Key West Restaurants

  1. Blue Heaven

    Proof that location is nearly everything, this is one of the quirkiest venues on an island of oddities. Customers and a local chicken flock dine in the spacious courtyard where Hemingway once officiated boxing matches; restrooms are in the adjacent former brothel. But Blue Heaven may have become a victim of its own success. It's sometimes uncomfortably crowded, and the food is hit or miss, even on basics as simple as cornbread.

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  2. Conch Town Cafe

    Too many people ignore this walk-up/carry-out, with its plastic patio furniture and scruffy island vibe. It's a shame, as it serves conch - good for more than listening to the ocean - deliciously 'cracked' (deep-fried) with a lip-puckeringly sour lime marinade. You'll be tempted to wash it down with the house-made smoothies, but be warned: they're more milky than refreshing.

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  3. El Siboney

    This is a rough and ready Cuban joint where the portions are big and there's no screwing around with either high-end embellishment or a lesser theme restaurant's bells and whistles. It's rice, it's beans, it's cooked with a craftman's pride, and it's good.

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  4. Louie's Backyard

    The penultimate fancy dinner spot, with a prime waterfront location, bustles every evening with a somewhat stuffy yet sophisticated group of foodies. You can join them for fresh fish dishes that have a tasty Caribbean twist. A drink at the alfresco bar is also a treat. Reservations suggested.

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  5. Salsa Loca

    Across the Keys, everyone from bartenders to developers to fishermen are swearing by the Mexican food at this colorful spot, with its tropical-night-and-tequila scented backyard patio. Of course, the bucket-deep margaritas probably improve everyone's impression of the place.

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  6. Seven Fish

    This simple yet elegant tucked-away storefront is the perfect place for a romantic feast of homemade gnocchi or sublime banana chicken. The dining room might be the zen-est interior in the islands.

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