There may be much more to the meals scene in Key West than simply cheeseburgers in paradise. The town now has practically 400 eating places in simply over 4 sq. miles. In case you are on the town for a number of days, you possibly can solely style a small pattern of the very 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 tremendous eating to informal avenue meals — together with some native favorites which are off-the-beaten vacationer observe.
While you go to the Florida Keys, there are a number of must-try Key West meals that it’s essential to pattern. After all, there are quite a few takes on key lime pie, however the actual star is the contemporary native seafood. So save your cheeseburgers for LuLu’s in Orange Seashore and in case you are visiting among the best eating places in Key West, be sure you get an opportunity to order a number of the following:
- Conch (attempt 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 in addition just lately on a Florida Keys street journey with my good friend Kim and we obtained a ton of suggestions from locals to seek out these hidden gems. Consuming is one in every of my favourite issues to do in Key West. These had been a few of our suggestions, in addition to these from pals who visited just lately, for the very best 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 dwelling of Pan American World Airways and the place the place the primary tickets had been bought in 1927. Slightly over 20 years in the past, the constructing was bought by actress Kelly McGillis and he or she began brewing three small-batch beers earlier than craft breweries had been a factor.
As we speak the restaurant is below new administration, nevertheless it maintains its historical past with the decor and the beer. However to categorise this restaurant as a brewery can be doing it a disservice. We anticipated burgers and beers and had been shocked 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 surroundings, providing a bookshelf of video games to borrow and a ravishing deck and beer backyard within the again.
First Flight Island Restaurant and Brewery is situated 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, situated proper throughout the road from First Flight. The couple that owns Garbo’s Grill was on the lookout for a option to open a restaurant in Key West with out paying the $50,000+ month-to-month lease the city calls for. In order that they opened a meals truck and share area 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 attempt the Umamiburger. He ended up additionally making an attempt the fish tacos and determined to characteristic 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 surprise the native police had been lining up for lunch right here.
Garbo’s Grill is situated at 409 Caroline Road, Key West, Florida
Bagatelle
It looks as if each good restaurant in Key West has an fascinating backstory. Bagatelle is not 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 homeowners, 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 slender streets of Key West however right now 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 tremendous eating surroundings. 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 situated at 115 Duval Road, Key West, Florida
Matt’s Inventory Island Kitchen
In case you are prepared to enterprise out of downtown, Matt’s Inventory Island Kitchen within the Perry Lodge provides marina-facing, indoor-outdoor eating in a contemporary and classy 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 enjoyable ambiance in comparison with the hustle and bustle of downtown.
They’re identified 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 mild and contemporary, with a citrus French dressing, making it good for the warmth and a dish I might fortunately eat each day. You will get the catch of the day ready in quite a few 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 Inventory Island Kitchen is situated within the Perry Lodge at 7001 Shrimp Street, Key West, FL 33040
Blue Heaven
Blue Heaven is known for its backyard setting and breakfast with roosters. Now it’s massive with vacationers however previously, it has been a brothel, pool corridor, boxing ring, and cock combating area. It’s essential to 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 might skip including the pineapple. In the event you can deal with dessert for breakfast, try their meringue-topped Key Lime pie.
Blue Heaven is situated 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 situated 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 reward store and the cafe, you will discover a tranquil backyard full with a koi pond and waterfall, plus a number of of the ever-present Key West chickens.
Don’t be shocked to see 75-year-old Kermit round in his vibrant inexperienced chef’s hat. The breakfast sandwiches are very tasty and if you happen to go within the temper for dessert, don’t skip the frozen chocolate-dipped Key Lime pie on a stick!
The Unique Kermit’s is situated at 200 Elizabeth Road, Key West, Florida 33040
Cuban Espresso Queen
Espresso lovers will certainly wish to attempt the brew at Cuban Espresso Queen, however even if you happen to aren’t a fan of that sturdy 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 areas. 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 situated at 284 Margaret St, Key West, FL 33040
Lagerheads Seashore Bar
Lagerheads Seashore 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 seaside. 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. Strive a Cuban sandwich or fish tacos, or pattern some native specialties just like the smoked trout dip and conch ceviche.
Lagerheads Seashore Bar is situated at 0 Simonton Road, Key West, Florida
Latitudes
In case you are on the lookout for a spot to have fun an important day whereas in Key West, guide 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 Secret’s restricted to resort friends until you may 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 contemporary, native island delicacies with inventive takes on contemporary fish and fruit. You may 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. Simply take into account that the costume code for dinner is “nation membership informal.”
Latitudes is situated on Sundown Key, 245 Entrance Road, Key West, FL
Eaton Road Seafood Market
In case you are renting a home or staying in an Airbnb, buy some contemporary seafood to cook dinner on the Eaton Road Seafood Market in Outdated City. The catch is totally different each day, so cease in and see what catches your eye. It’s also possible to 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 may different varieties of shrimp.
In the event you don’t really feel like cooking, you can even choose up cooked seafood and sandwiches to eat on the few tables they’ve on-site.
Eaton Road Seafood Market and Restaurant is situated at 801 Eaton St, Key West, FL 33040
Lola’s Bistro
I’ve pals 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 somewhat provides each 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 discover 4 appetizers and 4 entrees, however go away room for dessert — particularly the tiramisu.
Lola’s Bistro is situated at 728 Simonton St, Key West, FL 33040
Outdated City Bakery
Situated not removed from Eaton Road Seafood Market, Outdated City Bakery is the spot to go for espresso, pastries, contemporary bread, and sandwiches. Additionally they 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!
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 situated at 930 Eaton Road, Key West, Florida
Greatest Bars in Key West
There is no such thing as a scarcity of locations to drink in Key West, together with old-time well-liked locations like Sloppy Joe’s. Nonetheless, listed below 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 well-liked 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 sooner or later of their profession.
Hog’s Breath Saloon is situated 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 choice of beers, from lagers to IPAs, stouts, reds, blondes, shandies, and extra — assuring one thing for each beer drinker.
After all, it isn’t only a place to drink. Waterfront Brewery additionally has a full restaurant and a big sport/leisure area, making it enjoyable even for households.
Waterfront Brewery is situated 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 to 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 situated 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 manner 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 situated 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 lodge and restaurant. Go early to get the very 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 situated at 245 Entrance Road, Key West, Florida
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