Built just after World War II, Harpoon Harry's restaurant has a 1950's appearance that remains a classic. This inexpensive restaurant is the only genuine American diner in the Florida Keys serving quality food in an eclectic environment that blends a retro impression with a laid back island feel.
The short documentary to the left was recorded in 2010 and can be found on YouTube. It helps give the viewer an idea of the Harpoon Harry's breakfast experience.
Molly's Barbar Shop in the mid 1960s
Breakfast ranges from the basic eggs, toast and coffee to fancier house specialties like Lobster Eggs Benedict. Locals mingle with tourists and discuss news of the day and the latest gossip over Cuban coffee at the lunch counter. The staff is welcoming, helpful and efficient giving everyone a chance to start their day with a smile.
The picture to the right was taken in the mid 1960s when the building housed Molly's Barber Shop and apartments. A couple of years after that, the Fisherman's Cafe moved in to the space from across the street. Since then the downstairs apartments were eliminated to make more room for the restaurant. While the building has been improved over the years, it retains the original 1950's ambiance and flavor.
Front Page Key West Citizen April 1, 2007
On April 1st, 2007 the front page of the Key West Citizen announced the sale of Harpoon Harry's restaurant for $2.1 million at an auction the previous day. In fact, there been an auction. And the correspondent correctly reported that it was a reserved auction in which the bids must be over a minimum in order to sell. But somehow, the reporter never bothered to check whether the minimums had been met.
"When I came in to open up that morning, I was bowled over," said Owner Ron Heck. "It was like looking in the paper and reading your own obituary."