Welcome to the Island Hotel & Restaurant, a place where time slows down and memories are made. Our ten unique rooms are designed to feel like a true escape from the everyday, preserving the quiet, traditional charm that makes Cedar Key so special. You won't find TVs in our rooms or phones here - just the peaceful ambiance of our original hand-cut wooden walls and floors. Guests love to spend their afternoons in our upstairs lobby, relaxing in a rocking chair, or enjoying a quiet moment on the balcony. We also have a double swing perfect for two, where many couples have gotten engaged and even returned to get married! All of our rooms are non-smoking and include a private bathroom and traditional ceiling fan to keep you comfortable. Enjoy a romantic dinner in our Dining Room or enjoy a great steak and a beer while stepping back in time in The King Neptune Lounge. Be sure to ask about Bair's Cave, a special speakeasy-style dining area dedicated to Andy & Stanley Bair.
In 1946, Bessie and Gibby Gibbs purchased the Island Hotel, and Bessie quickly established the dining room as a must-visit destination. She set high standards for the restaurant, sourcing fresh seafood directly from local boats at the Big Dock and produce from area farmers' markets. Her signature Heart of Palm Salad remains a beloved classic, still served today.
The hotel has changed hands over the years, but its culinary legacy endures. In 1980, new owner Marcia Rogers hired Chef Jahn McCumbers, a move that revitalized the restaurant's reputation. Chef McCumbers put the Island Hotel back on the map as a premier destination for fresh, local seafood. Over her 14-year tenure, she expanded the menu to include a variety of dishes, from steaks and chicken to lamb and pork.
In 2004, Andy and Stanley Bair became the new owners, and Chef Jahn returned to lead the kitchen. Stanley worked closely with Chef Jahn to refine the menu, preserving timeless favorites while introducing new dishes. Together, they created a menu with something for everyone, with fan favorites like the Crab Bisque and Key Lime Pie showcasing their exceptional culinary skills
When Chef McCumbers retired in the spring of 2013, Sous Chef Kim Cash seamlessly stepped into the role of Executive Chef. Having worked alongside Chef Jahn for many years, her promotion ensured the kitchen maintained its high standards. Chef Kim and her team continue to create delicious new dishes for guests to enjoy.
Dining Room: 5 PM - 9 PM (Tuesday - Sunday)
Neptune Lounge & Bair's Cave: 4:00 PM - 9:30 PM (Tuesday - Sunday)
For reservations please call: 352-543-5111
Prices subject to change
Classic and storied, The Neptune Lounge is one of kind with great drinks and food. The mural of King Neptune (Yes, with bullet holes) reminds us all that you only live once! Ask about Bair’s Cave, a speakeasy-style dining area just off The Neptune Lounge.
Neptune Lounge: 4:00 PM - 9:30 PM (Tuesday - Sunday)
For reservations please call: 352-543-5111
Cedar Key holds a wealth of fishing spots, from renowned attractions to hidden gems. First, decide what your dream trophy is and how you want to catch it. Then you can let your fishing adventure unfold! Once you experience fishing in Cedar Key, you’ll want to come back again and again.
Cedar Key Adventures is your headquarters for fun in Cedar Key! Locally owned and operated we offer Golf Carts, Premium Kayaks, and Bikes. With three convenient locations on the Island our knowledgeable staff will have you on your next adventure in a Cedar Key Minute!
Whether you’re a casual birder, lifelong bird-watcher or an avid nature photographer, the birds of Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve should be on your life list.
>Located 5 miles east of Cedar Key, the reserve is over five thousand acres, with miles of trails to explore.
The Coastal Tour travels to the outer islands of the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge. This scenic route often encounters dolphins and various birds, depending on the season of the year. Occasionally we will come across manatees, sea turtles, and even spotted eagle rays. This trip is an excellent choice for those who wish to experience a balanced overview of Cedar Key history and the natural aspects of our rich and diverse ecosystem. The route and activities vary according to the season of the year and the weather conditions. This is a 1½ to 2 hour Pet Friendly tour that departs multiple times throughout the week weather and conditions permitting.
Cedar Key Seafood Festival is uncommonly appealing. It comes just in time for cooler weather and the start of stone crab season. Over the past 15 years, the festival’s reputation has grown and it is now recognized as one of the top Small-Town Art Fairs in the nation. Welcoming only 100 high-quality artists and about 15-18,000 visitors annually, the event radiates a relaxed and friendly atmosphere often missing in larger venues. Click the link to find a festival or event that coincides with your trip.
“The Island Hotel [in Cedar Key] is a throwback … It’s a small old hotel – the kind of place where they couldn’t really care less whether you come, as opposed to those overmarketed tourism spots.”
"The hotel itself is an interesting place to stay. Like going back in time. Very clean and the staff were most accommodating. But best part was the food. The chef's creations are magnificent!The steak was perfect as was the Ahi tuna. The appetizers were wonderful. Try the escargot and then back bayou grits if you want to be amazed. There was evening live entertainment in the lounge too! If you are a little adventurous and are looking for something a little different from the usual, this place is worth a visit."
"What an amazing place. Chaulked full of history the Island Hotel is an amazing place to stop for dinner. The staff was super nice and attentive. They offered suggestions and we didnt have to wait to have our needs met. They start off with a house salad and have the standard dressings, however, the house french vinegarette is too die for. My wife had the fish katarini with mahi mahi and i had the Calypso angel hair pasta with chicken. Both meals were exceptional....my wife being a vegetarian could say enough about the way the fish was cooked....this meal was the house special at $27...fresh mahi at that price is really unheard of. My dish was perfect on all levels....I am usually not a white sauce person as I find that white sauce leaves me feeling heavy and full....not on this dish...it was bursting full of flavor with fresh spinach, mushrooms, onion, garlic and sun-dried tomatoe. The atmosphere is like a fine dining experience at half the cost. PLEASE DONT CHANGE A THING!"
"We have been here many times and it never disappoints. From the quaint accomodations (no phones or TV!) to the food (try the shrimp and grits) and hospitality shown by the staff, it is the best. Lounge is the place to meet many locals. Bar small so get there early! Wrap around porch nice, swings and chairs to relax and read. A short walk to the shops. Not much to do, but 2 nights is a perfect stay."
"The best pasta with clams, shrimp and scallops I have ever had! (and I've eaten my share :-) Bar staff fun, gracious, and very accommodating. Yummy desserts too. Lovely old Hotel atmosphere..."
