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Back side of paradise: Rustic Waterside Dining with Fresh Seafood in Key West

Back Side of Paradise, nestled on Geiger Key in Key West, offers a rustic, waterside dining experience that captures the essence of Florida Keys living. This hidden gem boasts fresh seafood like hogfish and grouper, alongside flavorful dishes such as the Nashville chicken sandwich, all served with generous portions. Its open-air seating overlooks vibrant marine life just feet from your table, enriching every meal with natural beauty. The laid-back atmosphere is enhanced by live music and attentive service, making it a perfect escape from the typical tourist spots. It’s a true paradise where quality food, friendly staff, and stunning views come together seamlessly.

Back side of paradise at a glance

  • Address Geiger Key, Key West, FL 33040, United States
  • Restaurant type Restaurant .
  • Popular for Lunch , Dinner , Solo dining .

Photos & Gallery

Back side of paradise: Reviews & Ratings

Ashley Brooks
5

We ate at there today and it was a great experience. I love the seating area and the food was great too. I personally had the Nashville chicken sandwich and it was a good size with awesome flavor.

Jesse Ens
5

This place made our time on the Florida Keys. Amazing food, service and atmosphere. Great location right on the water.

Glenn Huff
5

Trust the reviews on this one. Fantastic hogfish and grouper. Very cool vibe and Eve, our waitstaff, was great. Good food, open air seating, live music, right on the water. Oh and the bathrooms are air conditioned, you can pee without sweating. So nice.

Joseph Lawson
5

What a perfectly rustic waterside restaurant. We had 5 adult dishes and each was absolutely delicious. Eve our server, was awesome and even entertained our daughter as an assistant.

George Hindenach
4

First time to key west and was looking for somewhere off the usual “hot spots” we were a little skeptical, but it was a hit! Good food, really enjoyed looking into the water and seeing a multitude of varieties of fish within 10’ of our table. It is easy to miss as it is part of a smaller rv park. Check it out. I bet it is a happening place at night.

Cidney Bennett
5

Great food and great vibes. Really laid back and right on the water. After spending a week fighting traffic, we were looking for a place to eat that wasn’t in town for our last night staying in Key West and boy we weren’t disappointed! Really wishing we would have found them earlier! The food was delicious and the atmosphere was great. It’s off the beaten path (which I LOVE) but well worth the trek! Also dog friendly!!! Will definitely come back the next time we are in the area!

Charity Charity
4

This place has a very big "island feel" to it, right on the water and outdoors. The food was good, but the waitress was better than the food, very kind and helpful, and tried her hardest to make sure we all had a good dinner. I'd go back.

Bernardo Lucena
5

I went in the afternoon, food was amazing came quickly and tasted amazing. Seafood especially. personal favourite was the buffalo shrimp as they were massive and super tasty I ate : coconut shrimp taquitos oyster ceviche buffalo shrimp and grouper cheeks also the conch fritters the vibe is laid back, seats by the water and you can see fish swim. definitely a must visit spot with wonderful food. dog friendly and kid friendly too as my group was of 6 and we had a large golden retriever. overall 10/10 and would recommend to any family or couple to stop by especially during sunset hours.

Location

  • Back side of paradise
    Back side of paradise
    Geiger Key, Key West, FL 33040, United States

Back Side of Paradise is a hidden gem nestled in Geiger Key, just outside the bustling streets of Key West, Florida. This rustic, waterside restaurant offers an unforgettable experience that blends fresh, flavorful seafood with a relaxed, open-air atmosphere. From the moment you arrive, the stunning views of the water and the nearby marine life set the tone for a truly unique dining adventure.

The menu showcases local catches like hogfish and grouper, prepared with a depth of flavor that speaks to the culinary traditions of the Florida Keys. One standout dish, the Nashville chicken sandwich, boasts a generous portion with bold, vibrant spices that balance heat and savor beautifully. Every plate here feels thoughtfully made, highlighting the quality and freshness of the ingredients.

What elevates Back Side of Paradise beyond just food is its inviting vibe. The open seating area allows guests to soak in the waterfront breezes, while live music often fills the air, enhancing the laid-back yet lively atmosphere. Service is another highlight—attentive and warm, with servers like Eve adding a personal touch that makes you feel right at home.

Practical comforts, such as air-conditioned restrooms, underline the thoughtful care put into guest experience, proving that this spot values your comfort just as much as your palate. Whether you're looking for a peaceful lunch by the water or an evening filled with great food and music, Back Side of Paradise offers a compelling escape from the typical tourist trail. It’s a place where the natural beauty of the Keys meets genuine hospitality and delicious, memorable dishes.

Business Information

  • Accessibility
    • Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Outdoor seating
    • Takeaway
    • Dine-in
    • Delivery
  • Payments
    • Credit cards