s Backyard, and before you go, check out my Insider’s Guide to Key West. And click here to subscribe to my free monthly Survive & Thrive letter. When you’re back, email me at ejsmith@yoursurvivalguy.com to tell me about your trip.
