Blue Macaw has flown . . .But Rams Head Southernmost lives on! Re-christened restaurant still popular with locals, tourists
BY TERRY SCHMIDA
KONK LIFE FOOD EDITOR
Proof positive that Key West continues to inspire folks from many walks of life, we welcome Rams Head Southernmost, the popular eatery located where Blue Macaw once stood, at 804 Whitehead St.
This charming restaurant, with its award-winning Bloody Mary bar, and live musical entertainment thrice daily, is now the purview of the Rams Horn Group, owned by entrepreneur Bill Muehlhauser, who moved to Key West 10 years ago from Annapolis, Maryland.
As he he did up north, Muehlhauser has focused his energy on sublime food and live music, and not just at Rams Head: The group is also booking concerts and running the open-air Key West Amphitheater, at the Truman Waterfront park, as well as the indoor Key West Theater venue, at 512 Eaton St.
“He has a hard time staying retired,” Rams Head Southernmost General Manager Corky Fertitta, said with a smile. “Because he likes to stay busy.”
At the restaurant, located in a charming old turn-of-the-last-century Conch house with a cupola and second-floor open-air dining room, Muehlhauser and his staff are busy serving up succulent local seafood, cut-to-order steaks, and a cornucopia of splendid food items in-between.
Beginning at 9 a.m. Rams Head serves up sweet and hearty breakfasts, such as the famed Blue Beni, with two poached eggs on mini waffles, pulled chipotle pork, and Hollandaise sauce. Kick it up a notch by substituting Florida lobster meat, instead of the pork!
Crab Cake Sandwiches are King here, however, and provide a delicious reminder of the company’s roots in crab country. The sandwich’s cake is packed with a generous portion of lump crab, Maryland style spices and dressing served on a toasted brioche roll, with lotsa fries. Fans of the tasty crustacean can also enjoy it in the form of Crab Dip, loaded with lump crab, cream cheese, jalapenos, and cheddar jack cheese, with carrots, celery, and a baguette.
Other smaller plates include the tender and lip-smacking Ahi Tuna Tartare, with wasabi guacamole, and wonton chips, for sharing; and the Street Tacos, whipped up with chipotle pork, vinegar slaw, queso fresco, chili aioli, and fresh cilantro, served in mini corn tortillas. Yum!
Fancy something light and fresh? Sample the Tomato & Watermelon Salad. This patented plate features heirloom tomatoes, uber-fresh watermelon chunks, feta cheese, arugula, aged balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Make it super special with the addition of chicken, fresh catch, portabello mushroom or Key West shrimp. It’s served grilled, blackened, or chimmi’d!
Speaking of Key West pinks, you can enjoy them in abundance in the Shrimp Salad Sandwich, with chopped celery, garlic, seafood dressing on a toasted brioche, and served with fries, for a real taste of the islands.
The truly hungry may want to go head-to-head with the Full Rack of Ribs – a huge slab slathered with seasoning, and paired with vinegar slaw and fries.
Naturally, there are plenty of drink choices at Rams Head, besides the aforementioned huge build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. The full liquor licensed establishment is also the southernmost home to the Fordham & Dominion craft beer company, and offers plenty of fave island cocktails as well.
Looking for a truly different kind of meal on the town? Do yourself a flavor and check out Rams Head, where the live music rarely stops, and the menu truly offers something new and wonderful!
Rams Head Southernmost serves food from 9 a.m. t to 11 p.m. daily. Happy Hour is from 4 To 7 p.m. Daily. Credit cards are accepted. Some parking is available. Private parties are available. For reservations, or more information, call 305-440-3196 or visit https://ramsheadsouthernmost.com/
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