Key West Directory

Insiders Guide & List of Destinations.

Around Key West is your insider’s guide to the island that’s based on our ‘local knowledge’ from multiple generations living on the island for decades. So who are we, how is our insider’s guide unique, and how will our information relate to your visit to Key West? We’re zany and brainy, a fun-loving creative combo of transplants from the 70’s, first generation born Conchs, and international citizens. and we know this island like our own back yards. We’re an island mish-mash of folks comprised of young adults, middle aged folks, and young at heart seniors.

Whether you’re a connoisseur of global gourmet or just looking for outstanding tropical cocktails and good Caribbean food, Key West restaurants provide a truly remarkable variety of dining opportunities. The tropical island of Key West is becoming so renowned for its food that many island vacationers choose Key West as their vacation destination just to enjoy the food and drink. You’ll be amazed at the diversity of Key West restaurants and Key West bars the tiny island has to offer.

From fine up-scale dining on locally caught seafood prepared by award winning chefs in stunning elegant tropical surroundings to indulging in authentic Cuban cuisine at a colorful local favorite diner, you can plan your menu for each day depending on your mood! And what about Key West Bars? Well many of the bars on the island of Key West are world renowned for their unsurpassable style and flare.

(“Listed at Random – In No Particular Order”)

Nine One Five:

915 Duval. (305) 296-0669 –www.915duval.com
Don’t Miss This One!! Created by owner Stuart Kemp, this fine European style tapas restaurant is a recent winner of the James Beard Foundation Award for culinary excellence in New York. Located in a gorgeously renovated Victorian house with minimalist elegant interior, this is a great place to ‘see-and-be-seen’ on the town. The creative chef offers an eclectic variety of tapas, and full fare of gourmet food and fine wine selection to choose from. Everything is delicious. One of my all time favorites is the Tuna Dome. Dining inside or outside on the porches the overlook Upper Duval St. Great retro-design club room upstairs overlooking Duval St., ‘Point 5’, can be rented for private events. Excellent service. Friendly attentive staff.

Camille’s:

1202 Simonton St. (305) 296-4811 – www.camilleskeywest.com
Just one block off Upper Duval St.:  I eat at Camille’s consistently more than any other restaurant in town. This restaurant has been voted a locals favorite for years and years – breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Owner Denise Chelekis describes their fare as “Exotic Family Cooking with No Boundaries.” Menu changes daily – chef is inspired and makes some of the best hollandaise sauce you will ever taste, and his soups are noteworthy.  Go for the eggs-benedict, and choose from traditional to smoked salmon. Take the family or meet up with friends. Delightful décor. Excellent café con leche. Full bar, great wine selection. Private room available for special events.

Banana Cafe:

1215 Duval. (305) 294-7227 –http://www.banana-cafe-key-west.com/
Authentic Cuisine Française.A definite must! Open for breakfast and lunch = my favorite place to indulge in brunch. Owner chef Dani is from France and knows the art of creating the perfect food with the perfect setting for breakfast and lunch par excellence. The menu is fresh, pure, and the scene is so relaxing it is easy for locals to take it for granted. Crepes and sauces are the best you will find any where, delicious sandwiches on French baguette, delightful salads, fresh squeezed juices, champagne and coffee. Set in newly renovated building overlooking Upper Duval St, you can sit inside or outside on the porch looking to beautiful gallery stores with a slow parade of people strolling by. Go for brunch and have a mimosa. And chase it with a café au lait. Friendly staff and excellent service.

Blue Heaven:

729 Thomas St. (305) 296-8666 – www.blueheavenkw.homestead.com/Blue_Heaven_Restaurant_Key_West.html
You really haven’t had a true Key West dining experience until you try this. Without a doubt one of Key West’s most unique and most popular restaurants. Come to Bahama Village and dine under the trees in an artist’s village among the resident cats and… yes.. Key West chickens – there is inside seating too. Gourmet food is excellent, flavorful, colorful and always fresh. I love the fresh fish dishes the best. Wine Spectator has given this unique restaurant its Award of Excellence! Full Bar in the tree Garden, plus a gallery and gift store featuring local artists. One of most memorable dining experiences you will ever have.

Mangoes:

700 Duval St. (305) 292-4606 – http://mangoeskw.com/
A Key West tradition this ever popular downtown restaurant continues to give locals and tourist alike tropical dining at its best. In the open-air, and on the highly visible corner of Duval and Angela Streets this is the best place in town to eat and see-and-be-seen. Big outdoor patio space covered with large dining umbrellas. Air conditioned inside seating plus the added feature of a “secret” upstairs local scene. I go for the mozzarella roulade wrapped in spinach. The balsamic dressing is the best. Great outside bar overlooking the street.

Louie’s Backyard and the Afterdeck Bar:

700 Waddell St. (305) 294-1061 – www.louiesbackyard.com
Two of the best places on the island. Louie’s is housed in a perfectly renovated Greek Revival Victorian Key West home that is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Afterdeck is on the expansive ocean deck in the back yard.

LOUIES BACK YARD – RESTAURANT: Offers Key West’s finest ocean front dining experience, this special place is a favorite with locals, visitors, and must-stop for celebrity guests such as Jimmy Buffet.  Executive Chef Doug Shook offers award winning fine international / Caribbean Cuisine with a specialty in locally caught fish.  I love his Poached Eggs with Blue Crab Cakes and Roasted Chile Hollandaise, and Florida Lobster Braised in Truffle Butter with Spinach & Prosciutto.

THE AFTERDECK BAR: The After Deck has a long and famous history, and ‘ritual grounds’ where seasoned colorful ‘old time’ Key West characters convene to ponder the events of the day. Jimmy Buffet’s early songs were inspired and written. This is special spot on this earth with a rare view and intimate feel of the ocean. Sunset, moonrise, and star gazing experiences are unsurpassed. I go for sunset cocktail hour several times a week. It’s the perfect place to take a breath and ponder the good things in life.

Santiago’s Bodega:

207 Petronia. (305) 296-7691-  www.santiagosbodega.com
So much fun! New-Age / Tropical-European Dining Experience. Gourmet tapas menu, excellent food. The delicious sangria flows and you can choose red or white. Fashionable intimate dining room with romantic club-like atmosphere and you can also sit outside on the covered porch and watch real life in Bahama Village go by. Excellent service with friendly staff.

Ambrosia:

1401 Simonton St. (305) 293-0304
Authentic Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar. Outstanding fare. Absolutely stunning modern abstract upscale fashionable modern interior with waterfall and kinetic art. Both the food and décor tickle the senses. Some locals call it Key West’s “gourmet sushi bar.”

Origami Japanese Restaurant:

1075 Duval St. (305) 294-0092
Feels like home to me. Located in Duval Square. Casual dining, you can belly up to the bar. Eat inside or in the fabulous plaza garden complete with tall shade tree garden and talking parrots in the back ground. Sushi Bar, tempura, teriyaki. Local’s favorite. Kiyoto, Owner & chef – 20 years in Key West.

Cafe Sole:

1029 Southard St. – (305) 294-0230 – www.cafesole.com
Romantic intimate little French-Caribbean restaurant in residential neighborhood famous for locally caught seafood embellished with a French mastery of sauces. Chef John Correa refined his skills in France and created a unique Key West menu unlike any on the island. Famous for his preparation of rare hog snapper, and yellow tail, he also offers authentic classic preparations like Duck L’Orange, Rack of Lamb, and Lobster Bouillaise. Great wine selection. Indoor and outdoor garden seating. Excellent service.

La Trattoria:

524 Duval Street. (305) 296-1075 – www.latrattoria.us
Fine Italian dining.  Wonderful food, excellent atmosphere ~ feels a little like being in Italy. A perfect place for a special night out to celebrate a birthday or anniversary. Everything is delicious and I always have a hard time choosing. Great wine selection. Street side dining room and bar with great view of Duval St. stays open late with a limited menu. It adjoins Virgilio’s bar in the back on Applerouth Lane, a local’s favorite music venue and outstanding chocolate martinis.

Opera Italian Restaurant:

613 Duval St.  (305) 295-2705 – www.operarestaurant.com
Down a little walking street off-Duval. Intimate setting. Original Authentic Italian Cuisine – specializing in Northern. “America’s top 10 Italian Restaurants” by Zagat Survey. I usually always go for the Spaghetti alle Vongole, but everything is excellent. The garlic rolls are dreamlike. Intimate Italian décor setting. Limited seating. Excellent Service.

Antonia’s:

615 Duval St. (305) 294-6565 – www.antoniaskeywest.com
Outstanding food and service. Big open spacious dining room creates a lively yet intimate atmosphere. Great spot to plan a dinner for a large group. Full bar. Established Key West favorite and always a sure bet for full fare Fine Italian dining. Great wine selection. (We alternate between La Trattoria, Antonia’s, and Opera for Italian and love them all – but you have to be sure to go to the gym or run along the beach if you do this on a regular basis!)

Café Marquesa:

600 Fleming St. (305) 292-1919 – www.marquesa.com
1st-Class talented chefs offer beautiful presentations of select “Classic Contemporary American” gourmet cuisine at Key West’s finest Marquesa Hotel in classy intimate dining setting in 5-Star Hotel down town Old Town.

Pepe’s Cafe:

806 Caroline Street. (305) 294-7192 – www.pepescafe.net
Right on the famous Key West Historic Seaport near the Key West Harbor Walk. Absolutely some of the best casual island charm of any of our Key West establishments – for some folks this special spot IS Key West dining! Sitting in the courtyard under a giant tree with a crystal chandelier makes me feel a little like I am in St. Barth’s and sitting inside reminds me of a wooden pub in Bermuda. One of Key West’s oldest and consistently popular establishments. ‘Caribbean American’ gourmet style fare – from omelets to home-style soups, from juicy burgers and steaks to fresh fish. The best fresh squeezed orange juice, and did I say GREAT Bloody Mary’s to start the day! Full Bar.

B.O.’s Fish Wagon:

801 Caroline St. (305) 294-927 (On the Key West Historic Seaport)
Since 1988 Buddy Owen (B.O.) has been servin’ up one of the very best island fresh fish sandwiches in Key West. Don’t be shocked when you first see this cookin’ shack – this is real Key West authentic and worth the stop. B.O. starts with the freshest local fish (usually grouper or mahi mahi) he can find and melds it with special Key Lime Sauce on fresh baked Cuban Bread and the melt-in-your-mouth taste scrumptious! Dishes are served up with some fresh cabbage slaw and fries. For another delicious Caribbean style treat go for the conch fritters. Wine, beer, variety of non-alcoholic drinks.

Harpoon Harry’s:

832 Caroline Street. (305) 294-8744 –http://www.harpoonharryskeywest.com/
Many Key West local characters meet here ‘bright and early’ for breakfast everyday and the late risers make it for lunch. This is a real slice of Key West life where you’ll see ‘The Piano Man,’ Capt. Dave, Dink Bruce, and a regular selection of colorful characters and artists – mixed in with other locals, military, and tourists lucky enough to find the place. Whether you’re looking for a big pile of French Toast with powdered sugar, biscuits and sausage gravy, a fresh fruit cup, a scrumptious sandwich, or just a cup of strong cafe con leche and maybe a stiff Bloody Mary, you’ll get it here. Real authentic Key West restaurant right on the Key West Historic Seaport at the Key West Harbor Walk. Great atmosphere, outstanding service, full bar. Open at night too so you can sit and watch the harbor as you cocktail.

Mangia Mangia:

900 Southard St. (305) 294-2469 – www.mangia-mangia.
Fresh homemade pasta made on premises everyday and the sauces are ‘to die for’ with so much to choose – from marinara, to meat sauce, from alfredo to seafood sauces. Their Broccoli Rabe is famous and don’t miss their Burschetta marinated in extra virgin olive oil. Set in a unique and one of the most charming old renovated Victorian homes in residential neighborhood. Eat in the house or out in the patio garden. Great wine bar and fine wine selection. Very popular with locals and tourists – there always seems to be a line of people spilling out the door. Excellent friendly service.

Michaels:

532 Margaret Street. (305) 295-1300 – www.michaelskeywest.com
If a mouth watering steak is on your mind go here. Michaels’ steaks are 100% prime beef, flown in from Chicago by particular chef owners of this outstanding establishment, Michael and Melanie Wilson. Excellent fresh seafood specialties, with selections that change nightly, depending on the best catch of the day. This is a first-class steak house in a charming remodeled cottage and garden setting in residential neighborhood off Southard St. One of the finer Key West restaurants. Local’s favorite. Full bar in the garden. You can also get fondue at the bar. Excellent service.

Martin’s:

917 Duval St. (305) 295-0111 – http://www.martinskeywest.com/
Martin’s has been on Key West for over 20 years, has a definite local following, and has always remained one of my all time favorite places to eat a decadent gourmet Sunday brunch and drink espresso and mimosas at the same time. The gourmet eggs benedict menu is fantastically unique. I usually go for the crab cake eggs benedict and my husband usually goes for the filet mignon or black forest eggs benedict. They’re also well known for their Bellini’s and they have some very delicious German dishes and they have a fabulous French Toast. Martin’s new location on Duval St. has a very chic island-cosmopolitan flare with both inside and outside with a view of Duval St. plus intimate garden dining in the back. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Square one:

1075 Duval #C-12. (305) 296-4300 – www.squareonerestaurant.com
Fine dining in elegant dining room with white starched table cloths and fresh flowers. Chefs prepare exquisite specialties such as Long Island Peking Breast of Duckling, Australian Spring Rack of Lamb, Roasted Local Black Grouper and Crisp Skin Yellowtail Snapper. Live piano to entertain you. You can arrange to stage a private party here.

Matthessen 4th of July:

1110 White St. (305) 294-8089
If you were a kid in the 40’s 50’s or 60’s you’ll feel like you stepped back in time to an ‘old fashioned soda fountain’. Red white and blue vintage-style interior – comfy ‘tuck and roll’ booths. Outstandingly delicious HUGE burgers and yummy fries and about the best milk shakes and malts in town. I love to take the little kids there with their friends for all around comfort food. I remember what it was like to be 10 years old when I go in there. Local’s favorite, Family Fun, Friendly Service.

Salute on the Beach:

1000 Atlantic Blvd. (305) 292-1117 – http://saluteonthebeach.com/
(Right on Higgs Beach near West Martello Gardens) A must experience… Key West Unique! Fun and Caribbean laid back festive casual beach atmosphere is created in a special beach-scene setting like none other on the island – or nowhere else in the U.S. for that matter! Enjoy a fabulous view of the ocean on the Southside of the island of Key West. Fun to watch beach volley ball players in the daytime. Great fusion of fresh food choices, for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Full bar. Good choice to meet up with friends and take the family. Our grand-daughter Lauren loves to play on the beach while we are waiting for our food to be prepared. Local’s favorite.

Goldman’s Deli:

2796 North Roosevelt Blvd. – (305) 294-3354 –http://goldmansdeli.com/
(At the Overseas Market – You’ll see this shopping center as you head out of town. It is across the street from Home Depot). A fantastic authentic Bagel Deli owned and operated by the Goldman family. Open for breakfast and lunch, everything made from scratch and absolutely fresh bagels are made on premises daily “…boiled and baked, the old fashioned way.” Deli sandwiches, grill featuring the reuben and grilled kosher frank, and smoked fish platters, slaws, potato salad, and fabulous special items including yummy potato latkes served with sour cream and applesauce, and potato knish! My favorite breakfast is the lox spread and scallion omelet, and for lunch I love the nova-scotia smoked salmon platter…or the tuna nicoise.

El Siboney:

900 Catherine St. (305) 296-4184 – www.elsiboneyrestaurant.com
‘Siboney’ is a town in Cuba, and this delightful section of Key West was at one time a little “Cuban Town”. There are still may Cuban families living in this authentic Key West neighborhood and you simply MUST GO HERE for authentic Cuban fare. Locals consider it the best Cuban restaurant on the island, and everything is good and protions are generous. Be sure to try their plantains and yuka. I love their fish preparations. Inside seating in renovated brick house in south side residential neighborhood. Be sure to take your appetite with you. Wonderful friendly family service! Best to make reservations. Take ~ Out also available – so pick some up and indulge yourself Cuban style at your Key West rental.

Seven fish

632 Olivia St. (305) 296-2777 – www.7fish.com
A hometown bistro ~ Key West fish-style ,in an ‘off-beat’ residential neighborhood (just off Truman Ave.) Intimate setting that is sort of a Euro-Caribbean scene. Go for the fresh local fish and sashimi and if your heart is set on meat (or meatloaf) you can get that too. And be sure to try their extraordinary Banana Chicken. Local’s favorite Key West restaurant. Intimate setting in Heart of authentic Old Town Key West historic residential neighborhood. Best to make a reservation.

El Meson De Pepe’s:

410 Wall St. (305) 295-2620 – www.elmesondepepe.com
Fabulous food, a full bar (try a mohito), and a live Salsa band right on Mallory Square in the heart of the action! For over 20 years Chef Pepe Diaz and his Cuban family “have been dedicated to great quality food and the preservation of Cuban-Conch Heritage in Key West.” This is the place for a real Cuban cultural experience where you can enjoy real Cuban Conch cooking with real Cuban Conch hospitality… with the added feature of amazing live and lively Latin Music and dancing. Inside and outside seating. Celebrate the Cuban way! A most unique Key West restaurant experience.

Chico’s Cantina:

5230 U.S. 1, Stock Island – (305) 296-4714 – www.chicoscantina.com
(Located at mile marker 4.5 just over the bridge from Key West) Family owned and operated a Key West tradition since 1984 and a memorable place to enjoy a wide array of authentic Mexican food. An absolute favorite with local families (this is always a first choice when our whole family, from grand kids to grand parents, go out together for lunch or dinner). Menu features their locally famous fine fajitas and they pride themselves on offering Mexican specialties not to be found in other restaurants. I love the seafood tacos and portabella mushroom enchiladas. Their guacamole and salsa is unbelievably fresh and delicious …and then there is the sangria! Atmosphere is fun. Service is outstanding! Friendly staff members greet guests as welcome friends. It’s worth the 15 min. drive from Old Town. Winner of The People’s Choice Awards for Best Mexican Restaurant in Key West 12 Years Running.

Upper Crust Pizza:

611 Duval St. (305) 293-8727 &amp 2502 N. Roosevelt Blvd. (305) 293-8890 – www.uppercrustkeywest.com
“Not Your Average Pizza,” with gourmet ingredients like portabella mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and buffalo mozzarella catering to a more ‘cosmopolitan pizza palette’. A local’s favorite is the Margherita Pizza (most call this a cheese pizza) and then there are the specialties such as the ‘White Spinach,’ ‘The Roosevelt’ and ‘The Mallory.” Choose your favorite exotic pizzas with thin crust. And oh… yes they do have traditional toppings plus salads too. Perfect choice if you want to order-in to your Key West rental.

A&B Lobster House and Alonzo’s Lobster House:

700 Front St. (305) 294-5880 – www.aandblobsterhouse.com
On the Historic Seaport Harbor Walk. Upstairs is fine dining at A&B Lobster House with House Specialties like a Surf & Turf of filet mignon and lobster tail and Black Angus Strip Steak served with a béarnaise sauce and classic favorites like Lobster Bisque. You’ll also find the elegant swanky Berlin’s Martini & Cigar Bar upstairs where you must at least sample a rare cigar and sip a little cognac. If you’re looking for casual dining go downstairs to Alonzo’s Lobster House and go for the Oysters Moscow, a seafood salad, and some chowder. Great place to view the luxury yachts docked in the harbor and watch the old Schooners come in to dock at sunset.

Turtle Kraals:

One Lands End Village. (305) 294-2640 – www.turtlekraals.com
Right on the Key West Historic Seaport Harbor Walk. An established Key West tradition it was originally a turtle canning factory (when that was legal), then just 15 years ago there was still a rehab hospital for injured turtles (when that was still allowed) and you could have lunch while you checked out the recovering turtles. Those days are long gone but the food is still really good “southern-Style” breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring real pit BBQ, and now there is a Turtle Museum. My how times have changed! There’s a great bar upstairs with a wonderful panoramic view of authentic old Key West Historic Seaport and another full bar downstairs inside … and they have espresso and cappuccino too.

The Café ~ A Mostly Vegetarian Place

509 Southard St. (305) 296-5515
Delicious fresh vegetarian food and homemade breads including many Vegan choices served fresh daily. But believe me, you don’t have to be vegetarian to love this food. Great grilled sandwich selections include Portobello, Mozzarella, Eggplant and Zucchini. I love their salads and their portions are so generous that I take ½ home for later. The family recipe for fruity sangria is loved by the regulars and if you’re thinkin’ fresh fish, she also serves a great seared yellow fin tuna with wasabi sauce. Thrilling!

Abbondanza:

1208 Simonton St.: (305) 292-1199 – http://abbondanzakeywest.com/
(Just off Upper Duval) As the Italian name so aptly suggests…Good savory traditional Italian food served in very generous portions. Another local’s favorite that is great for the family or a group of friends! Our family usually orders pasta dishes when we go there and everyone enjoys from the little kids to grandpa. And don’t forget those garlic rolls. The little kids like to exclaim the name ‘Abbondanza’! Prices are extremely reasonable for what you get. Atmosphere and décor is soft and has a worldly feel.

Hog’s Breath Saloon:

400 Front St. (305) 296-4222 – www.hogsbreath.com
World famous saloon and eatery, popular with locals and tourists. Outstanding live music entertainment, great drinks, and delicious raw bar with local seafood and grill. Live music daily from 12:00pm -2:00 am. Fun clothing outlet for Hogs Breath T-Shits and Hats – remember “Hogs Breath is Better than No Breath at All.”

Hurricane Joe’s Bar and Seafood Grill:

5130 Overseas Highway (305) 294-0200 – www.hurricaneholekeywest.com
(right outside of Key West on US 1 heading to Miami). “The Real Thing” – On the docks ocean side. Be sure to go here for original Florida Keys ambience and real fresh fish, shrimp, and lobster, all locally caught! Eat dock side or upstairs in the restaurant. Hang out on the docks and chat with the local fishermen and watch the “catch’ as it comes off the boats and heads to the kitchen. No frozen or imported products are ever served at Hurricane Joe’s. Popular with locals and tourists of all ages and attitudes. We like to go there with the whole family from grandkids up.

Square Grouper Bar & Grill:

MM 22.5 (“Up The Keys”) 226558 Overseas Hwy, Summerland Key. (305)745-8880.
Located on Summerland Key at MM 22.5 on the ocean side.  It seems to pop up out of nowhere, so keep your eyes peeled or you can easily drive by it. This place gets consistent rave reviews. Whenever we drive home from a trip to Miami, we always stop at the Square Grouper for dinner for a fresh seafood dinner. The food is varied and fantastic – something for every taste and artistically presented. The atmosphere is beautiful and service is great. We’ve enjoyed intimate dinners and also taken the family for special occasions.

Mangrove Mama’s Restaurant:

MM 30 (“Up The Keys”). (305) 745-3030 – http://www.mangrovemamasrestaurant.com/
A favorite trip for locals “to get off the rock.” For a change in view of the Keys scene, plan to take a 30 minute drive up the Keys. Florida Keys cuisine. Seafood, steak, poultry, pasta.  Cocktail lounge, sometimes there is music on the weekends. Eat there then sneak up to Bahia Honda Beach at Mile Marker 30.

 

Key West Ice Cream

Flamingo Crossing Ice Cream Store:

1105 Duval St. (corner of Duval and Virginia Streets.) (305) 296-6124 – http://www.facebook.com/pages/Flamingo-Crossing-Ice-Cream/48604779882 – Outrageously delicious homemade creamy ice cream and clear sorbets made on premises. There are so many flavors to choose from you just must look for yourself. My favorites are mango sorbet, Cuban coffee, and Mangrove Honey-Walnut, and of course… chocolate. Set in an old Key West “conch house” the ambience is authentic as the treats. This is a Key West ritual for locals and should definitely become part of your Key West routine while you are here. This is right next door to the Key West Grand Vin wine bar, and I guess I must admit a favorite decadent indulgence is to go for wine… and then a little later have some ice cream. Yowsa!

 

Key West Coffee Shops

“Once you’ve had real Cuban coffee, no other coffee will ever taste quite the same!
I must admit that whenever I travel I take along a stash of Bustello or Pilon.”
Nothing is quite the same!”
Sandy’s Café & M&M Laundry:

1026 White St. (305) 295-0159 – (White Street Gallery neighborhood)
Wonderful walk-up/ take-out made to order outstanding Cuban café. Sleepy locals meet to wake up early in the morning. Get a bouchi (Cuban espresso – they call it “Cuban Speed.”) I’m addicted to the Cortadito, a pre-sugared cafécito topped with just a teeny bit of steamed milk. It’s really strong so if you are not used to the “punch” you may want to try a café con leche first. Get the buttered Cuban toast or cheese toast and dunk it in the coffee for a great start on the day. For lunch try the locally famous mouth watering Cuban Mix sandwich or a scrambled egg with melted cheese and fresh tomato. They also have unbelievably delicious chicken tacos! Connected to M&M Laundry so you can wash and sip. Now open 24 hours.

Five Brothers Grocery:

930 Southard St. (305) 296-5205 – http://5brothersgrocery.tripod.com
(Heart of Old Town neighborhood) Serving Key West for over 26 years! All styles of authentic Cuban made-to-order Cuban coffee at it’s very best! Wonderful walk-up/take-out counter with awesome Cuban breakfast and lunch treats inside a great little tiny family owned Cuban Grocery Store, so you can shop while your café is made. Neighbors stumble in for their wake up brew. Try bouchi, cortadito, café con leche, Cuban sandwiches.

Coffee and Tea House:

1211 Duval St.- (305) 295-0788 – http://www.facebook.com/pages/Coffee-and-Tea-House-of-Key-West/148974031796284-Finely brewed made-to-order Americana coffee and tea. A delightful variety of scrumptious home made sweet treats. Set in a Key West “Victorian house – cum coffee house” you feel welcome and cozy. Lounge inside or sit on the porch. A favorite place for coffee where local’s, and sometimes their canine friends, begin the day by catching up on the local buzz.

Sippin:

424 Eaton St. – (Down Town Old Town) (305) 293-0555 – www.sippinkeywest.com
Coffee and Internet Café. Great freshly brewed Americana coffee made to order and sweet treats. Several computers with internet access. Nice comfortable large roomy space for catching up on email, computer work, reading, and quiet chat. Close to the main downtown Post Office.