Tag Archives: Key West

Eating Out in Key West

Key West is famous for being the origin of the Key Lime Pie and Conch Fritters but did you know it offers so much more than that. Eating out is a big deal in Key West both before and after sunset and there is something available to suit all taste Buds.

dinnig-marina-side-in-key-west-travelammoBeing close to the Caribbean and having somewhat of a close association historically with its closest neighbors like Cuba this is heavily reflected in its food culture also. If fact most food regarded as being local and native to Key West is of Cuban descendancy. As much as the Conch Fritters may be high on your list of must try delicacies be sure to add an authentic Cuban Sandwich to your list.

The Old Town in Key West is littered with small kitchen sellers and restaurants selling authentic Cuban dishes, Sandwiches and drinks and you will never be short of somewhere to grab a snack. Prices are reasonable and $10 will often get you a good lunch time fill and a refreshing drink.

Duval Street, the main tourist hub in Key west is lined with restaurants, bars and cafes and is probably the first stop for most looking for food. Although Duval St is the location for the big name and well know bars and restaurants like the Gas Monkey Bar and Grill, Senor Frogs Key West, Sloppy Joe`s and Hard Rock Cafe, you will often find something a little more locally sourced at some of the other restaurants on offer.

Highly rated bars, cafes and restaurants in Key West:

  • Amigos Tortilla Bar – Greene and Duval st. Great quality fresh Mexican and Cuban food with dinning both inside and out.
  • Bagatelle – Duval St – Offers local food with outside eating terrace located in an original Key West town house.
  • Juan Loves Lucy – Duval St. Authentic Cuban food served up and cooked by Cubans. Highly rated service in a small off street relaxed and casual location. Also serves top quality Mojitos.
  • Caroline`s Cafe – Duval St. A small family run cafe serving up American dishes made with fresh local produce. Perfect for families and light lunch’s.
  • Key West Key Lime Pie Co – Greene St and Ann St.  Serving up some of Key Wests finest and original Key lime pie. They are not small portions either.
  • Conch Republic Seafood Company – A&B Marina Greene St. Top quality seafood- lively atmosphere with a large menu the restaurant is packed almost every hour its open. Location and seating overlooking the Marina is second to none.
  • A&B Lobster House – A&B Marina Front St. Great restaurant for fresh local and American seafood dishes. Located in the picture perfect marina location for a special evening dinner.
  • El Meson de Pepe – Mallory Square, Wall St. Great tasting full table service Cuban restaurant with a lively feel with often live music and welcoming staff.
  • Kermits Kitchen Key West Key Lime Pie Shoppe – Duval St. Shop and cafe selling everything and anything that could possible be Key Lime flavored including the traditional pie. Bit of a tourist trap for souvenirs but popularity is deserved.
  • Blackfin Bistro – Duval St. Might not look to great from the street but do not let this put you off. This place serves up some of the most highly rated dishes in Key West with friendly service.
  • The Salty Angler – Duval St. Simple, well though out menu serving up some interesting but fantastic food combinations as well as traditional dishes. No one in the family will be disappointed here.
  • Southernmost Beach Bar – Southernmost Beach. Beach front cafe serving up a decent range of local and international snacks and light meals. Good range of drinks available.

So there we have a selection of Key Wests favorite eating places but of course there is so so much more on offer around every corner and if your just looking for a quick bite or something more familiar then outside of the main old town you will find the usual Domino’s Pizza, Wendy’s, Denny’s, Outback Steakhouse, Miami Subs and Baskin Robbins Etc.

Looking for more information on Key West, Check out some of our other Key West related articles:

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Whats the best beach in Key West – Florida

With a over a million tourists visiting Key West every year one of the most common questions is which is the best beach to visit whilst in Key West. As the majority of visitors to Key west are only in town for a few days it is important to know where to go to maximize your time. Key west can be busy and although small you can easily spend a few hours in a car trying to find the perfect location.

So where are the beaches in Key West FL ?

Well firstly lets start by saying there as not as many as you may think, well in terms of public beaches. There are several hotels with private beaches and we will mention these but first we list Key Wests public beaches.

key-west-jet-skis-travelammoAll of Key Wests main public beaches are along the south coast predominantly located along the A1A. When arriving in Key west via the Overseas Highway US 1 turn left onto the A1A S Roosevelt Blvd and after a few miles and opposite Key West Airport you will find Key Wests first and longest of beaches.

Smathers Beach – Key West: By far the largest of Key Wests beaches, Smathers is often the most practical to visit in terms of ease of access and space. The beach is directly next to the road and on Street parking is available along the see front although this does fill up early in the morning. The Beach itself is mostly soft white sand and lined with palms,  the waters are clear and shallow although there are the occasional sea weed issue after a big storm. Smathers beach is also home to Sunset Water sports beach club where you can participate in Paddle boarding, Parasailing, kayaking and various other water sports. Vendors are often available selling drinks and snacks and washroom facilities are available at the western end of the beach.

Continuing along the A1A turning left into Atlantic avenue will lead you onto the second of the popular public beaches in Key West.

higgs-beach-pier-key-west-travelammoHiggs Beach – Key West: A medium sized beach but one that is extremely popular due to its location close to the old town and its beautiful white soft sand beaches and gently slopping clear waters. Higgs beach attracts a young crowd but is equally well suited to family’s looking for a lively beach suitable for children with good facilities. The beach has onsite restaurants, washrooms, vending machines as well as children’s play area and tennis courts. Behind Higgs beach is a large Dog park with ample facilities for both dog and owner.

Again further along the A1A at the Junction with Duval St there is one of Key Wests smallest but very popular beaches.

Southernmost Beach – Key West: By far the smallest of Key Wests beachs southernmost is probably not the best beach if you are looking to relax and sunbath. Although it has a small beach and clear waters it is best suited to a short visit and a drink at the southernmost bar to get away from the hustle and bustle of Duval st.

For the next and probably regarded as the best beach in Key West by most you will need to venture into town and head towards the entrance to Fort Zachary Taylor State park. The Entrance to the park is well sign posted but can be found at the following Southard St westwards until you find the park entrance. If you come across the guard house in the middle of the street and think you may have taken a wrong turn, do not worry, your on the right track, just proceed a little further and you will see the entrance.

fort-zachary-beach-2-key-west-travelammoThe Beach at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park – Key West: Our top pick of Key Wests beaches and for a small entrance fee you will gain entrance to the stunning and relaxed beaches, some of Key Wests best beach facilities and entrance to the whole of the state park. The Beach itself is accessed a short walk through the beautiful wooded area featuring picnic bench’s and grills available for free use. All this is only a short walk from the parking area where you will always find a space. The beach itself is a relatively steep slopping coral sand which leads into the clear waters which in general are protected by breakwaters and therefore calm when other beaches can have a surf. Fort Zachary beach also offers some excellent snorkeling opportunities around the breakwater rocks which are located about 40 yards from the beach. Around the breakwaters large colorful fish, sea turtles and a large selection of sea creatures await your discovery. If your lucky you may see large rays and small sharks on calm days.

Hotels with private beaches in Key West FL:

  • The Reach Resort Waldorf Astoria
  • Coconut Beach Resort
  • Casa Marina Resort Waldorf Astoria
  • 1800 Atlantic
  • Key West Marriot Beachside Hotel
  • Courtyard by Marriot Key West Waterfront
  • Galleon Resort and Marina
  • The Pier House Resort and Spa

Popular Tourist Attractions in Key West:

  • Southernmost Point Monument.
  • Mallory Square.
  • Duval St.
  • Ernest Hemingway House.
  • Fort Zachary Taylor State Park.
  • The Little White House.

Nearby Areas of Interest: