Caroline's Other Side

"The Other Side: New-School Cocktails in Old-School Key West In the land of piña coladas and light beers, The Other Side cocktail lounge is chiseling out new booze territory one ice globe at a time. Drinks, loosely inspired by the Keys, are like nothing else on the island. There’s the frothy Ramon Fizz, a mix of gin, lime, cream, egg whites, and fleur d’orange, or twists like the fennel martini, and for purists, a serious list of bourbon, whiskeys, and 16 rums. The small space feels a world away from the beach, with touches of old-school Hollywood glamour: a marble-topped bar, padded white leather bar stools, and a painting of a peacock tail fanned across one wall. When you need a break from the sun and throngs, this is the place to tuck in with a good book, or a good date (snag the chess board if you’re feeling ambitious)."

"Any bar that isn't a tourist trap is a good thing in Key West, never mind one in a historic mansion just a few steps off Duval Street's main drag—and this sophisticated speakeasy with just a hint of kitsch delivers, with its immense list of spirits, along with a few are nice wines and local craft beers. But it's the cocktails that keep people coming back. The bar does a great job with the classics, but the more creative concoctions are where things really shine; on a recent visit, the Summer Thyme, made with vodka, raspberry puree, apricot liqueur, lime juice, peach bitters, and thyme syrup impressed. But if nothing seems to suit you, talk to the bartenders; even when the bar is buzzing, they'll turn all their attention toward you, and make you feel like you’re their only customer." - Jennifer M. Wood