The Sands Beach Club: Pet-Friendly Casual Cuisine

After spending the morning strolling around the Southernmost Point of Key West, having our souvenir photo taken, and browsing in several cute island shops, my friend , my dog Max , and I were ready to sit down and relax over lunch.

A local shopkeeper recommended the Sands Beach Club, a new restaurant located on Simonton Street, just across from the Wyndham Resort. Although they've only been open less than a year , the Sands has that Key West "been here for years" ambience. Owner Tim Gallagher says he and his partners planned it that way. "Our restaurant is on the former site of Logan's Lobster Club which was here for 40 years, and the original Sands Beach Club was next door. We designed our menu around old "conch family" recipes, and imported truckloads of white sugar sand from Clearwater, FL, along with some Buccaneer palms to create our own beachfront." The open, airy dining room gives way to a patio area full of tables with umbrellas, situated directly on the imported beach , so it was a perfect setting for a tropical lunch.

We relaxed 50 feet from the blue-green water, savoring the lovely breeze and the smell of saltwater mixed with suntan oil. Before our server could get to the table to welcome us, the hostess appeared with a bowl of much-needed cool water for Max. Seconds later, Jared arrived to take our drink order and again, Max was the V.I.P. (very important pooch!) of our group. A minute later, the manager on duty, Carlos, stopped by to greet us as well. I don't think I've ever received such attentive service, even at a top Michelin guide restaurant, and Max was having a ball!

I took Jared's advice and ordered the coconut shrimp Caesar salad, while Mark decided to munch on some popcorn shrimp. My jumbo shrimp, crusted with sweet, juicy coconut, were perfectly cooked , and nestled atop a mountain of dewy romaine lettuce topped with freshly shredded parmesan cheese. The dressing was light, and the dish was served with a side of mango dipping sauce for the shrimp. Mark's bite-sized fried shrimp were also perfectly prepared, something that was welcome after several meals of undercooked or overcooked seafood at other island eateries.

Other menu items include an all-you-can-eat soup and salad bar with peel & eat shrimp for $9.99, starters such as conch fritters from $5.99, an extensive raw bar, and a hearty selection of sandwiches , and wraps ranging from $6.99-8.99. Eleven appetizer choices include the standard chicken wings, but center on seafood such as tempting lobster bites, smoked tuna dip, and dolphin quesadillas. Kids can choose burgers, chicken strips, pasta, or grilled cheese and P & J sandwiches, and beverages are re-fillable.

The extensive dinner menu features steaks, pasta, and seafood, with the emphasis on the latter. Captain Tony's Coconut Grouper, Pat Kavanaugh's Jambalaya, Huey Long's Shrimp Gumbo, and Dr. Samuel Mudd's Tortuga Snapper all sounded intriguing, and were followed with a handy wine list suggestion . Entrée prices ranged from $11.95-22.95, with catch-of-the-day and seasonal items listed as "market price".

If you're looking for a restaurant with good food and good service where you will be welcome with your dog, the Sands Beach Club is a perfect match for you and your pooch.

IF YOU GO:

Sands Beach Club
1420 Simonton Street
Key West, FL
(305) 294-2000

Prices: $5.99-9.99 for lunch
$11.95-22.95 for dinner

Check out the website at www.sandsbeachclub.com for the full menu, happy hour specials, and a printable coupon for a free pint of beer, well drink or glass of wine with your meal. The site also includes a small map and directions to the restaurant.

GETTING THERE:

From Miami, take Route 1 South (Overseas Highway). For explicit directions, go to www.mapquest.com, type in your home address and the address of your accommodations in Key West, and you'll get a detailed printout of directions plus a map.