Savor the Keys: Your Ultimate Foodie Road Trip! 🍤🥧

Dear Food-Loving Road Trippers,

This week, we’re turning up the heat on the culinary treasures of the Florida Keys! From tangy key lime pie to fresh-off-the-boat seafood, the Keys are a foodie’s paradise. Ready for a delicious adventure? We’ve curated the ultimate road trip guide that takes you from Key Largo to Key West, featuring the best bites along the way. Let’s dig in!

Start Your Day with Breakfast in Key Largo

• Harriette’s Restaurant (MM 95.7)
  Begin your journey at Harriette’s, a charming local favorite that feels like home. Known for their warm hospitality and giant muffins, this quaint eatery serves hearty breakfasts with a side of Keys charm. The Key Lime Coconut Muffin is a must—perfectly sweet, tangy, and moist. Pair it with a steaming cup of coffee and fuel up for your drive.

  Pro Tip: Harriette’s gets busy on weekends, so arrive early or grab some muffins to-go.

Lunch on Fresh Seafood in Islamorada

• The Fish House (MM 102.4)
  Seafood lovers rejoice! The Fish House is a landmark for fresh catches served in a relaxed, nautical setting. Sink your teeth into their famous blackened mahi-mahi sandwich or crunchy conch fritters. Pair it with a cold local beer, and you’ve got yourself a quintessential Keys lunch.

  Morada Bay Beach Café (MM 81.6)
  For a more upscale lunch experience, Morada Bay offers al fresco dining right on the beach. With tables nestled in the sand, this café serves up dishes like the vibrant Moroccan chicken salad and melt-in-your-mouth seared tuna. The ocean views alone make this spot unforgettable.

  Pro Tip: Try the tropical cocktails for a true taste of the islands.

Snack Stop: Key Lime Pie Heaven

• Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory (MM 92.2)
  When in the Keys, you simply must try key lime pie, and Blond Giraffe serves some of the best. Choose from traditional slices, frozen pie on a stick, or chocolate-dipped creations. This charming pie shop is also surrounded by peaceful gardens—perfect for a quick, sweet detour.

• Kermit’s Key Lime Shoppe (Key West)
  Kermit’s takes key lime pie to the next level with its famous pie on a stick, a delightfully portable dessert. While you’re here, browse their shop filled with key lime-inspired goodies, from sauces to salsas, and meet the ever-cheerful Kermit himself.

  Pro Tip: Don’t forget to snap a photo with Kermit’s famous green chef statue!

Dinner at Sunset in Marathon

• Sunset Grille & Raw Bar (MM 47)
  Located at the foot of the Seven Mile Bridge, Sunset Grille is a must for its stunning views and casual vibe. Enjoy fresh-shucked oysters, spicy shrimp tacos, or a heaping plate of fish and chips as the sun dips below the horizon.

  Why It’s Special: They’ve got a poolside patio! Take a dip while you wait for your food or sip a tropical cocktail under the palm trees.

Don’t Miss These Hidden Gems

• No Name Pub (MM 30.5)
  A true Keys institution, No Name Pub on Big Pine Key is as quirky as it gets. The walls are covered in dollar bills left by visitors over the decades, and the menu features some of the best pizza in the Keys. It’s a little off the beaten path, but the charm (and the pizza!) make it well worth the trip.

• Hogfish Bar & Grill (Stock Island)
  For a truly local experience, visit Hogfish Bar & Grill. Their signature dish, the grilled hogfish sandwich, is a must-try. This hidden gem is known for its laid-back dockside vibe, cold beers, and unbeatable seafood freshness.

  Pro Tip: Ask about the daily catch specials—they’re always incredible.

Key West Finale: Culinary Adventures in Old Town

• Blue Heaven
  End your trip with a quintessential Key West experience at Blue Heaven. This funky outdoor spot is filled with roosters, colorful decor, and Caribbean-inspired dishes. Try their legendary lobster Benedict for breakfast or the towering key lime pie for dessert—it’s a slice of heaven, literally.

• Garbo’s Grill
  Tucked behind Hank’s Bar, Garbo’s Grill is a food truck with a cult following. Their Korean BBQ tacos and mango hot dogs are mouthwatering, and the chill atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to wrap up your foodie road trip.

  Pro Tip: Grab a seat at Hank’s Bar and enjoy live music while you dig into your food truck feast.

Insider Tips for Foodies

1. Try Local Specialties: Don’t leave the Keys without tasting conch fritters, spiny lobster, and the famous hogfish.

2. Save Room for Dessert: Key lime pie is a must, but don’t miss out on fresh tropical fruit desserts like mango sorbet or coconut flan.

3. Visit a Fish Market: Stop by Eaton Street Seafood Market in Key West to pick up fresh seafood to cook or enjoy on the go.

Ready to Taste Paradise?
This foodie road trip is a feast for the senses, from the fresh seafood to the sweet tang of key lime pie. Share your favorite dishes and restaurants with us—we’d love to feature your picks in an upcoming edition!

Until next time,
Brian
Florida Keys Road Trip Team