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
Sunset Watersports Key West
Sunset Watersports is Key West’s oldest and most trusted watersports provider, offering parasailing, snorkeling, jet ski tours, sunset dinner cruises, and more.
Grain and Berry
Grain and Berry in Key West is a superfood cafe on North Roosevelt Boulevard turning out acai bowls, smoothies, fresh juices, toasts, and wraps made to order with real ingredients.
Garden of Eden
Garden of Eden is Key West’s iconic rooftop bar at The Bull & Whistle, offering a clothing-optional, open-air lounge with panoramic island views, live DJ music, and a welcoming, free-spirited atmosphere.
Bourbon St. Pub
Bourbon St. Pub Key West is the island’s premier LGBTQ+ bar, offering lively entertainment, craft cocktails, and a vibrant party atmosphere in the heart of Duval Street.
Tacos Jalisco 3
Tacos Jalisco 3 in Tavernier serves authentic Mexican tacos and traditional dishes made with fresh ingredients.
DJ's Clam Shack
DJ’s Clam Shack in Key West is a casual seafood spot known for its over-stuffed lobster rolls, garlic steamed clams, and conch fritters.
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.
Sloppy Joe's Bar
A legendary Key West bar & live-music venue—Sloppy Joe’s offers tropical nightlife, cocktails, and island vibes since 1933.
Abbondanza Italian Restaurant
Abbondanza Italian Restaurant is Key West's multi-year People's Choice Award winner for best Italian restaurant, serving hearty pasta, fresh seafood, and classic Italian dishes nightly from three charming converted cigar-maker cottages in the heart of Old Town.
Santiago's Bodega Tapas Restaurant
Santiago’s Bodega — tapas small‑plates & sangria in Key West, where globally‑inspired shareable dishes meet a warm, local neighborhood vibe.
Flamingo Lodge and Restaurant
Flamingo Restaurant at Everglades offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with stunning Florida Bay views, featuring fresh seafood, cocktails, and a “cook your catch” option.
Bongos Botanical Beer Garden
Keep your eyes peeled at Mile Marker 59 on Grassy Key because Bongos Botanical Beer Garden is one of those places you could easily miss and never forgive yourself for. Opened in 2020 inside The Lagoon adventure park, this tropical beer garden is surrounded by mature palms, banana trees, and an organic herb and fruit garden growing the fresh ingredients that go straight into your cocktail, with over 20 craft beers on tap, a daily food truck, weekend brunch and live music, hammock chairs for swinging, lawn games, and a genuinely dog-friendly policy that extends to a plain beef patty for your pup.
Glazed Donuts
Glazed Donuts is a handmade, scratch-bakery in Key West crafting unique fritter-style and cake doughnuts alongside artisan coffee and tropical flavor specials.
Salty's Bar and Grill
Salty’s Bar & Grill — vibrant waterfront bar & grill in Key Largo where laid‑back island vibes meet hearty American classics and cold drinks.
Mahina
Mahina at Isla Bella Beach Resort — upscale Pacific-Rim dining in Marathon, where seaside elegance meets bold island-inspired flavors.