Best Dining In The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys culture is all about living the good life on the laid-back islands. People flock to this island chain for coral reef diving, watersports and to enjoy all of the natural beauty. The food in the Florida Keys keeps people coming back every year. Between the Key Lime Pies and the freshly caught seafood with a Caribbean flare, you’ll never want to leave. These best dining options in the Florida Keys will have your mouth watering as you pack your bags for your Keys adventure.
Key West
Hogfish Bar And Grill
6810 Front Street, Stock Island, FL 33040
Renowned as one of the best restaurants in Key West, Hogfish is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. The panoramic waterfront views, outdoor dining, amazing seafood, and strong drinks serve up a winning combo. The food is a great mix of fresh seafood and Mexican flavors. Try the house special, fried hogfish served with fresh Cuban bread.
Bo’s Fish Wagon
801 Caroline Street
Cash Only
Although it may not look like much, Bo’s Fish Wagon offers food that’s full of flavor and character. Known for having the best fish tacos and conch fritters on the island, this food truck turned eatery is sure to satisfy your seafood cravings.
Better Then Sex
926 Simonton Street
If you’ve got a sweet tooth then you need to check out Better Then Sex in Key West. This speakeasy dessert bar has a moody, seductive feel that separates it from most other island restaurants. The menu is a superb blend of sweet and savory. Enjoy house-made cocktails, chocolate chip bakes, and sugar-toasted buttery crumbles. You’ll love the cheeky names of all of these sugary treats.
The Thirsty Mermaid
521 Fleming Street
Widely known as an oyster lover’s paradise, the Thirsty Mermaid has a large selection of oysters from all over the United States, which rotate daily. The menu also features interesting culinary combos such as lobster BLT, as well as a caviar service. You can also enjoy the great selection of craft beers and wines at the Thirsty Mermaid.
Key Largo
Alabama Jack’s
58000 Card Sound Road
Alabama Jack’s has been a Key Largo staple since the 1950s. Known as one of Florida’s best fish shacks, this open-air restaurant is built right over the water. This casual lunch destination is known for its conch fritters, so make sure to try them!
Snappers
139 Seaside Avenue
As the name suggests, Snappers are best known for their fresh sea catches. This old-school restaurant has been around since 1989. Enjoy indoor seating or take advantage of the outdoor deck when the weather permits. Every Sunday Snappers has a bountiful brunch and live Jazz music. The menu variety is impressive, try the applewood smoked bacon-wrapped scallops to start. The bloody marys are famous, as well as the lobster tail and fresh catch of the day.
The Fish House
102341 Overseas Highway
This casual eatery provides a family-friendly dining experience. The Fish House offers a great selection of fresh seafood daily. Including their famous yellowtail snapper, mahi mahi, grouper, and Florida lobster and conch salad.
Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen
99366 Overseas Highway
Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen is a local favorite that’s been in business since 1976. Take in the hundreds of license plates that are plastered throughout the restaurant or enjoy one of 4 outdoor tables. The menu has a great variety and even the most discerning palate is sure to find something at Mrs. Mac’s. The generational recipes that are handed down have earned this place titles like ‘The People’s Choice Award.’ Try the local favorite homemade chili and ‘konk’ chowder, but whatever you do don’t skip the Key Lime Pie.
Marathon
Barnacle Barney’s
1688 Overseas Highway
Barnacle Barney’s is a tiki bar and grill that’s tucked away behind a resort in Marathon. The ambiance here will pull you in with hammocks, tiki torches, palm trees, and all the chill island vibes. Located on the water you’ll get great views of the Gulf Of Mexico while you dine dockside at Barnacle Barney’s. Visit on Friday nights for the fresh fish fry or Barney’s famous mahi mahi.
Island Fish Company
12648 Overseas Highway
This classic waterside tiki bar and fresh seafood combo is one of Marathon’s best restaurants. Get striking ocean views as you enjoy the outdoor seating. Visiting during Happy Hour which is complete with frozen cocktails or a raw seafood dinner featuring favorites like crab claws, fish dip, and Caribbean specials.
Castaways Waterfront Restaurant
1406 Ocean View Avenue
This local favorite is the oldest restaurant in Marathon. The waterfront location is a bonus but the food is the real star at Castaways. They offer some of the best sushi in the Keys. Seafood is a must-try on the menu, order the conch fritters, snapper sandwich, and inspired sushi combos. There are also an impressive 52 beers on tap for a winning combination of seafood and brews.
Islamorada
Hungry Tarpon Restaurant
77522 Overseas Highway
You’ll find the Hungry Tarpon on Robbie’s Marina, where you can feed the actual hungry tarpon. Robbie’s Marina also offers boat charters and you can spend a few hours touring the open-air market. Breakfast is served daily as early as 6:30 am for those early birds. Both lunch and dinner mainly seafood and signature dishes include fish tacos, cracked conch, and lobster frittata. You can also have the chef prepare your catch after a day of fishing in Islamorada.
Lorelie’s Restaurant
96 Moderia Road
The views from Lorelie’s outdoor dining terrace will leave you feeling calm and serene. Sunsets here are especially beautiful as you are dining al fresco on the terrace. The menu focuses on seafood with a twist, try the bacon-wrapped shrimp appetizer. Or order their world-famous fish sandwich and lime peppercorn snapper.
M.E.A.T. Eatery And Taproom
88005 Overseas Highway
M.E.A.T. is a counter service eatery that was featured on Diners Drive-in And Dives. Favorite dishes at M.E.A.T. include the inside-out juicy Lucy burger, Florida lobster rolls, wings, and pork rinds.
Big Pine Key
No Name Pub
30813 Watson Blvd
This pub may have no name, but it’s got a larger-than-life reputation. The No Name Pub is eclectic, eccentric, and loaded with money, literally. Visitors contribute $1 to the interior to leave their mark on this famous pub. They have typical pub fare with large portions that are great for sharing. Try the seafood plates or bbq pork sandwich. At this bait and tackle shop turned pub it’s all about atmosphere.
Cudjoe Key
Square Grouper
22658 Overseas Highway
This modern version of a fish shack is dedicated to sustainability and leading by example with green accents and corn products. As one of the Keys’ most popular destinations for fresh local seafood, Square Grouper is a must-visit on Cudjoe Key. You’ll find a large selection of inventive small plates, specials, handmade desserts, and a rotating selection of microbrews.
Duck Key
Anglers & Ale
540 Duck Key Drive
Anglers & Ale offers panoramic water views and is housed inside the expansive Hawks Cay Resort. They offer a wide variety of dishes including broiled Florida lobster, and grouper cheeks, as well as a hook-and-cook option. This is where you can have the Anglers & Ale chef prepare your catch of the day. They have an extensive beer selection with their own brew and cocktails thrown into the mix.
If you love fresh seafood in an eclectic atmosphere then you will love dining in the Florida Keys! No matter the location of an eatery, the Florida Keys are an amazing foodie destination for those who love fresh and inventive flavors.
