KEY WEST LINKS
These are not sponsored links. They are my own recommendations of places that I am familiar with and impressed by. Feel free to email me if you have any questions about any of them.
The Rooftop Cafe is my favorite restaurant on the island. I like it so much, I had my own wedding reception there. The owners, Norman and Wednesday, treated us and our guests like royalty. The chef, Brendan Orr, put out a dining experience that knocked everyone off their feet.
Bahia Honda State Park, in my opinion, is the most beautiful beach in the Keys. The park has uncrowded sandy beaches and a great compilation of all the natural beauty that makes the Keys so special. It is located at mm 37 and its about a 45 minute drive from Key West. If you hungry on the way way back, check out the unique No Name Pub for some pizza. A nice place...if you can find it.
If you plan on doing any snorkeling wile you are down here, there is one reef that is by far superior to any other reefs in the Lower Keys. Looe Key Marine Sanctuary is located about 5 miles off of Big Pine. Looe Key seems to have more sea life than any other reef in the area. This may may be due to the fact that it was the first reef to be designated as a marine sanctuary down here. Also, it is close to the wreck of the Adolphus Bush which is a great dive for an experienced, certified diver.
If you are looking for a quaint, romantic Italian restaurant, La Trattoria is well worth considering. Great Italian food and a very romantic table for two by the front window. Make sure you request the window table when you make your reservation. They also have a popular martini bar in the back with some of the best live music on the island.
The best steak on the island is at Prime 951. This is a very traditional steak house with spot on service and a chef who knows what he is doing when it comes to steak. There is one private table so if you are making a reservation for just the two of you, make sure you request it.
The After Deck bar might just be the most beautiful bar on the island to have a nightcap. It is set under the stars and built on the only natural sand beach in Key West. The bar is located at Louie's Back Yard which is a fantastic very upscale restaurant.
Hidden within an Old Town neighborhood is a local favorite restaurant called El Siboney. If you are looking for a casual, delicious, authentic Cuban meal at an affordable price, you can’t do better. There is a reason this place is always full of locals.
Blue Heaven is about as "Key West" a restaurant as you’re going to find. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the heart of Bahama Village. It’s a fun, rustic spot with great food. As of today, Blue Heaven is ranked number one on Trip Advisor.
The Key West Aquarium is definitely worth checking out. I take my son there all the time and we never grow tired of it. It is a smaller aquarium, yet it exhibits an incredible, diverse array of the marine life of the Keys, from local conch and starfish to turtles and sharks. If you can’t make it out to the reef, this is the next best thing .
Hot Tin Roof is a great place on the water. The food is excellent and the view is spectacular. Make sure you request out front if you decide to make a reservation there.
Santiago Bodega is a great tapas restaurant in Bahama Village. The food is incredible and the service is great. The place is very quaint but the dining room is kind of small.