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.
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Hemingway Distillery
Slip into the Hemingway Social Club, a cool, air-conditioned speakeasy hidden inside Papa's Pilar Rum Distillery on Simonton Street in Old Town Key West. Pull up a stool for craft rum and whiskey cocktails in a room that practically hums with Ernest Hemingway's island spirit.
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.
Courthouse Deli & Whit's Frozen Custard
Courthouse Deli and Whit’s Frozen Custard in Key West serves fresh-made sandwiches, salads, and creamy frozen custard in a cozy, local spot.
Coast To Coast Pizza Company
Coast To Coast Pizza Company in Marathon, FL, offers handcrafted New York, Sicilian, and Detroit-style pizzas made with high-quality ingredients in a casual, family-friendly setting.
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.
Tacos Jalisco
Tacos Jalisco in Key Largo offers authentic Mexican tacos and flavorful dishes made fresh daily. Perfect for a casual, delicious meal in a friendly setting.
Sal's Ballyhoo's
Sal’s Ballyhoo’s Historic Seafood Grille — fresh Florida seafood with a Southern twist in Key Largo, where award‑winning dishes meet indoor and pet‑friendly outdoor dining.
Shipwrecks Bar & Grill
Shipwreck’s Bar & Grill — waterfront bar & grill in Key Largo offering seafood dishes, comfort grub and brews on tap in a laid‑back canal‑side setting.
Coconut Cove Resort & Marina
Coconut Cove Beach Resort & Marina is a family-friendly, waterfront resort in Islamorada, offering a zero-entry pool, private beach, and event spaces for weddings and private functions. Located on a 7-acre tropical estate, it's ideal for both relaxation and special events.
Tiki Bar at Three Waters Resort & Marina
The Tiki Bar at Three Waters Resort in Islamorada offers tropical cocktails, fresh bites, and stunning oceanfront views in a true island paradise.
Fisherman's Cafe
Fisherman’s Café in Key West serves fresh seafood, classic American breakfasts, and island-style sandwiches in a laid-back, walk-up setting.
Williams Hall
Williams Hall — restored historic community venue hosting concerts, cultural events, culinary experiences and inter-generational programs in Key West.
Coast To Coast Pizza Company Key Largo
Coast to Coast Pizza Company serves New York, Detroit and Sicilian-style pizzas made with fresh ingredients on the Overseas Highway in Key Largo, Florida Keys.
Kindler Wood-Fired Fare
Kindler Wood-Fired Fare — upscale wood-fired dining in Islamorada, where open-hearth cooking and island elegance unite.