Key West is a paradise for food lovers, with a variety of restaurants offering cuisines from around the world. From seafood shacks to upscale dining establishments, the island has something to satisfy every palate. Here are our top 5 favorite places to eat in Key West.
Blue Heaven
729 Thomas St,
Key West, FL 33040
Blue Heaven should be on your “not leaving the island until we eat here” list. It’s known for its eclectic menu, laid-back atmosphere, and colorful history. It’s situated in a historic building that dates back to the late 1800s. Originally, it was a saloon, bordello, and gambling den, but in the 1930s, it became a favorite spot for cockfighting. The building eventually fell into disrepair until it was restored in the 1990s and reopened as a restaurant. Located in the heart of Old Town, this iconic eatery has been one of the best restaurants in Key West for decades.
The restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating, with the latter being in a charming garden area. The outdoor seating area is surrounded by lush vegetation and shaded by large trees, giving it a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. The restaurant is also home to a variety of roosters and chickens, which roam freely and add to the unique ambiance.
Blue Heaven is known for its Caribbean-inspired cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients. The menu features a variety of dishes, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
For breakfast, some of our favorites the banana bread French toast, the blueberry pancakes, and the lobster benedict. For lunch and dinner, you’ll find a variety of seafood dishes, such as grilled shrimp, seared tuna, and conch fritters. There are also plenty of options for non-seafood eaters, including burgers, salads, and sandwiches. The restaurant also offers vegetarian and vegan options, such as the tofu and vegetable stir-fry and the roasted vegetable sandwich. Whatever your taste, you’re not walking out a loser from here.
In addition to all the awesome food (and drinks), Blue Heaven is also known for its live music. The restaurant hosts live music performances every day, ranging from jazz and blues to folk and bluegrass. Local artists display their works for sale here during the day, where you’re sure to find a souvenir or two.
Is it family friendly?
Yes! it’s a perfect place to bring your family for any meal. The outdoor area is wide open, so the kids can run around while you wait for your table.
Louie’s Backyard
700 Waddell Ave,
Key West, FL 33040
If you want to kick it up a notch for dinner tonight, then look no further than Louie’s Backyard. It’s known for its exquisite views, upscale atmosphere, and exceptional cuisine. The restaurant is located on the Atlantic Ocean, providing breathtaking views of the water and a romantic and elegant ambiance.
Louie’s Backyard was established in 1971, and since then, it has become a go-to spot for fine dining in Key West. The restaurant is located in a historic building that was once the home of Louis and Margaret Thompson, who were influential in the development of Key West. The building was later transformed into a restaurant, and today, it is known for its refined and elegant atmosphere.
The restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating, with the latter being the main attraction. The outdoor seating area is located on a multi-level deck overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, providing stunning views of the water.
Louie’s Backyard offers an exceptional menu that features fresh and locally sourced seafood, as well as a variety of other dishes. The menu changes frequently, depending on the availability of ingredients and the chef’s inspiration.
For starters, the restaurant offers a variety of appetizers, including the yellowfin tuna tartare (which is my absolute favorite), seared scallops, and lobster bisque. The main course features a variety of seafood dishes, such as the pan-seared snapper, grilled local yellowtail, and the seafood bouillabaisse. The restaurant also offers non-seafood options, such as the filet mignon and the roasted duck.
Is it family friendly?
It sure is! But if you really want to soak in the ambiance, maybe come without the kids.
Salute! On The Beach
1000 Atlantic Blvd,
Key West, FL 33040
Salute! on the Beach is a charming and relaxed restaurant known for its delicious Italian cuisine, beautiful beachfront location, and welcoming atmosphere.
This restaurant was established in 1995 and has since become a favorite among locals and visitors. The restaurant is located in a historic building that was once used as a Navy bunker during World War II. The building was later transformed into a restaurant, and today, it is known for its laid-back and casual atmosphere.
It features both indoor and outdoor seating, with the latter being the most popular. The outdoor seating area is located on the beach, providing stunning views of the ocean and a relaxing and peaceful ambiance.
What makes this place so special is its location. It’s a cool little beachside cafe that serves Italian inspired cuisine with an island twist. You can grab a table for drinks and apps, then walk right out to the beach. Or you can dine in and watch the other beachgoers enjoy the day. You might even catch a pretty competitive game of volleyball! This is a little further out off the Duval Street corridor, so you’ll want to either bike or take a scooter here.
Is it family friendly?
Yes! The laid-back atmosphere and its proximity to the beach make it a perfect place to bring your family for lunch and an afternoon in the sun. This is one of the most casual restaurants in Key West.
B.O.’s Fish Wagon
801 Caroline St,
Key West, FL 33040
B.O.’s Fish Wagon is one of the most original places on the island due to its lack of curb appeal. Walking up to it, you’ll see an old broken down tow truck with what looks like a shanty town attached to it. But it has that charming Key West appeal and the sandwiches here will blow you away.
This restaurant was established in 1984 and has since become a staple in Key West. The restaurant is located in a building (if you want to really call it that…) that was once used as a fish market. Today, the building is adorned with colorful signs, fishing memorabilia, and other quirky decor that adds to the restaurant’s unique and inviting atmosphere.
The most popular dish at B.O.’s Fish Wagon is the fried grouper sandwich, which is made with fresh local fish, lettuce, tomato, and a homemade sauce. The restaurant also offers a variety of other sandwiches, such as the shrimp po’ boy and the lobster roll. The tacos are also a popular choice, with options like the blackened fish and the shrimp taco.
In addition to the seafood dishes, B.O.’s Fish Wagon also offers vegetarian options, such as the grilled cheese and the black bean burger. The restaurant also features a variety of sides, such as the coleslaw and the hush puppies.
Is it family friendly?
It is! It may not look like much from the outside, but there’s plenty of room to sit and eat inside in the shade.
The hot dog stand outside the Bull and Whistle Bar
224 Duval St,
Key West, FL 33040
So, this one is a little off the beaten path. There’s no website or Facebook page. It’s just a hot dog stand that sits right outside the Bull and Whistle Bar on the corner of Duval St. and Caroline St. In fact, I don’t even have a picture of it, hence the picture of the Bull and Whistle. But I’ve graciously circled where the cart usually sets up.
At first glance, it doesn’t look like much. And it usually sets up shop around 7-8pm… but if you’re close by and you’re hungry, please try and swing by for a hot dog or a sausage. You won’t regret it, I promise. The ingredients are home made, and you have several options to choose from. They are the most delicious hot dogs I’ve ever had. I’m a chili & cheese kind of guy, so that’s my top recommendation here. They only take cash, so be sure to have some paper handy if you stop by!
Is it family friendly?
Welp, it’s a hot dog stand… so yes! But try not to bring the kids around too late in the evening, it gets pretty rowdy at night.
