What’s Open in Cedar Key?
Cedar Key has been devastated by two major hurricanes in the last two years: Hurricane Idalia (Aug 2023) and Hurricane Helene (Sept 2024). The village bounced back quickly from Idalia and by March of 2024 we found most of our favorite haunts open. But that was not the case in March of 2025.
As the markings on the door jam of the Bonish Studio Thirst Emporium indicates the water levels reaching Main Street were several feet higher during Helene.
flooding the Thirst Emporium
Popular Cedar Key Helene Survivors
In March of 2025 the Thirst Emporium was one of the few popular Cedar Key bars/restaurants that successfully rebounded from Helene’s damages. The following before and after Helene pictures of their beer garden shows some missing pieces of art and artifacts, yet largely unchanged.
After Helene
Before Helene
Another popular Cedar Key watering hole that rebounded from the storm was the venerable Tiki Bar as well as Lenny’s Taste Tour Food Truck that supplements Tiki’s beverages with sandwiches and seafood.
Other Cedar Key Helene Survivors
The Community Garden’s sturdy raised beds survived and are doing well.
The Cedar Key Park and Beach looks just as inviting.
The popular Dilly Dally Gally beach boutique was one of the few Dock Street enterprises to reopen
While many operations along Dock Street were decimated, several of the popular tourist venues away from the waterfront along 2nd street were open, including the Art Coop, Main Street Mercantile, and the 2nd Avenue Café. Annie’s Café on 6th street is open with limited hours.
Popular Cedar Key Attractions Not Open
Duncan’s On the Gulf seafood restaurant was destroyed by fire a few days before the hurricane hit. The fire also took out Rusty’s Bait Shop, the Island Trading Post, and the famous Steamers Oyster Bar and Seafood Restaurant. Shortly after that Hurricane Helene added some crowning blows. Steamers chef’s are now running the 2nd Street Cafe
One of our favorite outdoor dining spots, the Big Deck, was totally wiped out
Other Cedar Key attractions either closed or under construction include:
- the Library
- The Historical Museum
- Tony’s Restaurant
- 83 West Bar and Restaurant
- Island Arts on Dock Street
- Cedar Cove Hotel
- Faraway Inn, Beach Front Motel
- Cedar Key Market
- Jiffy Food Store on 2nd Street.
Best Days of the Week to visit Cedar Key are Thursdays through Monday because some operations like the Chamber Welcome Center, Annie’s Café, Island Bakery, the Tipsy Cow and the Daily Grind are open but with limited hours.
A Few More Scenes of Damaged and Closed Cedar Key locations
