Lock-N-Key is a tasty, family oriented restauant along Florida’s Gulf Coast
Travel Writers are a hard-working group who can cover a whole lot of ground and do a whole lot of things, so when we eat, we eat well too. Lock-N-Key made us, and other special guests, not to mention every guest, feel welcome from the moment you walk in the door. Photo Rori Paul
Casual dining in an almost forgotten-seeming location. One’s visit to Florida usually includes the “hot spots” where travel and tourism set like queens and kings upon the land, leaving areas to be forgotten or unknown to the masses, and while that is good in oh-so-many ways, one should occasionally take a look at these off-the-beaten-path kind of spots for even more to enjoy and explore.
Just such a location, Lock-N-Key, sets along a roadside in Englewood, Florida, near the Gulf and Gulf Islands, but off the path that many choose to tread. Here you’re treated to family dining, casual and homy, like a friend’s house or familiar dining where locals become regulars. Our group, on an area press familiarization trip, were treated to lunch here and I found myself partaking in the first French Dip I’d had since leaving Chicago.
The South Beach Salad was a huge hit at our table with at least 4 people partaking. Photo Rori Paul
This is a local kind of place, but many would liken it to a Baker’s Square (another fave spot for food & especially French Dip) and find on the menu plenty to tempt a range of tastes. From hip and trendy salads to hearty and homy, Lock-N-Key is a great place to get off the road or water and enjoy a meal.
Among the fun; those celebrating or visiting for some reason (like our group) will find themselves greeted on the out-front sign and/or on the menu. Such attention to detail means the owners are paying attention and if the full house that flooded in while we were enjoying lunch is anything like a regular day, this off-the-beaten-path is a hot-spot to be found.
Our group was not the only one mantioned as being "special guests." Just one way the owners show they not only care, but pay attention to detail at Lock-N-Key. Photo Rori Paul
My comrades and I all enjoyed our meals along with the fun atmosphere and happening conversation, and along with my French Dip, others included the South Beach Salad, “Key” burgers, and Reuben. All were not only well enjoyed, but eaten heartily.
Lock-N-Key is on my must-return-to list, with a future visit to the area seeing this as a sure stop.
Check them out for lunch or dinner or enjoy the attached bar with its Happy Hour on tap. This is a place the locals love and we all know what that means; if the locals enjoy, you will too.
Grab a stool and enjoy the lovely Florida weather out front for your drink or meal. Photo Rori Paul
Did I tell you how much I LOVED the French Dip?! I did and cannot wait to go back for another! Photo Rori Paul
Our driver, Ed, enjoyed his meal, but I missed which one... sorry! Photo Rori Paul
My friend Erika loved the Rueben. Photo Rori Paul
The bar area was very popular and crowded when we arrived. The restuarant was only partially filled as we arrived just prior to lunch time, but filled in and was completely filled when we left. This is a locals-love-it kind of place. Photo Rori Paul
