12 Florida Keys Restaurants Everyone Wants This Labor Day (Plus 5 Spots Only Locals Know About)
The Florida Keys come alive with flavor, especially as Labor Day approaches.
Some restaurants are well-known for their fresh seafood, tropical vibes, and crowd-pleasing dishes, drawing visitors from near and far.
But tucked away are hidden gems that locals quietly cherish, offering flavors that feel like a secret treasure.
From bustling favorites to off-the-radar delights, the Keys promise a culinary adventure where every meal is a celebration of sun, sea, and unforgettable taste.
1. Blue Heaven: Where Roosters Roam Free
Roosters strut between tables while diners feast on Caribbean-infused cuisine in this quirky Key West landmark.
Located in Bahama Village, the outdoor garden setting feels like eating in someone’s tropical backyard.
Their key lime pie topped with mile-high meringue is legendary among dessert hunters. The banana bread and shrimp dishes keep regulars coming back year after year.
2. Latitudes: Toes in Sand, Stars Overhead
Ferry rides make dinner more fun, especially when they end at Latitudes on Sunset Key.
This upscale island escape sits just offshore from Key West, creating an exclusive dining experience where reservations are absolutely essential.
Tables nestled in the sand offer front-row sunset views that’ll make your Instagram followers jealous. Their fresh seafood preparations showcase local ingredients with sophisticated flair.
3. El Siboney: Cuban Flavor Heaven
Hungry locals pack this unassuming spot for authentic Cuban cooking that hasn’t changed in decades.
Hidden on a residential street away from Duval’s tourist crowds, El Siboney serves hearty portions that’ll fuel your entire day of island adventures.
Their roast pork falls apart with just a gentle fork touch. Pair it with plantains and black beans for the full experience that keeps Cuban traditions alive in Key West.
4. Louie’s Backyard: Oceanfront Victorian Charm
Waves crash against the seawall while you sip cocktails at this Victorian home turned gourmet destination.
The three-tiered deck offers different dining experiences, from casual Afterdeck drinks to upscale main restaurant meals.
Caribbean-American cuisine gets an upscale twist here, where fresh seafood meets tropical influences. The yellowtail snapper with citrus beurre blanc has converted many fish skeptics into devoted seafood lovers.
5. Hogfish Bar & Grill: Rustic Island Treasure
Fishermen unload their daily catches just steps from where you’ll be munching on the restaurant’s namesake specialty.
This open-air Stock Island hangout embodies old Keys charm with its working marina views and zero pretension.
The Killer Hogfish Sandwich deserves its legendary status. Topped with Swiss cheese, mushrooms, and onions on Cuban bread, it showcases a fish that’s rarely found on mainland menus.
6. Half Shell Raw Bar: Dockside Seafood Central
Oyster shells crunch underfoot at this former shrimp warehouse where plastic baskets overflow with peel-and-eat shrimp.
The Half Shell embodies the “you caught it, we cook it” spirit that defines authentic Keys dining experiences.
License plates and dollar bills cover every surface, creating a delightfully chaotic atmosphere. Their conch fritters and raw oyster platters arrive with zero fuss but maximum flavor.
7. Conch Republic Seafood Company: Waterfront Institution
Massive ceiling fans stir the air in this converted commercial fishing operation where harbor views complement every meal.
Located in Key West’s Historic Seaport, this sprawling restaurant balances tourist appeal with genuinely good seafood.
Fresh fish arrives daily from their own boats. The conch chowder recipe remains a closely guarded secret that keeps visitors returning year after year to this bustling waterfront spot.
8. A&B Lobster House: Old-School Elegance
Crystal chandeliers sparkle above white tablecloths in this refined establishment where lobster is the undisputed star.
Perched on the Historic Seaport waterfront, A&B delivers upscale dining without stuffy attitudes.
Their lobster Thermidor represents a throwback to classic continental cuisine. The upstairs bar, Berlin’s, offers craft cocktails with spectacular sunset views that pair perfectly with their extensive wine selection.
9. Garbo’s Grill: Food Truck Phenomenon
Lines form early at this food truck sensation that’s grown from cult favorite to essential Key West experience.
Housed in a silver Airstream trailer with limited seating, Garbo’s proves great things come in small packages. Their Korean BBQ beef tacos have achieved legendary status among food enthusiasts.
The mango-topped fish tacos and Umami burger showcase how creative street food can transcend typical quick-service expectations.
10. Keys Fisheries: Seafood Market Fresh
Fishing boats pull right up to this Marathon institution where you order at the window and wait for your number to be called.
The no-frills approach keeps the focus squarely on supremely fresh seafood.Their lobster Reuben sandwich has achieved cult status for good reason.
The upstairs deck offers spectacular sunset views over the working marina where tomorrow’s catch arrives throughout the day.
11. The Fish House: First Stop Seafood
Road-weary travelers make this Key Largo favorite their first Keys meal for good reason. The unpretentious setting belies seriously fresh seafood that often goes from boat to plate in the same day.
Their Matecumbe-style preparation with tomatoes, capers, shallots and lemon has been copied but never duplicated.
The smoked fish dip disappears quickly, so order extra to avoid sharing disputes with your dining companions.
12. Sunset Grille & Raw Bar: Pool Party Central
Swimming and eating combine at this Marathon hotspot where the massive pool becomes the center of Labor Day festivities.
Perched at the foot of Seven Mile Bridge, the views compete with the lively atmosphere for your attention.
Kids splash while parents sip tropical drinks at the swim-up bar. Their conch fritters and fish tacos provide the perfect casual dining experience after a day of Keys adventures.
13. No Name Pub: Dollar Bill Wonderland
Thousands of dollar bills paper every surface of this historic Big Pine Key institution that began life as a general store and bait shop in 1931.
The journey to find it adds to the adventure, as the remote location keeps it feeling like a true discovery. Pizza topped with Key West pink shrimp has become their signature dish.
The extensive beer selection provides the perfect accompaniment to food that exceeds expectations for a place so wonderfully quirky.
14. Square Grouper Bar & Grill: Culinary Sophistication
Foodies whisper about this Cudjoe Key gem where upscale cuisine meets laid-back Keys atmosphere. The unassuming exterior gives no hint of the culinary creativity happening inside this local favorite.
Their tuna nachos have developed a devoted following among Keys residents. The rotating specials showcase whatever’s freshest that day, often featuring unexpected flavor combinations that somehow work perfectly together.
15. Burdines Waterfront: Cheeseburger Paradise
Marina views and second-floor breezes create the perfect setting at this Marathon hideaway where boaters often arrive by water.
The mint green building houses a casual eatery known for surprisingly great food at reasonable prices.
Their hand-cut fries deserve their reputation as the Keys’ best. The cheeseburgers satisfy even the most discerning burger enthusiasts, while the fish sandwiches showcase the day’s freshest catch.
16. Geiger Key Marina Fish Camp: Waterfront Breakfast Champion
Kayakers paddle right up to this hidden waterfront spot where breakfast is served all day against a backdrop of mangroves and bird sanctuaries.
Located on Geiger Key near Key West, this rustic outpost feels miles away from tourist crowds.
Their fish benedict transforms the breakfast classic with fresh local catch. The laid-back atmosphere encourages lingering over coffee while watching ospreys dive for their own seafood meals nearby.
17. Kiki’s Sandbar: Boat-Up Barefoot Bliss
Sand floors set the casual tone at this Little Torch Key favorite where arriving by boat is half the fun. The shallow-water location makes it popular with families seeking a safe swimming spot alongside good food.
Fresh-caught hogfish gets the sandwich treatment here to delicious effect.
Cocktails arrive in plastic cups perfect for taking to the sandbar, where kids build castles while parents enjoy the shallow water paradise.