Top 6 Places to Eat and Drink in Key West, Florida
My two visits to Key West were both filled with delightful discoveries, but this time was particularly special. I enjoyed spending a few days indulging in the local cuisine and beverages, all while a tropical depression raged outside. Here are the charming spots that became my favorites during this unique experience.
1. Papa's Pilar Rum (Hemingway Rum House)
Hands down, it is my favorite place on Key West, just for the ambiance. I am a sucker for leather couches, exposed beams, and the whole industrial vibe! If you are like me, then you will love this place! Papa's Pilar rum was named after Hemingway's nickname, Papa, and his boat, Pilar. If you aren't familiar with Hemingway, he was an American novelist and short-story writer. He also had a house in Key West, which is still there (I will link)! Even though they are known for rum, I didn't get any rum-related drinks. I am not the biggest rum drinker. Instead, I had Papa’s Manhattan, a refreshing cocktail with a hint of Papa's Pilar Dark Rum, and Ernie's Old Fashioned, a classic whiskey-based drink.
Regrettably, I missed the tour due to my late arrival, but I've heard it's a fantastic experience. I urge you to plan your visit better than I did and not miss out on this opportunity. The vibes and the drinks here are worth experiencing, especially on a hot day or during a tropical depression, as was the case during my trip!
2. Kaya
After spending an entire morning at Doing Work Coffee (I am sending you this post, too), I had a list of places to go, thanks to the owner. They highly recommended coming here for their famous Macadamia Coconut Catch with Hoisin accent Mango. This dish is known to be a sweet and savory combination, though it was a tad sweeter. I would check this place out if I were you!
Note: Don't get a marg here. I am very picky about my margs, and this one was way too sweet. However, it did come in a cool glass that reminded me of a TV show from when I was a kid, Legends of the Hidden Temple.
This was a random happenstance. I found this place because I was walking down a street with a coconut, and a couple stopped to ask me where I had gotten it.
Fast forward to 45 minutes later. I was sitting at the restaurant since they recommended Higgs Beach, which is right next to where I got my coconut. I had their ahi tuna salad, and holy shit, it was the best salad I had! For my drink, I had their Hendricks Cucumber Wonder, but instead of gin, I did vodka with their muddle line, cucumber, light simple syrup, and soda. It was the perfect drink when combined with the salad, a really refreshing drink on a hot, humid day. The cool thing about this place is that you can take the food and beverages and enjoy them on the beach.
One note: if you plan to go swimming at this beach, bring water shoes or go on the pier and walk down the steps into the water because there are a lot of sharp rocks on the shoreline.
4. Moon Dog
I went here in 2021 and had their Ahi Tuna poke . . . fast forward to August of 2024, I returned and had the same dish. I know I should have tried something else, and I was thinking of it since I was stuck indoors because of the tropical depression. But . . . I stuck with the same meal. Yes, it is that good.
This place is my favorite one, too, because of how idiosyncratic it is. You have a stunning mural that tells the story of the island, a bike that helps spell Moon on the wall, and a warm and cozy vibe. I will warn you; this place gets busy fast. If you are a solo traveler like me, finding space at the bar is more accessible but still small. They do have outside dining as well. If you like a relaxed, funky vibe, this is your place!
5. Key Lime Pie Bakery
Is it really a trip to Key West if you don't visit the Key Lime Pie Bakery? I went here twice on my journey, my first and last night. You can take your slice of pie on the go like I did or order a pie and fly it home like my boss did. This place is also great for bringing back treats for your friends and family, including Key Lime Cookies, bread, and other treats! It's a must-stop on your Key West adventures!
6. Conch Republic Seafood Company
This place, hands down, had the best happy hour prices! For all beer and wine, if you buy a drink, you get one poker chip, and you can get a second drink for free. This is a great place to drink if you are traveling solo and looking for a cheaper place to drink in Key West. I went here twice because of the happy hour. I even paid it forward while I was here, meaning someone gave me their poker chip my first night, and my second time there, I gave my free drink to someone else.
Their food is delicious, too. I had their mahi mahi salad my first night, and then I had their Cracked Conch, which was so good paired with their signature orange horseradish marmalade.
Friends, what looks appealing to you on this list? Are you more of a drinker? A foodie? A pie lover? Let me know which place you pick, and be sure to suggest places I should check out next time I'm in Key West. I have a feeling it won't be my last. Your input is valuable, and I'd love to hear from you!