Key West and Florida Keys

Eating out in Key West and Florida Keys

The restaurants in the Florida Keys are known for their fresh local seafood and island atmosphere, in every setting from extreme-no frills to elegance. There are lots of open-air restaurants, and many eateries have live music and entertainment. They can also have a long history and a story to tell, which is usually pretty colorful. Enjoy the local flavor of the restaurants by trying several different styles and, at least once, belly up to the bar and hang with the locals. Don't leave without trying the conch fritters!.

Gourmet

Benihana Steaks and Seafood was voted America's Most Popular Full-Service Restaurant. In Key West, you can add a view of the ocean to the culinary delights while your personal chef artistically prepares your meal of fine steaks, shrimp, lobster, and chicken right at your table! South Roosevelt Blvd, Key West.

Highly Recommended

La Trattoria earned the ultimate compliment by becoming famous by "word of mouth"- it has repeatedly won the Key West People's Choice Awards! It's a European bistro with tawny walls, art and antiques, soft lighting, picture windows, and a tenor gently singing throughout the dinner service. 524 Duval Street, Key West.

Local Flair

The Half Shell Raw Bar looks like an abandoned shack, but it's the perfect water-front setting to enjoy the Keys' freshest seafood. 231 Margaret Street, Key West.

Romantic

Café des Artistes is a singular Tropical-French restaurant specializing in fresh local seafood, lobster, and steak and its sultry atmosphere is popular with couples in the mood for romance. 1007 Simonton Street, Key West.

Going party in Key West and Florida Keys

As you'd expect, Key West's "anything goes" attitude reflects much of the island's nightlife. Most bars ooze an affable, rarin'-to-go atmosphere and are frequently open until 4am. Depending on the bar, you'll find everything from tall-taling locals to tipsy tourists, and live country, folk, and rock music. The mainstream bars are clustered at the northern end of Duval Street, easy to hop around. Much of Key West's best nightlife, though, revolves around its restaurants. Cover charges are rare, so start at Truman Street and work your way up Duval through the real-life Margaritaville!.

Captain Tony's Saloon

A noted hangout of Hemingway's, this rustic saloon hosts live hard rock and, rumor has it, a ghost in the billiard room. Key West.

Bull and Whistle Bar

This last of the old-time open-air bars of Duval Street is the scene of live nightly music by the best local musicians. Key West.

Margaritaville

Jimmy Buffet, owner and Florida legend, sometimes shows up to join the bands on stage for a song or two! Key West.

Green Parrot Bar

This landmark has been drawing locals since 1890 with its pool tables, dart board, pinball machine, and live music on weekends. Key West.

Common events in Key West and Florida Keys

Key West Old Island Days

Events include an arts festival, conch shell blowing contest, and house and garden tours celebrating Key West culture and history. January - April.

Annual Key West Craft Show

Features the handmade work of 100 artists. January.

Annual Master Chefs Classic

Fourteen chefs compete, serving up their best culinary delights to benefit the Key West Theatre Festival. February.

Robert Frost Poetry Celebration

Annual celebration at the Heritage House Museum. Readings and autograph sessions with today's finest poets. Music and refreshments follow in the garden. March.

Annual Fantasy Fest

The infamous themed, outrageous 10-day celebration with outlandish costume competitions, grand parade, and wacky sights and sounds. October.

Annual Key West Theatre Festival

New American plays, full productions, readings, workshops, nightly cabaret, Pops concert, and event galas at various locations throughout Key West. October, email theatrekw@attglobal.net.

Cuban American Heritage Festival

Five-day festival with Symposium at San Carlos Institute, "Coast to Coast" conga line, Duval Street fair, dominoes contest, salsa dance contest, "Fiesta de Niños," and Latin sunset concert. November.

Pirates in Paradise

The Key West Historic Seaport is transformed into a pirates' stronghold with events including tall ship sea battles, arts and crafts show, sunset pirate sails, a living history encampment, and musical entertainment. December.