One of the trickiest things about being in a city you don’t know is figuring out where to eat. You could stick with something you’re familiar with, but where’s the fun in that? Traveling should always be about experience new things, and that goes especially for trying the local cuisine. The food in Key West is definitely something to write home about, and the only thing you really have to worry about is deciding where to eat - There are worse decisions to make! From old school Cuban joints to fabulous divey seafood shops on the beach, Key West is bursting with deliciousness, and we’ve got a few suggestions to whet your palate:
The Hogfish Bar and Grill
That isn’t just a cute name, Hogfish are a local fish, sweet and delicious, and really only found here in Key West. Though the restaurant is actually located on the island of Key West, it’s a quick drive the Key next door on Stock Island. We think of it as a Key West favorite because the locals spill over there on a regular basis, and it embodies that super laid back feel of Key West, so we’ve unofficially adopted it. The Hogfish is renown not only for its fabulous locale on the water in Safe Harbor, but its menu is delectable. People come for miles to dine on Hogfish sandwiches, shrimp and chips, the Genuine Maine Lobster Roll and the Havana Style Pork Poor Boy.
La Crêperie Key West
Fancy a trip to ‘ol Paris? If you bring the appetite, we’ve got the cuisine and ambiance covered! This authentic little French restaurant is owned by two French expats, Sylvie Le Nouail, Yolande Findlay have created a little piece of Brittany right here in Key West. The space is small, the kitchen is open, and with 30 different kinds of sweet and savoury crêpes on the menu, this is the kind of place you’ll be coming back to more the once over the course of your stay here in Key West.
The Green Parrot
No visit to Key West is is complete without having a cocktail or two at the oldest bar in the city, the Green Parrot. Around since 1890, this fabulous open-air joint is beloved by locals, and open early. Get here for 5:30pm and the honky-tonk music will have you have out of your chair in moments. There’s no cover, no qualms, no worries. The vibe is chill and the smiles are free, so come have a drink and a dance!
Louie’s Backyard
Yet another local favorite, Louie’s backyard is the kind of place you just don’t forget, no matter how quiet the evening. The restaurant is shoreside, with the famous upper deck overlooking endless sunsets on the Gulf of Mexico. Often deemed one of the most beautiful places in the world to have a drink, it’s a wonderfully romantic place to share an exquisite meal. The wine bar serves up vintages from around the world, accompanied with delectable plates of international cheeses. And in the dining room, you’ll love the oven-fresh gourmet pizzas, daily fresh catch specials and an irresistible dessert menu.
