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’re on the town for just a few days, you may solely style a small pattern of the perfect locations to eat in Key West. So if you’re questioning the place to eat in Key West, this information covers a variety of among the greatest eating places — from superb eating to informal avenue meals — together with some native favorites which might be off-the-beaten vacationer observe.
When you go to the Florida Keys, there are just a few must-try Key West meals that it’s essential pattern. Of course, there are quite a few takes on key lime pie, however the true star is the recent native seafood. So save your cheeseburgers for LuLu’s in Orange Beach and if you’re visiting among the best eating places in Key West, ensure you get an opportunity to order among the following:
- Conch (attempt it in fritters, ceviche, or conch chowder)
- Grouper (mild-flavored fish someplace in between seabass and halibut typically served grilled)
- Mahi Mahi (firmer fish, much 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 in addition not too long ago on a Florida Keys highway journey with my good friend Kim and we bought a ton of suggestions from locals to seek out these hidden gems. Eating is one among my favourite issues to do in Key West. These have been a few of our suggestions, in addition to these from associates who visited not too long ago, for the perfect eating places in Key West.
First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery
First Flight Island Restaurant and Brewery has a enjoyable and attention-grabbing historical past. The constructing was the unique dwelling of Pan American World Airways and the place the place the primary tickets have been offered 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 have been a factor.
Today the restaurant is underneath new administration, but it surely 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 have been shocked by a pleasant wine listing and quite a lot of scrumptious fine-dining choices. The fish tacos have 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 atmosphere, providing a bookshelf of video games to borrow and a stupendous 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 attention-grabbing historical past, positioned proper throughout the road from First Flight. The couple that owns Garbo’s Grill was searching for a technique 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 attempt the Umamiburger. He ended up additionally making an attempt the fish tacos and determined to function Garbo’s on the present. I assume the remainder is historical past, but it surely stays a favourite for locals and vacationers alike. The fish tacos with mango, jalapeño, cilantro, onion, and home Caribbean sauce have been completely scrumptious. It was no marvel the native police have been lining up for lunch right here.
Garbo’s Grill is positioned at 409 Caroline Street, Key West, Florida
Bagatelle
It looks like each good restaurant in Key West has an attention-grabbing backstory. Bagatelle isn’t any exception. The constructing on Duval Street that homes the restaurant used to adjoin the native library. The city offered the constructing to the restaurant house owners, on the situation that they transfer it to make room for a library growth. It was fairly an effort to relocate the constructing down the slender streets of Key West however in the present day it holds a distinguished place on the busiest avenue on the town.
But in contrast to among the vacationer traps that line Duval Street, Bagatelle presents a superb eating atmosphere. I’m normally a lobster purist, however their lobster mac and cheese is decadently-rich and scrumptious. It is an efficient 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’re keen to enterprise out of downtown, Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen within the Perry Hotel presents 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 presents dwell music open air on most nights, including to the stress-free 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 recent, with a citrus French dressing, making it excellent for the warmth and a dish I’d fortunately eat day by day. You can get the catch of the day ready in plenty 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 attempt 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 huge with vacationers however up to now, it has been a brothel, pool corridor, boxing ring, and cock combating area. You must go early as a result of there’ll inevitably be a line for brunch.
The restaurant is known for its selfmade 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 may deal with dessert for breakfast, try 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 can see a tranquil backyard full with a koi pond and waterfall, plus just a few of the ever-present Key West chickens.
Don’t be shocked to see 75-year-old Kermit round in his brilliant inexperienced chef’s hat. The breakfast sandwiches are very tasty and in case 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 attempt the brew at Cuban Coffee Queen, however even in case 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 places. 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 swimsuit, lease a chair, and hang around on their small seashore. Or if you’re 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’re searching for a spot to have fun an important day whereas in Key West, e-book 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 may think about, that is an incredible place to see the sundown, however entry to Sunset Key is restricted to resort friends until you may have a reservation at Latitudes. You can board a ferry boat off Front Street simply earlier than your reservation, however you may take any return shuttle to Key West after your meal.
Latitudes serves up recent, native island delicacies with artistic takes on recent fish and fruit. You can dine outdoors 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 remember the fact 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’re renting a home or staying in an Airbnb, buy some recent seafood to prepare dinner on the Eaton Street Seafood Market in Old Town. The catch is completely different day by day, 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 remember the fact that pink shrimp have already got that pretty pinkish colour 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 kinds of shrimp.
If you don’t really feel like cooking, you may as well choose 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 associates 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 reasonably presents day by day specials that includes native fish and shellfish. The restaurant is small and comfortable, so you may 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 can see 4 appetizers and 4 entrees, however go away 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, recent bread, and sandwiches. They additionally occur to have probably the most scrumptious brownie with chocolate ganache filling — however ensure 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 widespread locations like Sloppy Joe’s. However, listed below 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 widespread 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 superb location on the marina. They brew a big collection 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 say a desk on the rail on the ocean, supplying 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 manner if you’re 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 presents seats proper alongside the sting of the pier, throughout the sidewalk from the lodge and restaurant. Go early to get the perfect spot for sundown or head upstairs to the Sunset Deck. Just remember the fact that there could also be a cruise ship or their rope traces partially blocking your view on some nights.
Margaritaville Key West is positioned at 245 Front Street, Key West, Florida
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