Thai Life Reviews

Thai Floating Restaurant
by Jeni Alterman                                                                  

There is a new little pearl in Key West restaurants’ crown. Thai Life Floating Restaurant has opened atthe location of funky, now-defunct Captain Runaground’s at the Garrison Bight Marina. The boat, a work in progress, has been transformed in the image of the floating eateries that dot the rivers of Thailand.

Owners Dow and Mike Lowe survived the 2004 tsunami on Phuket Island in Thailand where they had a hotel and restaurant. After a short spin at retirement, they decided to relocate to Key West, a place rich in fresh seafood and appreciative diners. From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day except Tuesday, Thai chef Dow serves noodle dishes as well as the popular Tom Yum for breakfast. Dinner entrees consist of curries, Phad Thai, satays, and stir-fries.

 If you are new to the Thai table or have specific requests, relax. Monica, our bartender/server, was well informed because of an often neglected restaurant tradition, the “family” meal where the staff samples the menu offerings. An enthusiastic fan of Thai Life, she explained how hard-to-find ingredients like Thai chilies and lemon grass are now being cultivated for the restaurant’s kitchen.

Dow and Mike started us off with Som Tum, a papaya salad with shrimp, garlic, lemon, and peanuts, eaten daily in Thailand. Lightly sparked by chilies, this is a good dish to enjoy the combination of sweet, salty, hot, and sour flavors that is the hallmark of Thai cooking.

I had my favorite - Green Curry with beef, carrots, and eggplant— but, after tasting Malcolm’s Fish and Shrimp with Fried Garlic and Pepper Sauce, I may have a new favorite. The ingredients were fresh and perfect, and the balance of flavors amazing. This is an incredible experience— it’s Thai to die for.

If you can’t afford to leave the rock this summer, take a mini-vacation to Thai Life Floating Restaurant. There’s plenty of free parking at the Garrison Bight Marina. The breezes are always blowing. Menu prices are between $10 and $25. They serve cold beer, wine, and wine-based cocktails. It’s said the Thai people are either thinking about food, buying food, preparing food, or eating food all the time. 

I’m already fantasizing about my next Thai meal. 

The Key West Citizen
September 7, 2008
Anne-Margaret Swary

Thai Life Floating Restaurant has opened at the former locations of Capt. Runaground Harvey's on North Roosevelt Boulevard.

The restaurant, which literally floats in Garrison Bight Marina, serves authentic Thai cuisine six days a week.

Owner Mike Lowe and his wife, Dow, opened the restaurant less than three months ago. The couple formerly owned a hotel in Phuket, Thailand, for six years, catering to Thai and tourists alike, before relocating to the Florida Keys. Dow herself is Thai, and works as a chef at the restaurant.

"We serve traditional Thai food using the best ingredients available, and the restaurant is a traditional Thai floating restaurant -- the only one in the U.S.," Lowe claimed.

Thai Life is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day except Tuesdays, when the restaurant is closed.

 Call 305-296-9907 for more information.

Thai Life is widely regarded as Key West's best, and most authentic,  Thai dining experience. 

"Best Pad Thai in town."
-  Key West Magazine, 2008

"Simply the best Tom Yum Goong anywhere. If you are looking for a distinctive Thai dining experience,  make a trip to Thai Life in Key West."
- G. Pyle,  England.

"The best fresh spring rolls in Key West can be found at the Thai Life. Authentic surroundings and a first rate menu make this your best choice for great Thai cuisine."
- Sally Brown, Key West

"No better place to bring your friends. Thai Life is a unique dining experience. The spicy soup is outstanding as well. Delectable!"
- Brian Dunne,  TX