duncans on the gulf cedar key

Duncan’s On the Gulf – Our Review

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Dining Review of Duncan’s on the Gulf

Formerly known as Carlin’s Steakhouse & Pub, Duncan’s has attracted good reviews online for the short time they’ve been under the current ownership. We were looking for a different place to eat with a view overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and the Cedar Keys islands. We had previously dined at Away from the World, Steamers, and The Big Deck. Walking by we heard the music from the lounge and thought lets give this one a try.

Housed in one of the several weather-worn Dock Street structures built on piers over the water, on the outside Duncan’s doesn’t look any different than its neighbors. The lounge downstairs is very casual and open to the sea breezes. The day we were there a Jimmy Buffet wanna-be was playing and singing the kind of fun music you’d expect in a Caribbean island setting. But upstairs, the dining room is more formal than the other pubs and restaurants along Dock Street. Here you get attractive table-cloths, real china dinner ware, regular silverware (not plastic), a flower on your table, comfortable padded chairs, etc. Not 5 star dining ambiance, but a cut above the competition.

We were lucky to score a spot on their upper deck with a nice view of the ocean.

Mahi-Mahi Sandwich Basket at Duncan's on the Gulf
Our Mahi-Mahi Dinner at Duncan’s
Duncan's Pub Lounge
Fun music and drinks on the water

Having sampled Grouper, Mullet, Clam Chowder and some other seafood dishes, Jo and I went back to our favorite Mahi-Mahi. We ordered the baskets with sweet potato fries on the side. Jo had the regular grilled; I had the cajun grilled. Excellent tasting and very nice presentation. Large, fresh leaf lettuce and generous slice of red onion served on the side, with sauce. The bun was a cut above what we had been served elsewhere (at Annie’s and The Big Deck). They had a decent dark porter on tap which we both enjoyed.

Our server was a pleasant older and experienced lady who was quite attentive. We didn’t have to wait long for our meal and it came out nice and hot.

Great view of the water, a nice breeze coming through the screen door, and island music wafting up from the lounge downstairs. Beautiful day, great setting, good food, good service, a cold dark beer, living the good life.

A little more pricey than the other places we dined at in Cedar Key, but not that much more and you do get closer to a “fine dining experience” without having to break the bank. We’ll give them 5 stars! Very happy with our chance encounter.

—See our list of the Top 10 Cedar Key Restaurants & Pubs

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Restaurant Reviewer: Ross Reinhold – roscoetrails@gmail.com

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