Updated June 17, 2021.
What’s the best part of an island vacation? The island life! What’s the next best part? The food! Our trip to Key West was everything we hoped it would be and then some. We had the best time, soaked up all the sun, and ate our weight in key lime pie and seafood. Check out what we ate–I hope you brought an appetite!
Two Friends Patio Restaurant
This was the first place where we ate on our first trip to Key West in January 2021, and it was a great introduction! We tried the conch fritters, which were heavy on the fritter and light on the conch. I am under the impression it’s that way everywhere, though. They’re more of a hush puppy! Steve’s burger was thick and delicious, and my ahi tuna was perfectly seared, just how I like it!
More here: The Best Food in the World
Key West Cuban Coffee
Key West is famous for a few reasons, not the least of which is their authentic Cuban cuisine! More than one source told me Key West Cuban Coffee was the best place to get the real thing, so we had to try it out. I got their “cortadito,” which was Cuban espresso, brewed with sugar, and topped with milk foam. It was too strong for me and not quite sweet enough, but for “real” coffee lovers, I’m sure it’ll be right up your alley!
Keep sipping: Your Guide to the Best Coffee in the World
Blue Heaven
This was one of my favorites! Their outdoor dining area was great, they had live music even in the morning, and not only can you get banana bread instead of toast, their key lime pie comes with mile-high meringue! I am definitely a fan, and I’ll be going back on my next trip to Key West.
Love Key Lime Pie? The Best Key Lime Pie in Key West
Hogfish Bar & Grill
Coming Soon: The Best Food in the Florida Keys
Banana Cafe
The food here was good, but I’ll be honest, the service was rude. They boast about their rooftop dining, but we went for an early dinner at 4:00, and the rooftop was closed. It was quite a bummer since that was the whole reason I wanted to eat there! But we were hungry, so we stayed and ate inside anyway. The highlight was the key lime crepe.
Going solo? How to Enjoy Going Out to Eat by Yourself
Seaside Cafe at the Mansion
We stayed at the Southernmost House Hotel, where the Seaside Cafe is located as well. We got a regular cheese pizza, which was excellent, and lobster biscuits. They were amazing! The biscuit wasn’t really that, however. It was a sweet, delicious waffle. And the lobster were Key West lobster, which are a little bit sweet! I’m a fan.
More here: Iconic Eats Around the USA
Cuban Coffee Queen
If you’ve been doing any research about Key West this mural has probably come up! It’s located at the Cuban Coffee Queen’s Caroline Street location. They have amazing coffee, incredible food, and three locations so you can always get your fix! Something I love about this place is that they use coffee ice cubes–not made with water!–in their iced coffee. Your coffee won’t get watered down as they melt! They also make an awesome Cuban sandwich. Would you expect any less from the Cuban Coffee Queen?
More here: The Best Exotic Food in the World
Funky Rooster
This little coffee and gift shop is super cute. If I hadn’t been in the middle of a run when I walked in to order my coffee, I would have sat on their cozy couches a while. Their pastries looked wonderful, but their mocha won my heart!
Love this? Check out the Best Coffee Shops in Key West.
Moondog Cafe
This was the unexpected delight of the trip! We stopped in for our last meal of our vacation, and we will definitely be back on our next visit! Steve had the breakfast tacos, and I had the seafood omelette, which was far bigger and more filling than I ever expected! But did that stop me from getting the key lime pie with meringue? Nope! I think it was my favorite!
Keep Eating: The World’s Best Desserts
Keys Coffee Co.
Steve and I walked here for coffee on our last morning, and you know what happened? He got the better coffee! I ordered the iced coconut breve (with coffee ice cubes!) because I read that was the “thing” to get, but Steve’s frozen cafe con leche tasted like a coffee milkshake, and that’s what I’m getting the next time! Because there will be a next time.
Read next: What to Know Before You Visit Key West
La Grignote
My parents and Steve and I ate here on our last morning in Key West, but if we’d eaten here first, we probably would have come back often throughout the week! They make all their breads and pastries from scratch, and their portion sizes are definitely American-style, so come hungry. Not only is their food amazing, they have a sweet dog roaming around the place, too!
Still hungry for more? Check out my World Foods Page for all my foodie blog posts!
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When was your visit to Key West to create this post? Since we are in a pandemic, are these restaurants still options? So many have not made it. All these sound great but I wonder if they are still in business.
We were just there two weeks ago! Key West is open for business!
This food looks amazing! I haven’t been to Key West since I was little, but I’m dying to go back!
It was amazing! We are planning a trip back ourselves… more Key Lime Pie to be had!