24 Hours of Food and Fun in Key West

If you’re lucky enough to visit Key West (even if just for a few hours, or perhaps overnight), you’re still lucky!

With so many things to do on a 2×4 mile island, we’re often asked: what’s the best tour, best Cuban coffee, key lime…anything, the list goes on. Key West Food Tours is here to help you (even if you live here or a seasoned visitor you may still know an aunt, coworker, long-lost college chum who needs this help.)

Let’s say you trip time is 24 hours and you’ve arrived in town at 9am…where to start?

9am:  Start your morning off with a great buzz (Cuban coffee buzz that is) at one of the island’s several famous places to grab a Cafe Con Leche, Bucci (boo-chie), or Colada. (Never heard of these?  You’ll find out more about these native caffeine must-haves on the Key West Food Tour).  Sandy’s Cafe is a walk-up counter service spot that serves delicious Cuban and Mexican food 24/7.  While you’re here you’ll take in the chatter of locals, aromas of fresh coffee, and buttery Cuban toast.  But don’t order too much, because our next stop is not far from here and you will be eating.

Photo // dreamchasersgreatloop.blogspot.com

10:45am:  Meet at El Siboney for the Southernmost Food Tour (just down the road and an easy walk or bike ride from Sandy’s on Catherine Street). The tour is 3-3.5 hours and will get you off the tourist track and into real restaurants that locals have been eating at for 30+ years. Our goal is for you to eat like a local.  You’ll enjoy 5+ tastings of Key West’s iconic foods, including fresh seafood and Key Lime Pie. The tour will give you the history and origin of Cuban & Caribbean cuisine, and their influence on our culture here in Key West.  Yes, you will also get to enjoy a traditional rum punch and later a rum tasting. 

Now that you’ve walked, learned, and certainly ate – you can decide whether it is time to take a ‘disco nap’ or move on to the next adventure!  Not ready to indulge any further?  Check out a tour on the Conch Tour Train or walk-in to the Hemingway House.  Both will divulge some favorite Key West secrets and more!

Photo // hemingwayhome.com

4pm: It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right?  Well lucky for us most happy hours in Key West begin around 4ish and end around 7.  There are many places to check out, but some of our favorites include the free bacon and “roll the dice” happy hour at 2 Cents, and grabbing a seat on the Afterdeck at Louie’s Backyard for sunset or a chance to adore the pups playing at dog beach just adjacent to the restaurant.  Another great waterfront spot along Key West Historic Seaport will include half off drinks and food at Alonzo’s or the Boathouse, and maybe even catch a turtle race at Turtle Kraal’s.

Photo // hardworkingdesigner.blogspot.com

6pm:  Now it’s time for live music – check out Sound Check local favorite Green Parrot, which gives you the chance to boogie Friday-Sunday from 5:30-7:30pm.  They’re also famous for jamming out late night too.

Photo // ringfineart.com

8pm:  By now maybe you’ve worked up an appetite and are ready for some more food. Why not grab a bite somewhere on Duval Street so you can take in some nightlife before heading home?  Nine One Five located at 915 Duval Street is a great option of inventive menu items.

Photo // biancabrandon-cox.blogspot.com

10pm:  Don’t go home without checking out some of the United States’ most famous watering holes.  Walking Duval Street you’ll likely find what will strike your fancy, but some staples include Sloppy Joe’s and Captain Tony’s.

8am:  Good morning!  You’ve now made your way through some of our favorites on the island.  You sampled the atmosphere and the key lime pie at Blue Heaven on the Key West Food Tour, but go back before you leave for one of Key West’s best known breakfasts.  Treat yourself to some of their homemade banana bread or a lobster benedict complete with a key lime hollandaise sauce…yum!