Euphemia Haye Loft
Euphemia Haye Loft, nestled amid the palm trees and tranquil waters of Longboat Key, has been captivating diners for decades. This enchanting restaurant offers a dining experience that’s as distinctive as it is delightful. With a sprinkle of Old Florida charm and a heaping serving of culinary artistry, it beckons all those with an appreciation for fine food and a zest for culinary adventures.
The story of Euphemia Haye Loft is as rich as the flavors it serves. The original restaurant began in 1975, with just one room downstairs and, upstairs, three loft apartments, one of them occupied by the original owner, Les Buntin. However, after Les passed away and the other occupants moved on, the torch was passed to new owners, Ray and D’Arcy Arpke. In the late ’80s, they undertook
The story of Euphemia Haye Loft is as rich as the flavors it serves. The original restaurant began in 1975, with just one room downstairs and, upstairs, three loft apartments, one of them occupied by the original owner, Les Buntin. However, after Les passed away and the other occupants moved on, the torch was passed to new owners, Ray and D’Arcy Arpke. In the late ’80s, they undertook a transformation that led to the creation of the lounge and dessert room we know and love today.
Ray Arpke, who was also a cookbook author, served as the chef, infusing his culinary expertise into the heart and soul of the restaurant. Under the watchful eye of new owner Amy Whitt, who has been an integral part of the restaurant for years, Euphemia Haye Loft continues to evolve and thrive. Her journey with Euphemia Haye Loft began as a bookkeeper in 2007, answering phones and making reservations. Over the years, she has passionately contributed to the restaurant’s growth, leading her to become the owner, a journey that testifies to her unwavering dedication and boundless passion for the establishment.
“The Euphemia Haye Loft is a place of heart and history, where every bite tells a story,” says Amy. “Don’t sleep on our signature dessert—the warm apple walnut crumble pie. We say ‘There’s the whole apple in every slice,’ and if you counted it out, it probably is, if not a little more. Here’s a little insider tip: It makes an amazing breakfast! I promise it will start your day off right.”
Euphemia Haye Loft is a supremely inviting space, where all the drinks are expertly crafted by the talented bartenders, ensuring that each sip is a masterpiece.
“The longevity of the staff is important,” Amy adds. “Our lounge bartenders have been there for ages. The amount of espresso and chocolate Martinis and Old Fashioneds they’ve served is just unheard of; they’ve definitely mastered their craft. I’m positive we have the best espresso martini—it’s killer and made with actual espresso and not espresso-flavored syrup. The drinks may not be precisely traditional, because they’ve bettered it, and you won’t get it like this anywhere else.”
The dessert room, known for its 10 to 15 dessert options every evening, offers an abbreviated menu with many items from downstairs (except the steaks). It’s a walk-in-only space, creating an atmosphere that’s relaxed and less formal, making it the perfect place to unwind with a dessert and a drink. In the ever-evolving world of dining, the Euphemia Haye Loft stands as a testament to the enduring power of great food and genuine hospitality. It’s a destination that truly transcends time and trends.
Amy Whitt concludes, “The biggest thing is that there’s no bad experience. You’d have to go out of your way to have a not good experience there, and our Haye Loft really does cater to every possible situation—whether you’re coming for dessert, just having drinks, there for a business meeting, joining friends, celebrating a special occasion.... The Haye Loft is for creating memories, and I have no doubt you’ll make amazing ones upstairs.”
Hey, when you go don’t forget the apple pie. As for me, I’ll be getting a job answering their phones and, fingers crossed, I’ll be buying the joint from Amy in another decade or so.
