There is much more to the meals scene in Key West than simply cheeseburgers in paradise. The metropolis now has almost 400 eating places in simply over 4 sq. miles. If you might be on the town for a number of days, you’ll be able to solely style a small pattern of the most effective locations to eat in Key West. So in case you are questioning the place to eat in Key West, this information covers a variety of a few of the finest eating places — from wonderful eating to informal avenue meals — together with some native favorites which are off-the-beaten vacationer monitor.
When you go to the Florida Keys, there are a number of must-try Key West meals that it is advisable to pattern. Of course, there are quite a few takes on key lime pie, however the true star is the contemporary native seafood. So save your cheeseburgers for LuLu’s in Orange Beach and in case you are visiting top-of-the-line eating places in Key West, be sure you get an opportunity to order a few of the following:
- Conch (strive it in fritters, ceviche, or conch chowder)
- Grouper (mild-flavored fish someplace in between seabass and halibut typically served grilled)
- Mahi Mahi (firmer fish, just like swordfish, typically served grilled or blackened)
- Key West pink shrimp
- Royal Reds shrimp
- Caribbean spiny lobster
- Stone crab claws (in season from mid-October to early May) with Key West mustard sauce
- Authentic Cuban meals (Cubano sandwich, ropa vieja, and camarones al ajillo)
- Smoked trout dip
Where to Eat in Key West
I’ve visited Key West on a household journey and likewise lately on a Florida Keys highway journey with my good friend Kim and we received a ton of suggestions from locals to search out these hidden gems. Eating is considered one of my favourite issues to do in Key West. These had been a few of our suggestions, in addition to these from mates who visited lately, for the most effective eating places in Key West.
First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery
First Flight Island Restaurant and Brewery has a enjoyable and fascinating historical past. The constructing was the unique house of Pan American World Airways and the place the place the primary tickets had been bought in 1927. A bit of over 20 years in the past, the constructing was bought by actress Kelly McGillis and she or he began brewing three small-batch beers earlier than craft breweries had been a factor.
Today the restaurant is below new administration, nevertheless it maintains its historical past with the decor and the beer. But to categorise this restaurant as a brewery could be doing it a disservice. We anticipated burgers and beers and had been stunned by a pleasant wine listing and quite a lot of scrumptious fine-dining choices. The fish tacos had been good and the Caribbean lobster tail with preserved lemon butter, backyard risotto, and grilled asparagus was scrumptious. Service was attentive and immediate, and the restaurant has a soothing setting, providing a bookshelf of video games to borrow and an attractive deck and beer backyard within the again.
First Flight Island Restaurant and Brewery is positioned at 301 Whitehead St
Key West, FL 33040
Garbo’s Grill
Garbo’s Grill meals truck is one other native restaurant with an fascinating historical past, positioned proper throughout the road from First Flight. The couple that owns Garbo’s Grill was in search of a method to open a restaurant in Key West with out paying the $50,000+ month-to-month lease the city calls for. So they opened a meals truck and share house with Hank’s Saloon. It is a pleasant synergy and locals line up for the Korean-American fare.
When Guy Fieri was on the town filming Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, he took discover of the road and jumped in to strive the Umamiburger. He ended up additionally attempting the fish tacos and determined to function Garbo’s on the present. I suppose the remainder is historical past, nevertheless it stays a favourite for locals and vacationers alike. The fish tacos with mango, jalapeño, cilantro, onion, and home Caribbean sauce had been completely scrumptious. It was no marvel the native police had been lining up for lunch right here.
Garbo’s Grill is positioned at 409 Caroline Street, Key West, Florida
Bagatelle
It looks as if each good restaurant in Key West has an fascinating backstory. Bagatelle isn’t any exception. The constructing on Duval Street that homes the restaurant used to adjoin the native library. The city bought the constructing to the restaurant house owners, on the situation that they transfer it to make room for a library enlargement. It was fairly an effort to relocate the constructing down the slim streets of Key West however at the moment it holds a outstanding place on the busiest avenue on the town.
But in contrast to a few of the vacationer traps that line Duval Street, Bagatelle provides a wonderful eating setting. I’m often a lobster purist, however their lobster mac and cheese is decadently-rich and scrumptious. It is an effective factor it’s an appetizer as a result of I can’t think about consuming a full portion.
Bagatelle is positioned at 115 Duval Street, Key West, Florida
Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen
If you might be prepared to enterprise out of downtown, Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen within the Perry Hotel provides marina-facing, indoor-outdoor eating in a contemporary and classy setting. Local companies are investing in Stock Island to make it an up-and-coming location simply 20 minutes from downtown Key West (with free parking.) Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen additionally provides dwell music open air on most nights, including to the enjoyable ambiance in comparison with the hustle and bustle of downtown.
They are recognized for his or her cheeseburgers with bacon jam and bacon salt fries, however all the pieces we tasted was scrumptious. My favourite was the tomato and avocado salad. It was gentle and contemporary, with a citrus French dressing, making it excellent for the warmth and a dish I’d fortunately eat on daily basis. You can get the catch of the day ready in a lot of methods, together with grilled, pan-seared, blackened, or fried, with quite a lot of sauces (the crawfish butter was my private favourite, though I needed to strive all of them.)
Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen is positioned within the Perry Hotel at 7001 Shrimp Road, Key West, FL 33040
Blue Heaven
Blue Heaven is known for its backyard setting and breakfast with roosters. Now it’s large with vacationers however up to now, it has been a brothel, pool corridor, boxing ring, and cock preventing area. You must go early as a result of there’ll inevitably be a line for brunch.
The restaurant is known for its home made banana bread and seafood eggs benedict. My private favourite was the sunshine and fluffy pancakes, though subsequent time I’d skip including the pineapple. If you’ll be able to deal with dessert for breakfast, take a look at their meringue-topped Key Lime pie.
Blue Heaven is positioned within the historic Bahama Village at 729 Thomas St, Key West, FL 33040
Kermit’s Key Lime Shoppe & Cafe
Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shoppe now has an outpost close to Mallory Square, however the unique is positioned close to the marina the place the boat excursions are based mostly and is a well-liked espresso and breakfast joint with captains and sailors. Between the pie and present store and the cafe, you will see a tranquil backyard full with a koi pond and waterfall, plus a number of of the ever present Key West chickens.
Don’t be stunned to see 75-year-old Kermit round in his vibrant inexperienced chef’s hat. The breakfast sandwiches are very tasty and in the event you go within the temper for dessert, don’t skip the frozen chocolate-dipped Key Lime pie on a stick!
The Original Kermit’s is positioned at 200 Elizabeth Street, Key West, Florida 33040
Cuban Coffee Queen
Coffee lovers will certainly wish to strive the brew at Cuban Coffee Queen, however even in the event you aren’t a fan of that robust espresso style, Cuban Coffee Queen is a go-to for genuine Cuban delicacies. From traditional Cuban-pressed sandwiches to breakfast choices and the yummy Shipwreck sandwich, there’s something for everybody at three Key West areas. The unique location on Margaret Street is a walk-up shack however has picnic tables to get pleasure from your meal by the waterfront.
Cuban Coffee Queen is positioned at 284 Margaret St, Key West, FL 33040
Lagerheads Beach Bar
Lagerheads Beach Bar and Watersports is a well-liked hangout spot for locals. Put in your bathing go well with, lease a chair, and hang around on their small seashore. Or in case you are simply going for lunch, get there early earlier than the road, particularly if you wish to eat inside out of the solar.
The meals isn’t fancy, however it’s good. Try a Cuban sandwich or fish tacos, or pattern some native specialties just like the smoked trout dip and conch ceviche.
Lagerheads Beach Bar is positioned at 0 Simonton Street, Key West, Florida
Latitudes
If you might be in search of a spot to rejoice an important day whereas in Key West, ebook a reservation on OpenTable for lunch or dinner at Latitudes. Latitudes is the fine-dining restaurant on the Sunset Key Cottages, the unique, luxurious resort on Sunset Key. As you’ll be able to think about, that is an incredible place to see the sundown, however entry to Sunset Key is restricted to resort company until you’ve a reservation at Latitudes. You can board a ferry boat off Front Street simply earlier than your reservation, however you’ll be able to take any return shuttle to Key West after your meal.
Latitudes serves up contemporary, native island delicacies with artistic takes on contemporary fish and fruit. You can dine exterior and luxuriate in Key West’s well-known sundown, together with views of the Gulf of Mexico, or transfer inside to the Ernest Hemingway Room. Just take into account that the gown code for dinner is “country club casual.”
Latitudes is positioned on Sunset Key, 245 Front Street, Key West, FL
Eaton Street Seafood Market
If you might be renting a home or staying in an Airbnb, buy some contemporary seafood to prepare dinner on the Eaton Street Seafood Market in Old Town. The catch is totally different on daily basis, so cease in and see what catches your eye. You can even get some scrumptious Key West pink shrimp or the bigger Royal Reds. Just take into account that pink shrimp have already got that pretty pinkish coloration earlier than they’re cooked — however you continue to must prepare dinner them earlier than you eat them, simply not so long as you would possibly different varieties of shrimp.
If you don’t really feel like cooking, you can too decide up cooked seafood and sandwiches to eat on the few tables they’ve on-site.
Eaton Street Seafood Market and Restaurant is positioned at 801 Eaton St, Key West, FL 33040
Lola’s Bistro
I’ve mates that simply spent every week in Key West they usually completely fell in love with Lola’s Bistro. This bohemian BYOB restaurant doesn’t have a set menu, however slightly provides every day specials that includes native fish and shellfish. The restaurant is small and comfy, so you’ll be able to see Chef Richard at work within the open kitchen.
There are simply 10 tables with two seatings an evening for an intimate expertise. Each day you will see 4 appetizers and 4 entrees, however depart room for dessert — particularly the tiramisu.
Lola’s Bistro is positioned at 728 Simonton St, Key West, FL 33040
Old Town Bakery
Located not removed from Eaton Street Seafood Market, Old Town Bakery is the spot to go for espresso, pastries, contemporary bread, and sandwiches. They additionally occur to have probably the most scrumptious brownie with chocolate ganache filling — however be sure you have a good friend to share it with as a result of it’s large!
Old Town Bakery additionally had their tackle Key Lime pie, however their twist is with a ginger snap crust, giving it a really distinctive taste.
Old Town Bakery is positioned at 930 Eaton Street, Key West, Florida
Best Bars in Key West
There isn’t any scarcity of locations to drink in Key West, together with old-time standard locations like Sloppy Joe’s. However, listed here are a few of my favourite finds.
Hog’s Breath Saloon
The Hog’s Breath Saloon is correct off Duval Street, simply steps from Mallory Square. It is standard with cruise ship passengers squeezing of their final drink earlier than racing again to the boat earlier than it leaves. There isn’t something particular in regards to the beer choice, however the dwell music is lit. Apparently, everybody who’s anybody has performed at Hog’s Breath sooner or later of their profession.
Hog’s Breath Saloon is positioned at 400 Front Street, Key West, FL 33040
Waterfront Brewery
Opened in 2015, Waterfront Brewery holds a wonderful location on the marina. They brew a big choice of beers, from lagers to IPAs, stouts, reds, blondes, shandies, and extra — assuring one thing for each beer drinker.
Of course, it isn’t only a place to drink. Waterfront Brewery additionally has a full restaurant and a big sport/leisure house, making it enjoyable even for households.
Waterfront Brewery is positioned at 201 William Street, Key West, Florida
Sunset Pier
Sunset Pier on the Ocean Key Resort and Spa is an ideal spot to get pleasure from a drink whereas ready for the solar to set. Just make sure you get there early sufficient to assert a desk on the rail on the ocean, providing you with front-row seats to Key West’s well-known sunsets.
Sunset Pier is positioned on the Ocean Key Resort and Spa at 0 Duval Street, Key West, Florida
El Mason de Pepe
This Cuban meals restaurant off Mallory Square is a good spot to seize a drink earlier than having fun with the sundown celebration. Even although Key West technically has an open container regulation, they have a tendency to look the opposite method in case you are behaving your self. You will see many individuals getting their drinks in a to-go cup, slipping them right into a koozie, and strolling over to benefit from the avenue performers or stake their declare on the pier to view the sundown.
El Mason de Pepe is positioned at 410 Wall Street, Mallory Square, Key West, 33040
Margaritaville Key West
Bistro 245 at Margaritaville Key West provides seats proper alongside the sting of the pier, throughout the sidewalk from the resort and restaurant. Go early to get the most effective spot for sundown or head upstairs to the Sunset Deck. Just take into account that there could also be a cruise ship or their rope strains partially blocking your view on some nights.
Margaritaville Key West is positioned at 245 Front Street, Key West, Florida
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