There are endless choices in Key West when it comes to food and drink. Key West is best known for it’s laid back atmosphere. When it comes to Key West Lime Pie and Conch Fritters, Key West does not disappoint in this category either. In the 2 weeks we spent in Key West, we sampled much of the local cuisine. I will share some of what we discovered with you. Below you find a list of some of our favorite places to eat. Just for those that don’t know, Conch is pronounced KONK.
Jimmy Buffetts’s Margaritaville Café Cheeseburger in Paradise
500 Duval St
Being an old Parrothead, I could not go to Key West without stopping in for a Margarita and a cheeseburger. The atmosphere was very laid back, with Jimmy Buffett songs playing over the sound system. Tee shirts, like the ones they have on sale, are the favorite attire here. The décor was that of an outdoor café, but was of course, inside. You sit in the courtyard. For our meal we chose the Jimmy Buffet signature, Cheeseburger In Paradise Burgerwith American cheese, pickles, lettuce, red onion and tomato, with a big kosher dill pickle on the side. Cost around $8-10 each. They were good, but didn’t turn the world over. The Margaritas however, were amazing. Perhaps that is why the Cheeseburgers didn’t impress me! The Margaritaville Café prepares burgers just about any way you want them. If you are a burger buff, this is probably going to be your favorite place.
Louie’s Backyard
700 Waddell Avenue
An outdoor café’ that has seating in both the courtyard and dining decks that lead your way down to the ocean. This is also casual dress. They sell Louie’s Backyard Tee shirts. A specialty of theirs is theBahamian Conch Chowder, Bird Peppers Hot Sauce. I tried it, I loved it! Lunch is probably the busiest time, but also the best time to visit Louie’s for the famous Conch Chowder.
Sloppy Joe’s Bar
Corner of Greene and Duval
Since 1937, people have been coming in casual dress. You can buy a popular Sloppy Joe’s Tee shirt. I think this place is everyone’s favorite. Anytime is a good time to visit Sloppy’s but they are “Still the best party in town!” The place comes alive at night. With a band until 2:00amThe tables are removed for dancing. If eating is all you are after, I would suggest visiting for lunch and having the Sloppy’s Sampler Platter(2) Conch Fritters, (3) plain wings, (3) Onion Rings, (2) Cheese Sticks. Served with marinara sauce, hot sauce and key lime mustard $9.95. I liked this because it gives you a sample of several items.
Café Sole’
1029 Southard @ Francis St
You can eat indoors or outdoors at the café. They specialize in fish dishes and are more upscale. The website lists price ranges as follows: Appetizers from $5-$8. Entrees $18-$23, with good selection of wines fitting the same price range.
The Conch Republic Seafood Company
631 Greene Street
The atmosphere here is very casual, tee shirts and walking shorts are perfect. They are located on the waterfront; we rode the Conch Tour Train and got off here for lunch. Order almost anything you could wish for from the realm of seafood from the extensive menu. If this is not what you want, they have an awesome raw bar. Lunch is by far the best time of day for a visit here.
Crabby Dick’s
712 Duval Street
Famous for their Crab Balls. Being a lover of Asian food, my favorite were the Hung Lo Dick’s Crispy Crab Wontons filled with Crabmeat and Cream cheese. The Wontons were Fried, and served with an Asian Sauce with Asian Dip Sauce. We preferred the dinner hour for our visit here, but they seemed to be equally busy at both the lunch and dinner hours. Um, and they do sell Crabby Dick tee shirts with typical Crabby Dick slogans. These are pretty popular tee shirts.
Camille’s Restaurant
1202 Simonton Street
This is an eclectic restaurant that defines Key West. It is great for bringing a family, as I saw several children eating here. Definitely the best time to go here is for breakfast. Breakfast prices run from $2.95 – 12.95 and will not disappoint you. I got hooked on the 3 egg omelets with fresh lobster, asparagus, Brie cheese, diced tomatoes when we were there.Camille’s Restaurant is very casual, locals show up in tee shirts and walking shorts.
Alice’s Key West
1114 Duval Street
This is casual dress and some of the best food in Key West. We preferred Alice’s for dinner. The food is great; the place is lively, fun, and full of color! My favorite was AuntAlice’s Magic Meatloafwith Magic Mushroom Sauce, Roasted Garlic, Mashed Potatoes and Stir Fried Vegetables
El Meson de Pepe
Mallory Square
410 Wall Street
Located right on Mallory Square we absolutely loved this place. Eat right on the sidewalk and watch the fabulous Key West sunset as you experience the city of Key West come to life. This is come as you are, dining on the sidewalk, you are surrounded by street performers and good food. Dinner is the best time to enjoy this place if you enjoy lively activity. If you prefer things a little calmer, then do this place for lunch. My favorite here was the Mojito cocktail and Alitas de Pollo – Marinated fried chicken wings in garlic mojo sauce. They have a huge variety of Cuban cuisine and it is all good! Overall, this was my favorite eatery in Key West.
Conch Fritter Stand on Mallory Square
Mallory Square
Not a traditional restaurant, but very much a part of Key West. Definitely a before or after dinner treat, this is one that cannot be passed up. Serving traditional Key West Conch, you can’t go home without sampling what they serve.
Blue Heaven
729 Thomas Street
Probably the place with the most Key West history on display. When I think about Key West, I think of Blue Heaven. Very casual atmosphere, tee shirts. The southern girl in me loved the Goombay Gumbo Soup, with okra, tomatoes & peppers, served with brown rice. This is one the lunch menu, and lunch is the best time to visit Blue Heaven.
I also have an article listing some of the many free things to do in Key West. If I have missed something, leave me a comment for others to see. Thanks
