Are you ready for this? I love local coffee shops! Starbucks is great–you always know what you’re getting, you can pay with the app and get rewards, you can pretty much find them almost anywhere you go… But give me the choice between Starbucks and a local coffee shop? I’m going to go local every time! Sometimes they have unique flavor combos, sometimes they have a specialty that highlights the local area, and sometimes it’s just fun to try something different! Here’s the best of the best in local coffee from the Florida Keys!
Key Largo
Cafe Moka
This fantastic place has two locations–in Tavernier (lumped in with Key Largo), and on Islamorada! I’d love it if they had one in Northern VA, too, so if the owner is reading this, you have a market up here! We stopped in for breakfast on our way from Key Largo to Islamorada, and it was amazing. My avocado toast with prosciutto and egg was filling and yummy, but I was also a little bit envious of Steve’s choice: their acai bowl.
Food aside, I definitely made the right beverage choice: Their iced lavender vanilla latte! Iced coffees are really my preference, but usually you don’t get the foam in them that you get from a hot latte. No so here! I don’t know how, but they were able to create foamy, frothy iced milk in this drink. I’m a fan.
Islamorada
Midway Cafe
I love this place! It’s so cute, they have this amazing, Instagrammable sign post, and they have fun coffee flavor combos! I had a hard time choosing between the Almond Joy or the Tropical Macchiato, but ultimately I was pleased with my choice. I can’t wait to go back and try the other! I’ll also make sure I have more time on my next visit so I can sit down to enjoy breakfast, lunch, or one of their gorgeous pastries.
Keep reading: What to Know Before You Visit the Florida Keys
Marathon
Curly’s Coffee
This little yellow kiosk on the Atlantic side of the Overseas Highway should not be missed. They only do coffee and smoothies–no food or pastries–but they do it well! The girls working here are so sweet and offer fast service. You can visit their drive through or walk up to the kiosk. Oh, and you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and more while you’re at it! I got the raspberry mocha, and Steve got the caramel frappe.
Read on: Your Ultimate Guide to Coffee Around the World
Key West
Keys Coffee Company
This might be controversial! Key West has a ton of incredible local coffee shops, but I have to say, I think this one is my favorite. Their Frozen Cafe con Leche is something I want to drink every morning for the rest of my life. Key Coffee Co. is also definitely a “local’s” spot. I could tell the other people in the shop were regulars, which is always a good sign. They also have made-to-order breakfast options as well as pastries–something for everyone!
More coffee here: The Best Coffee Shops in Key West
These are by no means the only coffee shops in the Keys! These are just the best ones we tried on our trip. What’s your favorite coffee shop in the Florida Keys? Comment below!
Want more? Check out the dedicated Coffee section of my World Foods Page!
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