I was asked by a friend of mine to recommend some places that he should not miss while visiting Key West. I figured I should share some of my local knowledge with the rest of you too. Below is a list of places that you should absolutely hit and maybe a few that you should avoid! After living in Key West for 3 years I have seen places come and go but the GREAT ones will always be here.
Food:
The Boathouse Bar & Grill – They have an awesome Happy Hour! Its from 4pm to 6:30pm and its half price appetizers and also half price draft beer, house wines and mixed drinks. I wouldn’t be on a first name bases with all the bartenders if it wasn’t good. The Lamb Chops are my absolute favorite … and I don’t even like Lamb!
Garbos Grill – They were featured on the show Diners, Drive In’s and Dives but I have loved them long before that. They only have a few things on the menu but I always get the Yum Yum shrimp.
Thai Island – Awesome lunch specials as well as really fresh fish. Personally I eat the JL7 Sushi Lunch at least once a week. You can’t beat it for $12.95!
El Siboney Restaurant – This place is loved by me and my husband. We get the Siboney steak. Its a huge cut of skirt steak and you also get rice, beans and plantains. Bonus … they greet you with warm buttered Cuban bread.
Charlie Mac’s – They have some GREAT BBQ items and I like there Happy Hour as well!
The Chart Room – It’s actually a bar located inside the Pier House resort … you would never know it existed unless someone told you about it.
We tend to find the amazing food with a lower price point since we live here and actually work for a living!
Where to Stay –
Pier House & Ocean Key Resort are located at the end of Duval St. Its a nice distance from the chaos of Duval St. but just a short walk – stumble depending on how much you drink!
The Inn at Key West is also very nice I LOVE their pool area but they are a short cab ride away and or drive if you have a car. Parking downtown can be a pain but it can be done.
The Marker – I have spent a lot of time at their pool and they are one of the newest hotels in Key West. I also love their cafe at the pool the Margarita Pizza if my favorite.
Activities:
Visit Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
Key West Butterfly Conservatory – When I first moved to the island I worked here and it was a great place, nice and peaceful away from the chaos of Duval St.
Visiting Bahia Honda State Park – (This is only if you have a car. Its actually a little ways north up the keys.)
Avoid:
Irish Kevin’s – Unless you are looking to be packed in somewhere, pay way to much for your drinks and never get to go to the bathroom at the risk of loosing your seat.
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