Hobo's Cafe Review - Key Largo, Florida

I've traveled to over 40 States in America and I've determined this restaurant to be one of my personal favorites for a few reasons:

Aesthetics. I only ever sit outside while dining at Hobo's. I enjoy gazing at the plants placed around the patio. It brings a calmness to a stressful day. The patio is sprinkled with Christmas lights. A warm yellow that isn't too bright on the eyes. Just light enough to read the menu and enjoy the ambiance. 

I mentioned outside as this is a huge factor, especially in the Florida Keys, where mosquitos lurk on unsuspecting people prey. Thankfully there is enough fans to keep them at bay, in addition to the no-see-ums. They have the mouth of an alligator on a fly body. You can't see them, hence the name.

It's a tropical environment and at night, for me because I'm always freezing, it's not too hot and not too cold, at least in April. I can finally enjoy not having to bundle up like I do in my 66 degree office. It's calm. I'm comfortable. Outside is the only place I request to sit here.

Food. I've explored other menu items such as the hogfish. It's good, but my all-time favorite is the Beef Churrasco with Chimichurri Sauce and a side of Creamed Spinach and a Sweet Tea. The sweet tea is similar to Sonny's BBQ sweet, maybe even sweeter! I love it! It's hard to find decent sweet tea. The zing from the strong, freshly made chimichurri sauce is extremely addicting. So much, that I requested multiple side orders of the sauce so I can take them home and freeze them, especially when they temporarily close, which I'll get to that in a moment.

Location. Strategically placed right in Key Largo, it's perfect so you don't have to make the extra 100mi drive south, unless that was the original intent. If that's the case, please check out my Key West Guide Here! You'll be able to read about the Ernest Hemingway House and the Key West Butterfly Conservatory, and more!

To add on location, plan your evening to end up at Sundowners first for a beautiful sunset. Don't order any food as this is where everyone and their grandma, their grandpa, cousins, you name it are also enjoying the sunset in Key Largo. Instead order a mojito and enjoy the live music.

Once the sun has set, bounce straight over to Hobo's and score yourself a spot on the patio for a peaceful evening.

Sundowners
103900 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
sundownerskeylargo.com
(305) 451-4502

Hobo's Cafe
101691 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
hoboscafe.net
(305) 451-5888

With the good, I also have to throw out the cons to get rid of any surprises on your way down to Fantasy Fest (happens in October by the way).

DO NOT ORDER THE 16oz BIG DADDY PORTION!

Not that I think you can't eat it, but unfortunately the price for the larger size isn't worth it (to me personally.) The 12oz price will run you about 34.99 plus the cost of a side and drink, but the 16oz will end up charging you 59.99 for only 4 more extra oz added. Skip the "Big Daddy" and order a dessert.

Inside the main restaurant isn't the most romantic. I personally love sitting outside at this particular location. It does feel like the dining area gets pretty crowded. 

Earlier I mentioned that Hobo's does in fact, close during the year. Before making the trip out of the way, if it's your first time, I highly recommend just giving a quick call to make sure they're open or check their website for updates and operating hours.

Before I post photos of my deliciousness, I want to mention that not only Trip Advisor named them as Traveler's Choice 2020, but National Geographic also stated that they are the most authentic Keys eateries.

With all that being said, 

behold

Beef Churrasco with Chimichurri Sauce
and Creamed Spinach with a Sweet Tea.

How many times I've visited!

                                         

https://hoboscafe.net/

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ee2hMen4ZzcaEkRy9

sundownerskeylargo.com

Steampunk Adventurers Weekend Experience

What is Steampunk?

Steampunk is a hybrid of aesthetics from science fiction to futuristic technology, inspired by steam-powered industrial machinery. Costumes and utilitarian objects are created in conglomeration with ideas that include post-apocalyptic settings to the American West, including the Victorian era. It’s a style of steam, fantasy, leather, gears, and metal. The Wild Wild West, which many people are familiar with, is also an excellent example of this style.

Quiz

Which State has a working Steam Clock? 
Who invented Steampunk? 
What is the mascot of Steampunk? 

Where is the Steampunk Festival Located?

Steampunk Adventurers Weekend at Yesteryear Village

601-7 Sansbury’s Way, West Palm Beach, FL 33411

Saturday November 12, 2022, 12pm – 11pm

Sunday, November 13, 2022, 11am – 8pm

Dates have been crossed out, due to this event already taking place.

For personal safety reasons, I did not post where I was currently.

Cost / Promos

$55.00 for 2-Day 18+ Traveler Ticket

This was purchased at the end of October, but I should have waited for an
            a better deal.

There were promos that came after this timeframe

HALLOWSTEAM22 for $5 off: via email

SAWNOV22 to save 10% (online only): on their website

Promos have been crossed out, due to this event already taking place and
            no longer work.

Family Friendly / Pet Friendly / Safe Solo

Family Friendly: YES

Pet Friendly: NO

Safe Solo: YES

Amenities

Food and Drinks: I recommend eating a full meal before heading to the festival. Food is expensive because it’s a convenience there. A cheeseburger was running around $11.00.

Restrooms: There are multiple restroom options, including building facilities.

Vendors: Sadly, there were not a ton of vendors. Hopefully there will be more to check out next year. I’d like to see more steampunk attire available on-site!

Parking: Free and plenty of it!

Entertainment

Live Shows and Music | Rides | Facepainting | Balloons

Magic and Bubble Shows | Crafting and Victorian Games

Weather

The weather was pretty warm on November 12^th followed by a heavy rainstorm towards the evening. People that wore elaborate costumes were very hot.

November 13 was just as warm, but it was a nice day for photo opportunities.

                       November 12^th                        November 13^th

            

 Etiquette

Treat others how you want to be treated. With that being said, the following article contains comments and resources regarding etiquette of the Victorian era. Some may not apply but dig through the multiple comments under the “tags” of each section and you’ll be surprised to find more information. https://steamfashion.livejournal.com/tag/etiquette

Interesting Facts

K.W. Jeter is created the term steampunk in 1987

The octopus is the mascot of steampunk

Only a few functioning steam clocks exist around the world

Recommendations / What to Bring

1.     Eat before you arrive. There is a Wendy’s down the street.

2.     Bring a fan, umbrella, or both! Florida is hot, even in November. The umbrella can help with last minute rainstorms, and provide quick shade.

3.     Get a stamp on your forearm if you have to leave. Otherwise, you might wash it off your hand.

4.     Walk around Yesteryear Village. There are a lot of interesting older buildings with cooler curations!

Future Events / Calendar

       Feb 10-12, 2023 
       Atlanta Steampunk Exposition – Steampunk Convention Atlanta, GA, USA

       Feb 18, 2023 
       Syfy Bartow – Science Fiction Festival Bartow, FL, USA

       Mar 30-Apr 2, 2023 
       MegaCon Orlando – Geek Convention with Steampunk Orlando, FL, USA

       Apr 14-16, 2023 
       221B Con – Convention for All Things Sherlock Holmes Atlanta, GA, USA

       Apr 22 2023 10:00am - 4:00pm
       Prehistoricon - A fossil, gemstone, prehistoric bones, and Steampunk Mulberry, FL, USA

Social Accounts To Follow

https://www.facebook.com/SteampunkAdventurersWeekend

https://www.facebook.com/groups/steampunktendencies/

https://instagram.com/mr.clausflorida

https://www.facebook.com/noteheather

Personal Experience 

My adventure brings me to the side of iThink Financial Amphitheater, to Yesteryear Village. Barely exiting the car, the temperature feels like NOPE degrees. Even in my costume, which includes a black velvet utility kilt, white peasant shirt, black Spirit Halloween corset, and knee-high black boots, there was not enough shade or cool breezes even though half of November is through. The amphitheater, formerly known as the Cruzan, has hosted thousands of concerts. It is surprising to admit, this was my first time ever visiting Yesteryear village which sits adjacent to it. An arched gate stands at the entrance waiting for like-minded steampunkers to arrive.

Once breaking through security, I mean passing them, I was greeted by two stilt walkers dressed in elaborate costumes. Towering over me, I stare up into the steam-powered inspired heavens with a smile. I am in the right place!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Steampunk Adventurers Weekend (@saw_florida)

Almost everyone who showed up, was dressed in their own style!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Steampunk Adventurers Weekend (@saw_florida)

Sadly, EDC (Electric Daisy Carnival) happened to be during the same week in Orlando, FL. I really believe this event murdered the attendance at the Steampunk Festival. However, it was nice with a smaller crowd as I would be able to enjoy most of the activities all to myself!

While strolling through the village, there didn’t seem to be many vendors. To spend $250-500 for a vendor spot makes it hard for them to make any profit. Because this was their first annual festival since covid, hopefully the following years will be better.

            As I'm walking through the rest of the village I hear a high pitch squeltch, "DO YOU WANT TO RIDE?!" The Hurlinator is visible on a sign over this metal contraption. I was convinced to go on only because the attendant said it went faster with multiple people, as I was being stared at by two other women waiting to spin their guts around. This was $4 worth of laughter. Much like the gravitron at the local fair, your stomach disappears into your lungs. Thank you attendant for also getting this awesome shot!

            The remainder of the village includes many older style buildings with different themes. One of my favorites, happened to be the blacksmithing area. The gentleman running the booth was super nice and very interactive. He also has a spot down at the South Florida Fairgrounds. It’s amazing to see a forgotten art being brought back to life.

I found my way over to a fishing shack. Along the walls, are older luars, photos, motors curated nicely to create a familiar wooden fishcamp vibe. Venturing through and around it, you'll be able to see a lake from the boardwalk that surrounds the building.

I enjoyed the time traveling concept that not only the steampunk festival tried to create, but the features from what Yesteryear village added to it. 

While there were lectures commencing and stages being set for the evening shows, I stumbled on a warehouse that housed antique firetrucks which made a nice backdrop for an impromptu self-photoshoot. Other displays within this building included a shoe crafting area, a ham radio station, and a press printing area that I used as an experimental area to test my camera's functions.

Even though other events to were taking place, I was more interested in people watching and enjoying the costumes other steampunk cosplayers were able to craft. Of those, Steampunk Santa happened to be one of them. His name is Mark, and he spent quite a lot of time and imagination on his custom made suit. Details including imprinted snowflakes on his leather belt, to his whimsically red coat were all planned out for over 6 months. I was able to successfully take a couple photos with him and created some tasteful pieces before heading out. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did collaborating!

Quiz Answers: 
1. Indiana

2. K.W. Jeter 

3. Octopus

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