Key West, Florida

Some restaurants and most bars in Key West are located on or just off of Duval Street and offer a Mardi-Gras-mixed-with-Spring-Break feel. If you want to test your skills at polishing off 12 Mind Erasers next to a guy in shorts, flip flops and one of those vulgar t-shirts from the local kiosk about which you asked yourself, “who actually BUYS those?!” … just wander around the section of Duval from Front St. to Angela St. Otherwise, enjoy the fabulous side-streets and rest of Duval, full of incredible dining and island homes which deserve a full couple days of exploring via bicycle. 

BREAKFAST & LUNCH:

• Help Yourself – organic café with salads, wraps, juices, smoothies (exactly what you’ll crave after trying all of the dinner options below)
• BlackFin Bistro – simple, lovely interior with friendly staff and fresh, delicious fare of primarily salads and fish.
• Blue Heaven – a former brothel-turned-really-popular eatery with dishes ranging from shrimp & grits to beef tenderloin to gumbo to homemade banana bread
• Five Brothers – bakery with legit Cuban sandwiches and daily specials like Ropa Vieja with plantains, rice and beans
• Southernmost Beach Café – what may look like a cheesy tourist trap is always a can’t-miss stop. Get a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and the homemade key lime pie for dessert. You’re on vacation!

DINNER:
Always make reservations.

• Onlywood – pizza and pasta; best Linguine Vongole ever. Cute patio and ridiculously friendly service. Set in an alleyway just off Duval
• Flaming Buoy – In the midst of a residential neighborhood, this sassy corner bistro and its sassy (in a good way) staff serve up a fabulous wine list and excellent dishes. Get the lobster mac & cheese appetizer!!!
• Seven Fish – Whatever the fish special is, get it. Highest Zagat rating in South Florida and “hip” for Key West.
• Santiago’s Bodega – tapas-style; must get the beef carpaccio, brussel sprouts & short ribs
• BlackFin Bistro – (see lunch)
• Café Sole – Excellent French cooking in a totally random, eclectic setting
• Ambrosia Sushi

WHERE TO DRINK
Here’s a few suggestions, but really, just wander around. If you can’t find a cocktail in this town, you have bigger issues!

• Hog’s Breath Saloon – this is a typical Duval street bar, located in the midst of the “Mardis Gras” setting, but the live music is typically SO GOOD that I’ll make an exemption and actually list this as a must while in Key West!
• Nine One Five – A restored Victorian mansion serving dinner & drinks downstairs and on its Duval-front patio
• Point5, the bar upstairs with DJs and impromptu burlesque shows
• 2Cent – Monday through Friday happy hour, 4:30-6:30pm

THINGS TO DO:

• Rent bikes! Riding through the neighborhood can be done for days
• Wanderlust Boutique: local artisan clothing & jewelry (women’s)
• Cuban Coffee Queen: DO NOT LEAVE without getting a Cafecito (2 shots espresso, sugar cane, steamed milk) or iced coffee (their ice cubes are made out of coffee) and perhaps a Cuban sandwich / snack
• Sunset at Mallory Square – The town gathers along the boardwalk to watch the sun go down amidst weirdos with trained cats and non-weirdos who pre-make a few hundred cups of pre-crushed ice / sugar / mint … mojitos on demand. There’s a restaurant called Sunset Pier with live music, at one end.