Key West Best Bars, Restaurants... - TheLuxuryVacationGuide

Key West’s Best Bars, Dining, Eats and Treats

We love Key West the best…. This southernmost Florida island is a delicious slice of Key Lime Pie, bright, fresh, rich, salty and tart. See our review of what to do in Key West, about its tumultuous history, beautiful Bahamian architecture, best beaches, parks, biking and boating, and where to stay at this cool vacation town at Mile 0.

Key West Best For Dinner

The best dinner spot is on Sunset Key, a small island 500 hundred yards off Mallory Square, a very short boat ride from Key West. Reserve an outdoor table at Latitudes at sunset, take their resort ferry to this island from Margaritaville Resort at Mallory Square for a romantic escape. The cuisine of fresh fish, snapper, grouper, cobia, is as stellar as the waterfront setting under torches by candlelight. Glass in hand, toes in the sand (yes your table is truly on the beach), paradise found at Latitude, 24N.

Santiago Bodega on Petronia is THE place for Spanish Tapas in the heart of the eclectic Bahama village of Key West. Each island inspired small plate bartender Emily brought was more delicious than the previous, paired with generous wine pours. “Santiago” name is inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea, a nod to the local author’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel in 1954.

Key West Best Breakfast or Lunch…

Pepe’s Cafe is Key West’s oldest eating establishment, since 1909. The old-school menu of eggs and grits is as classic as the funky atmosphere at this Caroline Street shack. Pepe’s home fries are outstanding, so are the crowds awaiting a table here, though most are chill while waiting and sipping on fresh squeezed boozy breakfast beverages. Pepe’s also serves cheap delicious Gulf Oysters at dinner time.

Harpoon Harry’s next door is a Key West best blue-plate diner style eatery with friendly crew and fun memorabilia, perfect if Pepe’s is overflowing. Biscuits with Sausage Gravy, Omelettes and Eggs Bene are a few satisfying staples, with Bloody Harry. Harry’s is also a liquor store, pretty handy… you never have to sober up here.

Blue Heaven is heavenly for home-cooked Key West breakfast or lunch, or dinner “under the stars”. Local lobster and shrimp, grits, you name it – there’s even live music on the outdoor stage while you savor your repast in the casual courtyard under a canopy of mahogany trees. Don’t mind the roosters, the cats, everyone is welcome at this heaven. Blue Heaven is beyond casual, and multi-cultural, like its delicious menu, true Caribbean tastes, in Key West’s Bahama village.

For a Bloody Mary with a view, Schooner Wharf Bar is a divey outdoor bar at Key West Bight, overlooking the docks and a few dreamy yachts at the historic seaport. Live music is frequent at Schooners, so are locals – always a good sign.

Garbo’s Grill is a great go-to for bbq shrimp or grouper burrito served from an air stream food truck. The homemade food is so good, you will agree with the Food Network’s feature. Inside Garbo’s is a cool casual bar where you can order a cocktail.

La Te Da on Duval for Sunday lunch and Tea Dance is a gay old time, with great people watching on the southern Duval strip and flamboyant local dancers and singers. Sunday can be a Drag here… pun intended.

See Key West’s Best Hotels and Top Things to Do at Mile 0