It's difficult to contest that breakfast is the most delightful meal of the day, even though there may be some scientific disagreement on whether it is the most vital meal of the day. Yes, it's wonderful to dress to the nines and indulge in a 10-course tasting menu (complete with wine pairing, of course!). But there's something wonderful and cozy about going out in your pjs and t-shirt, ordering plates of crêpes, eggs benedict, and pancakes coated in butter and maple syrup, and then sipping on a mimosa or Bloody Mary (or three). When it comes to providing the first-meal delicacies, Key West doesn't mess around. You don't have to go very far from Duval Street to find a world of diverse breakfast cuisines, from French-inspired meals to a variety of other options.
#1 Pepe's, which started in 1909, proudly displays its heritage both inside and out. The worn-out wooden booths and tables are overlooked by old photographs of Key West, and at 7:30 a.m., hungry diners start to arrive. The two most popular breakfast options, in addition to the fresh bread, are the French toast and pancakes (we suggest having them with blueberries). But making your own omelet is the best way to acquire what you actually want.
#2 Home to the World Famous Ana's Cuban Sandwich, and a amazing Deli and Classic Key West coffee shop. Ana's has been a local family own legacy for over 50 years. Right around the corner of the Southernmost Point. The traditional breakfast of locals and vacationers' alike. Fresh ground and roasted coffee will get you ready for the activity of the day.
#3 Even though Key West's Historic Seaport area's sights, sounds, and scents are difficult to match, Harpoon Harry's has been doing it for more than 20 years. The structure has a striking pink façade and is situated one block from the lake. possibly even more remarkable? This authentic diner, complete with counter seating, blue-plate specials, and other amenities, is located in one of the busiest tourist sections of the city and takes pleasure in serving hearty comfort cuisine at affordable pricing. Cash is king at this Key West hot spot. No credit cards only cash for payments.
#4 One of Key West's best brunches can be found at Bagatelle. The main course, eggs, are prepared in a number of different ways, such as with biscuits and gravy or chicken and waffles. The Benedicts are one of the menu items that are most popular, and the tangy lobster version is created with sautéed local lobster meat and a Key lime Hollandaise. Every day from 9 to 11:30 a.m., the restaurant bar also offers a breakfast "hangover" happy hour when you can chow down on $5 hair-of-the-dogs and smaller, tapas-style breakfast plates.
#5 For a meal—any meal—at Hot Tin Roof, you'll want to change into something a little nicer than your worn-out old sweats. Although there may be a few stragglers in swimsuits, the restaurant's official dress code is "resort casual" (it is part of the posh Ocean Key Resort), and such informality is likely to draw more than a few sneers. Make reservations for Sunday brunch if you only intend to eat here for one meal. A tableside raw bar, unlimited mimosas or Bloody Mary's, and as many a la carte options are included in the $49 per person pricing.
#6 The Banana Café, located on a corner at the intersection of Duval and Louisa streets in South Florida's tropical climate, opens at 7:30 am. That's good news for people who get up early and don't want to wait for a table because it's likely that you will if you arrive after 9 am. Think again if you believe you will "discover" one of Key West's best-kept secrets. On the other hand, you will find some of the best crepes this side of the Atlantic. The inside is light and airy with splashes of tropical green throughout to serve as a constant reminder that you are in the center of paradise. Check to see if there is a table on the rooftop if you wish to eat outside.
#7 It's difficult to pass Blue Heaven and not notice the restaurant given its vivid blue fence, huge retro sign, lively conversation, and live music played during lunch and dinner. But an even simpler way to find it is by the constant queue of hungry diners patiently waiting for the next table, especially in the early morning hours. The fact that lines frequently form, especially in a location when there is a restaurant within a few feet, should say something about the caliber of the food served here. The fact that Blue Heaven has been a deified dining spot for more than 25 years should also count. You should eat outside, where the tables and chairs are, for the most genuine experience. Just be prepared if a pet cat or rooster from the restaurant decides to join you. (If the idea of a rooster approaching you makes you queasy, there are indoor, rooster-free dining options.) Even the Rooster Special, which includes two eggs, potatoes or grits, bacon or sausage, and your choice of pancakes, toast, or banana bread, is a hearty nod to the beautiful feathered companions on the menu. Blue Heaven's pancakes are the perfect amount of fluffy for sweet-toothed eaters and can be topped with banana, pineapple, pecans, or blueberries. But let us give you one piece of advice no matter what time of day it is: reserve some room for the Key lime pie, which is covered in a thick coating of baked meringue and is thought to be one of the best desserts in the world.
#8 A coffee shop, a bakery, and a bistro are all combined into one space at Croissants de France. Although there are some excellent breakfast options, like benedicts and crêpes, the focus here is on the pastry variety. If you get there in time and there are still beignets available, order some before they run out. Since the restaurant's opening in 1984, the croissants have been the main draw. The raspberry variety is a local favorite, but the coconut cream kind is also delectable.
#9 Miami may be the destination for real Cuban food in South Florida, but Key West is giving the Magic City a run for its money with its three Cuban Coffee Queen locations: the original storefront on the harbor (284 Margaret Street) Front street inside (Custom House) and one downtown (5 Key Lime Square). Although there are a few seats outdoors at the downtown site where you can enjoy your food, this is not a sit-down restaurant. Even though it's primarily a coffee and takeout food establishment, the food is everything from straightforward. More than 20 different types of sandwiches, burgers, and other finger foods are available on the breakfast menu. The Cuban Mix consists of sliced pickles, Swiss cheese, ham, fresh-roasted Mojo pork, mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomatoes, and The Shipwreck Sandwich, likewise on pressed Cuban bread, is filled with chorizo, roasted green peppers and onions, pepper jack cheese, jalapenos, cilantro chimichurri sauce, lettuce, and tomato. Naturally, it makes sense that for many customers, everything revolves around the coffee (the word is in the name, after all). A colada, which is four shots of Cuban espresso served in a large cup with small shot glasses and is intended to be shared, and double Cuban espresso, an even stronger version of the coffee con leche with cane sugar and topped with steamed milk, are all on the menu at the café. A wonderful morning
#10 In what was the state's first synagogue, Sarabeth's—the breezy brunch place that New Yorkers have been going to for almost 40 years—opened this location in the Sunshine State in 2005. The chefs reinvent traditional breakfast dishes like the Fat and Fluffy French Toast, which has been a Sarabeth's hallmark dish for more than 30 years, using organic and regional ingredients. The Goldie Lox, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and cream cheese, is the dish you order if you're in the mood for eggs.
Bonus, Offering the best bloody mary's in Key West and serving breakfast and lunch all day. open from 8 am to 2 pm every day.
You can rely on our meals to keep you satisfied and fuel you for your day of adventure in paradise!
Breakfast is, after all, the most significant meal of the day.
The BC serves the best bloody mary's in town.
With 11 distinctive Mary's and 11 special Mimosas A must-stop is The BC, Too.
Here, no bottle mix. All of our Bloody Mary's are freshly crafted and shaken by hand.
The full-service bar also offers a variety of inventive custom drinks and well chosen craft beer on tap.
BC2 makes all of the fruit purees for our famous mimosas from scratch.
Bonus, The old 19th-century bordello Two Friends embraces and expertly executes American breakfast staples including omelets, steak and eggs, biscuits and gravy, eggs Benedict, breakfast burritos, pancakes, and waffles. The extensive menu also features a few unusual items, such as a Key lime-stuffed French toast with strawberries and strawberry puree, and a crab cake Benedict prepared in the Caribbean way. Save room for Stella's Famous Hashbrowns, which are prepared with cream cheese and cheddar cheese and served with sour cream, whatever you do.
Are we missing places. Hell yes we are. Key West in the morning, the afternoon, and when the dinner bell rings has the food critic blogging about some amazing meals. Let us know what you want to here about next. Locals are here for your Must-Do Key West. Goodtimes and Tanlines from Key West. Baloo needs to eat!