There may be much more to the meals scene in Key West than simply cheeseburgers in paradise. Town now has practically 400 eating places in simply over 4 sq. miles. If you’re on the town for a couple of days, you possibly can solely style a small pattern of one of the best locations to eat in Key West. So in case you are questioning the place to eat in Key West, this information covers a spread of a number of the greatest eating places — from positive eating to informal avenue meals — together with some native favorites which can be off-the-beaten vacationer observe.
While you go to the Florida Keys, there are a couple of must-try Key West meals that it’s essential pattern. In fact, there are quite a few takes on key lime pie, however the actual star is the recent native seafood. So save your cheeseburgers for LuLu’s in Orange Seaside and in case you are visiting the most effective eating places in Key West, be sure you get an opportunity to order a number of the following:
- Conch (strive it in fritters, ceviche, or conch chowder)
- Grouper (mild-flavored fish someplace in between seabass and halibut usually served grilled)
- Mahi Mahi (firmer fish, much like swordfish, usually served grilled or blackened)
- Key West pink shrimp
- Royal Reds shrimp
- Caribbean spiny lobster
- Stone crab claws (in season from mid-October to early Might) with Key West mustard sauce
- Genuine Cuban meals (Cubano sandwich, ropa vieja, and camarones al ajillo)
- Smoked trout dip
The place to Eat in Key West
I’ve visited Key West on a household journey and likewise not too long ago on a Florida Keys street journey with my pal Kim and we bought a ton of suggestions from locals to search out these hidden gems. Consuming is one among my favourite issues to do in Key West. These had been a few of our suggestions, in addition to these from pals who visited not too long ago, for one of the best 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 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.
At the moment the restaurant is beneath new administration, nevertheless it maintains its historical past with the decor and the beer. However 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 checklist and a wide range 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 calming atmosphere, providing a bookshelf of video games to borrow and a gorgeous 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 on the lookout for a solution to open a restaurant in Key West with out paying the $50,000+ month-to-month hire the city calls for. So that they opened a meals truck and share house with Hank’s Saloon. It’s a good synergy and locals line up for the Korean-American fare.
When Man 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 making an attempt the fish tacos and determined to characteristic Garbo’s on the present. I assume the remaining 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 Road, Key West, Florida
Bagatelle
It looks as if each good restaurant in Key West has an attention-grabbing backstory. Bagatelle isn’t any exception. The constructing on Duval Road 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 growth. It was fairly an effort to relocate the constructing down the slender streets of Key West however as we speak it holds a outstanding place on the busiest avenue on the town.
However not like a number of the vacationer traps that line Duval Road, Bagatelle provides a positive eating atmosphere. I’m often a lobster purist, however their lobster mac and cheese is decadently-rich and scrumptious. It’s a good factor it’s an appetizer as a result of I can’t think about consuming a full portion.
Bagatelle is positioned at 115 Duval Road, Key West, Florida
Matt’s Inventory Island Kitchen
If you’re prepared to enterprise out of downtown, Matt’s Inventory Island Kitchen within the Perry Resort provides marina-facing, indoor-outdoor eating in a contemporary and trendy setting. Native companies are investing in Inventory Island to make it an up-and-coming location simply 20 minutes from downtown Key West (with free parking.) Matt’s Inventory Island Kitchen additionally provides reside music outdoor on most nights, including to the stress-free ambiance in comparison with the hustle and bustle of downtown.
They’re recognized for his or her cheeseburgers with bacon jam and bacon salt fries, however all the things we tasted was scrumptious. My favourite was the tomato and avocado salad. It was gentle and recent, with a citrus French dressing, making it good for the warmth and a dish I might fortunately eat day by day. You will get the catch of the day ready in a lot of methods, together with grilled, pan-seared, blackened, or fried, with a wide range of sauces (the crawfish butter was my private favourite, though I needed to strive all of them.)
Matt’s Inventory Island Kitchen is positioned within the Perry Resort at 7001 Shrimp Highway, Key West, FL 33040
Blue Heaven
Blue Heaven is legendary for its backyard setting and breakfast with roosters. Now it’s huge with vacationers however prior to now, it has been a brothel, pool corridor, boxing ring, and cock preventing enviornment. It is advisable to go early as a result of there’ll inevitably be a line for brunch.
The restaurant is legendary for its home made banana bread and seafood eggs benedict. My private favourite was the sunshine and fluffy pancakes, though subsequent time I might skip including the pineapple. Should you can 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 Sq., however the unique is positioned close to the marina the place the boat excursions are primarily based and is a well-liked espresso and breakfast joint with captains and sailors. Between the pie and reward store and the cafe, you will see that a tranquil backyard full with a koi pond and waterfall, plus a couple 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 Unique Kermit’s is positioned at 200 Elizabeth Road, Key West, Florida 33040
Cuban Espresso Queen
Espresso lovers will certainly need to strive the brew at Cuban Espresso Queen, however even in the event you aren’t a fan of that robust espresso style, Cuban Espresso 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 Road is a walk-up shack however has picnic tables to take pleasure in your meal by the waterfront.
Cuban Espresso Queen is positioned at 284 Margaret St, Key West, FL 33040
Lagerheads Seaside Bar
Lagerheads Seaside Bar and Watersports is a well-liked hangout spot for locals. Put in your bathing swimsuit, hire 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. Attempt a Cuban sandwich or fish tacos, or pattern some native specialties just like the smoked trout dip and conch ceviche.
Lagerheads Seaside Bar is positioned at 0 Simonton Road, Key West, Florida
Latitudes
If you’re on the lookout for a spot to have fun a special day whereas in Key West, ebook a reservation on OpenTable for lunch or dinner at Latitudes. Latitudes is the fine-dining restaurant on the Sundown Key Cottages, the unique, luxurious resort on Sundown Key. As you possibly can think about, that is an incredible place to see the sundown, however entry to Sundown Key’s restricted to resort company until you will have a reservation at Latitudes. You may board a ferry boat off Entrance Road simply earlier than your reservation, however you possibly can take any return shuttle to Key West after your meal.
Latitudes serves up recent, native island delicacies with inventive takes on recent fish and fruit. You may 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. Simply take into account that the gown code for dinner is “nation membership informal.”
Latitudes is positioned on Sundown Key, 245 Entrance Road, Key West, FL
Eaton Road Seafood Market
If you’re renting a home or staying in an Airbnb, buy some recent seafood to cook dinner on the Eaton Road Seafood Market in Outdated City. 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. Simply take into account that pink shrimp have already got that beautiful pinkish colour earlier than they’re cooked — however you continue to must cook dinner them earlier than you eat them, simply not so long as you would possibly different kinds of shrimp.
Should 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 Road Seafood Market and Restaurant is positioned at 801 Eaton St, Key West, FL 33040
Lola’s Bistro
I’ve pals that simply spent every week in Key West and so they completely fell in love with Lola’s Bistro. This bohemian BYOB restaurant doesn’t have a set menu, however fairly provides every day specials that includes native fish and shellfish. The restaurant is small and comfortable, so you possibly can see Chef Richard at work within the open kitchen.
There are simply 10 tables with two seatings an evening for an intimate expertise. Every day you will see that 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
Outdated City Bakery
Positioned not removed from Eaton Road Seafood Market, Outdated City Bakery is the spot to go for espresso, pastries, recent bread, and sandwiches. Additionally they occur to have probably the most scrumptious brownie with chocolate ganache filling — however be sure you have a pal to share it with as a result of it’s large!
Outdated City Bakery additionally had their tackle Key Lime pie, however their twist is with a ginger snap crust, giving it a really distinctive taste.
Outdated City Bakery is positioned at 930 Eaton Road, Key West, Florida
Finest Bars in Key West
There is no such thing as a scarcity of locations to drink in Key West, together with old-time fashionable locations like Sloppy Joe’s. Nevertheless, listed here are a few of my favourite finds.
Hog’s Breath Saloon
The Hog’s Breath Saloon is correct off Duval Road, simply steps from Mallory Sq.. It’s fashionable 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 concerning the beer choice, however the reside music is lit. Apparently, everybody who’s anybody has performed at Hog’s Breath in some unspecified time in the future of their profession.
Hog’s Breath Saloon is positioned at 400 Entrance Road, Key West, FL 33040
Waterfront Brewery
Opened in 2015, Waterfront Brewery holds a superb location on the marina. They brew a big number of beers, from lagers to IPAs, stouts, reds, blondes, shandies, and extra — assuring one thing for each beer drinker.
In fact, it isn’t only a place to drink. Waterfront Brewery additionally has a full restaurant and a big recreation/leisure house, making it enjoyable even for households.
Waterfront Brewery is positioned at 201 William Road, Key West, Florida
Sundown Pier
Sundown Pier on the Ocean Key Resort and Spa is an ideal spot to take pleasure in a drink whereas ready for the solar to set. Simply make sure you get there early sufficient to assert a desk on the rail on the ocean, supplying you with front-row seats to Key West’s well-known sunsets.
Sundown Pier is positioned on the Ocean Key Resort and Spa at 0 Duval Road, Key West, Florida
El Mason de Pepe
This Cuban meals restaurant off Mallory Sq. is a good spot to seize a drink earlier than having fun with the sundown celebration. Though 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 note 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 Road, Mallory Sq., 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 one of the best spot for sundown or head upstairs to the Sundown Deck. Simply take into account 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 Entrance Road, Key West, Florida
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