Food & Drink
Taste your way through The Florida Keys, where every bite feels like a mini adventure. From dockside seafood shacks and fresh-caught fish to Cuban coffees, quirky tiki bars, and Key lime pie that might just change your world, the culinary scene here is as vibrant as the coral reefs. Whether you’re after a fancy dinner with sunset views or a casual snack by the water, local chefs, distilleries, and cafés serve flavor with a sprinkle of Keys charm. Come hungry — you won’t leave disappointed.
Sweet Key Lime Pie Flavors the Keys
Few people visit the Florida Keys without sampling a few pieces of Key lime pie, renowned as the island chain’s signature dessert. Millions of slices of the tart, creamy treat — voted the official pie of Florida by the state legislature in 2006 (yes, really!) — are savored every year by Keys visitors and locals.
Brewed and Barreled in the Florida Keys
If you’re a fan of fine beers, ales, rums and more, you’re sure to enjoy unique libations created in the Florida Keys.
Cuban Heritage, Food and Culture Enrich Key West
Sample the sweetness of fried plantains served with lime-kissed pork chops.
Lionfish: An Incredible Edible Fish
It’s believed that lionfish, a popular Indo-Pacific aquarium fish, was first released in Florida’s Atlantic waters during the 1980s. Now lionfish prey voraciously on invertebrates and over 70 species of domestic fish. And these toothy coral reef fish, part of the scorpion fish family, have no natural reef predators except spearfishing humans.
The Keys Can’t-Miss List: Marathon Restaurants
Planning a getaway to Marathon and the middle Florida Keys? Check with local residents to find out which eateries they recommend to visiting family, friends and newcomers eager to discover the islands’ eats.
Filters
South of the Seven
Southernmost Beach Café in Key West serves fresh coastal cuisine and tropical cocktails with unbeatable oceanfront views.
Mike's BBQ 101
Mike’s BBQ 101 – Mouth-watering Texas-style barbecue served at Mile Marker 101 in Key Largo.
El Meson De Pepe
El Meson de Pepe is an iconic Cuban restaurant in Key West, located on Mallory Square, offering authentic Cuban cuisine and tropical cocktails in a lively, festive atmosphere.
Pop's Smoke Shed Marathon
Pop’s Smoke Shed brings bold, slow-smoked BBQ flavors to the Florida Keys with legendary brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and island-style comfort food.
Pizzaworks
Pizza Works — dependable family-style pizzeria in Big Pine Key where classic pies meet laid-back island flavor.
Hogfish Bar & Grill
Hogfish Bar and Grill in Key West serves authentic island flavors, fresh local seafood, and cold drinks in a laid-back waterfront setting.
Hurricane Hole
Hungry Tarpon Restaurant in Islamorada offers scenic waterfront dining with fresh seafood and bold cocktails right on the marina.
Pickles Pub's Sandbar
Pickles Pub’s Sandbar — lively sports bar in Key West with 40+ TVs, late-night eats and poured-in-pub fun.
Bagatelle
Bagatelle Key West is an elegant tropical-American restaurant on Duval Street, known for its gourmet seafood, inventive cocktails, and romantic ambiance.
The Retro Room
The Retro Room is a Key West arcade bar and cafe at 126 Simonton Street offering 24 taps of craft beer, wine, sake, and specialty beverages alongside hundreds of board games, retro video arcade games, and weekly events including trivia nights, tournaments, and bar crawls.
Dockside Boot Key Harbor
Dockside at Boot Key Harbor offers waterfront dining with fresh seafood, cocktails, and sweeping marina views in Marathon, FL.
Sandy's Cafe
Sandy’s Café — iconic Cuban & Conch take‑out café in Key West at 1026 White St, where the award‑winning “World Famous Cuban Sandwich” meets strong Cuban coffee in a friendly, no‑frills setting.
The Key Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar
The Key Thai & Sushi offers authentic Thai cuisine and fresh sushi rolls in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere in the Florida Keys.
Old Sailor Bar
The Old Sailor Bar, located at 430 Greene Street inside Rick’s & Durty Harry’s Entertainment Complex, is a nautical-inspired hotspot celebrating Key West’s rich maritime history. Blending classic coastal charm with the lively energy of Duval Street, it’s where crafted cocktails, live music, and Conch Republic spirit come together.