Restaurant Reviews
Reviewed 3/21/07 Lock & Key Restaurant & Pub
Best of Englewood's Readers's Choice poll Sipping a frosted glass of tropical delight and munching Chilled Jumbo Shrimp only get’s better… when viewing the sunset from the bar of Lock and Key. Directly across the street from the public beach this newly renovated establishment features two dining rooms each with its own ambience. The larger has a pitched ceiling with three walls of windows to capture the sights of Englewood Beach. Paper place mats with beach scenes on table tops and captains chairs make for a comfortable, casual evening. The smaller room has a saltwater tank filled with colorful fish providing a calm oasis for those so inclined. The spacious bar area facing the ocean and setting sun, features a Happy Hour from 2:00 till 6:00p.m. while covered and outdoor seating is great for those still in their beach attire. The large white board facing the entrance lists the various fresh catches caught or flown in daily. Grouper, Amber Jack, Yellow Tail, mahi-mahi... ready to be prepared your favorite way...Char-grilled, fried, broiled, sautéed, poached or cajun. Additional selections include Oysters, Lobster and Shrimp served up Tempura style, fried, stuffed or sautéed. Potato, pasta or rice pilaf and the vegetable of the day accompany all entrees, as well as a salad. On previous visits, I've enjoyed succulent scallops lightly floured then fried to a golden brown, as well as grilled Salmon accompanied by a fabulous topping of basil, Parmesan and chopped tomatoes. Homemade rolls, some seeded with sunflower or poppy are hard to resist, as I imediately lathered one with butter. Fortunately, my appetizer arrived distracting me completely a Shrimp Brushetta that absolutely KNOCKED my socks off!!! Balsamic marinated vine ripe tomatoes, fresh basil and garlic generously cover toasted rounds of French bread that were topped with lightly grilled succulent shrimp. HEAVENLY!!! My spouse had a huge sautéed crab cake as an appetizer with a lemon butter sauce that truly enhanced his thick meaty patty. I was getting full but, the entrée was coming and we were thoroughly enjoying newly-made friends seated next to us. Wolfgang and Rose live six months every year at a condo down the street and this lively gathering place is a nightly tradition! A sampling of my spouse's Grouper Sandwich caught me by surprise. Not only did it cover an entire hoagie bun...but had to be folded in two to fit in your mouth. So tender and fresh...I don't believe I've ever had better! Terra Firma people can enjoy Filets, a New York Strip, Prime Rib, Pork Chops and more. Combination platters are also available, Salads and Sandwiches can be had from fish, chicken, burgers and dogs to corned beef and turkey or the sliced steak salad over fresh greens with crumbled bleu cheese vinaigrette with bread sticks. I chose my husband’s appetizer as an entrée and received “two” HUGE delectable crab cakes in that same buttery sauce accompanied by steamed squash, carrots and zucchini. Terra Firma people can enjoy Filets, a New York Strip, Prime Rib, Pork Chops and more. Combination platters are also available, Salads and sandwiches can be had from fish, chicken, burgers and dogs to corned beef and turkey or the sliced steak salad over fresh greens with crumbled bleu cheese vinaigrette and bread sticks. A kid's menu for 10 and under... includes seven selections that are sure to please and are accompanied by a soft drink and fries. Cheesecakes, ice cream pies, key-lime and coconut cream... are made fresh daily. Alas, dessert was tempting but my sweet tooth was out of commission and by now my stomach was beyond full! For casual comfort, a view of the Gulf and... excellent fresh fixings, there's no place like Lock-N-Key! DIRECTIONS:  From I-75 take Exit 34 (River Rd.), go west across US 41 to S. McCall Rd. Turn left on S. McCall Rd. to Beach Rd. Turn right on Beach Rd., go over the causeway to 2045 Beach Rd.
Seafood Cuisine
LOCK & KEY 2045 Beach Road North Manasota Key 941-474-1517 $$ L,D Seafood Cuisine	Consistently Voted "Best Lunch", Best Dinner" and "Best Overall Restaurant" by Locals Seafood & Beef Specialists ~ Full Cocktail Service
Lunch & Dinner: Daily Barrier-free access All credit cards, except American Express accepted

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