Florida Keys - Travel Guide - Find. Eat Drink.
The Florida Keys, Upper Keys, Middle Keys, Lower Keys, Key West, Marathon, Islamorada, Key Largo, FL, Restaurants, Bars, Coffee, Sandwiches, Fish, Sandwiches, Where to eat, Where to Drink, where to shop, chef recommendations, locals, city guide, travel guide
Green Parrot
Self-proclaimed as “a sunny place for shady people,” the Parrot is a classic. It’s a real bar, with serious drinkers, live music and no pretensions.
601 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, T: 305.294.6133
Key West
Orchid Bar
While lower Duval is all about the frenzy of Margaritaville and frozen daiquiris, upper Duval is more of a calm whisper with hidden gems like the Orchid Bar. Sip seasonally-inspired cocktails, overlooking the pool of the boutique Orchid Key Hotel.
1004 Duval Street, Key West, FL 33040, T: 305.296.9915
Vino’s On Duval
Just far enough way from the “Jimmy Buffett-ized” section of Duval Street, Vinos is a small wine bar overlooking the more local-friendly end of the street. Norman Van Aken says “as you get away from Sloppy Joe’s, block by block, it gets quieter and quieter. It’s not totally devoid of action, but it’s also not people playing air guitar outside of Rick’s.”
810 Duval Street, Key West, FL 33040, T: 305.294.7568
JANUARY
- Florida Keys Seafood Festival (Key West)
- Historic House & Garden Tours (Key West)
- Nautical Flea Market (Big Pine Key)
- Stone Crab & Seafood Festival (Key Largo)
FEBRUARY
- Sailfish Open
- Art Festival (Pigeon Key)
MARCH
- Conch Shell Blowing Contest
- House & Garden Tour (Marathon)
- Original Marathon Seafood Festival
APRIL
- Florida Keys Island Fest (Islamorada)
- Seven Mile Bridge Run
- Taste of the Islands (Marathon)
- World Sailfish Championship (Key West)
- Taste of Key West
MAY
- Marathon Int’l Tarpon Tournament
JUNE
- Key West Pride
- Key West Bacchanalia
JULY
- Underwater Music Festival (Key West)
- Food & Wine Festival (Key Largo)
AUGUST
- Food & Wine Festival (Key Largo)
- Key West Lobsterfest
SEPTEMBER
- Key West Brewfest
- Conchtoberfest (Marathon)
OCTOBER
- Conchtoberfest (Marathon)
- Fantasy Fest
NOVEMBER
- World Championship Race (Key West)
- Key Largo Cook-Off
DECEMBER
- Islamorada Sailfish Tournament
The Porch
The Porch is located in a 1838 Key West home and getting high praise from beer geeks. Craft beer on tap, a couple of imports, and a nice bottle selection.
429 Caroline Street, Key West, FL 33040
T: 305.517.6358
Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote, and Jimmy Buffett may have left an indelible mark on the Conch Republic, but the tropical town at the end of U.S. 1 has become more commonly known for the cruise ship “day trippers” than artists, poets and writers. Both factions still exist, one is just easier to spot.
Go just off of Duval Street and you’ll discover hidden gems and local-only cafes. Every place is flip-flop friendly and even the upscale bistros are just glad you have a shirt on. The streets are a mine field in high-heels and no one wears a jacket and tie, so leave the formal attire at home.
Key West has always had a seamy side, which is a great part of its charm. Granted, much of the decor leans towards neo-pirate, but some of the best food can be found in the least fancy places.