Key West Eats

Key West in Florida is the definition of summer vibes. Its 80 degree weather and laid-back atmosphere makes you want to roam around a beach or hang in a hammock all day.

No surprise, the seafood here is fresh and amazing. Restaurants are conscious about sustainable seafood and focus on local catches. Fishing is one of the many activities visitors (and locals) come here for and if something bites, some restaurants will cook it for you. But instead of fishing, I scrounge for local bites.

Right next door from where I stayed was a lobster shack, and it inevitably became one of my first spots to hit – had a lobster grilled cheese sandwich for breakfast.

Garbo’s Grill is a food truck in the backyard of a bar I stumbled upon. Their shrimp tacos, with Cayo-style toppings, is juicy shrimp presented on a bed of sweet mangos, cilantro, and shredded red cabbage. They were so memorable, I went back again (and on Cinco de Mayo).

I later found out they are one of the best recommended spots, believe the hype! Heard great things about their Mahi Mahi tacos. And as I was eating I kept sniffing delicious whiffs of their Korean meats on the grill.

B.O.’s Fish Wagon is a no-frills shack by the docks. They put together a mean, deep-fried shrimp sandwich and are well known for their grouper sandwich. I had some conch fritters, a popular snack around here and in nearly every seafood restaurant. Conch is a sea snail and is found in warm, tropical climates. Besides deep-fried (that’s the best way right?), they are also used in chowders, ceviches, or salads.

Due to its close proximity, the culture and food here is influenced by the Bahamas and Cuba. Note that Key West is the southernmost point of the continental United States. It’s closer to Cuba (90 miles) than to Miami!

One of the most notable drinks that drifted to the USA is Cuban coffee. Cafecito is defined as espresso that is sweetened as it is pulled. White sugar is caramelized with the first few drops of espresso and then added to the rest of the shot. It’s also important to make it from Cuban coffee grinds such as Cafe Bustelo. The result is an incredibly strong, delicious, and robust drink. A notable spot to go to is Cuban Coffee Queen by the docks. I had an iced vanilla Cuban coffee that reminded me of Olvatine. 

Key West is also blessed with the Cuban sandwich. It was a common lunch for Cuban workers who used to easily travel back and forth between home and the Key West. It’s taking fresh Cuban bread and filling it with ham, roasted pork, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles. And to give it a go in the sandwich press to hold everything in. It’s a hefty load but fills you up if you’re planning to walk around the city. Whether for lunch or if you’re hungry at 3am – Sandy’s Cafe is open 24hrs and is frequented by locals for their sandwiches. (Their huervos rancheros is also really good.)

Last but not least, you can’t leave Key West without having their Key Lime Pie. Key lime juice is added to a custard mix, poured in a graham cracker pie crust, and baked. Then finally topped with as much whipped cream as you want. Each Key Lime Pie shop says theirs is the best, but it in the end it comes down to personal preference.

For a small city, Key West carries a wide range of character. It can be rowdy and exciting, but also serene and calming. It’s obvious the amazing, sunny weather plays a big part in feeling welcomed as a visitor, and also attract another trip in the future.