Sunset in Key West is one of those magical experiences. Us locals see it every day, and yet we still can’t get over it; the whole island pauses what they’re doing just to watch. It’s not only about the spectacular view we have from here, or even the chance to see that legendary Green Flash. It’s the atmosphere and solidarity of it all: For Key West, sunset is a reason to celebrate the day together and get the evening started right.
There are a ton of places you can go on the island to catch the golden orb melting into the sea, but only a few where you can combine the experience with a great meal. Here are my top picks.
5 Best Key West, Florida, Restaurants to Watch the Sunset
If there’s one thing better than watching the sunset in Key West, it’s finding a great place to eat dinner while watching the sunset. Not just any waterfront eatery will do — you’ve got to find the right ones that point the right direction and offer the best views. It’s the perfect way to enjoy some tropical drinks, live music, and maybe even some fantastic Key Lime pie, all while the sun sets over Key West harbor. Not a bad way to see the day off, eh?
Remember the one golden rule of sunset dining in Key West: If it has great food and a great view of the sunset, you must have a reservation to enjoy both!
Here’s a look at the five best places to eat dinner and watch the sunset in Key West.
Hot Tin Roof at Ocean Key Resort
I think everyone will agree with me that Hot Tin Roof is THE spot to go for not only great sunset views but also some of the best seafood in Key West. The rooftop restaurant, named after the famous Tennessee Williams play, is situated at the Ocean Key Resort, located at the end of Duval Street.
Not only is it a great spot for a meal, but it’s air-conditioned. And let me tell you, if you’re visiting Key West on a hot summer day, an ice-cold cocktail and air conditioning while watching sunset puts the experience over the top. If the weather is cooler (or you’re hardier than I), you can request to sit outside on the deck.
The key here is to have a reservation, especially for sunset. It’s a great spot, and it’s no secret.
Latitudes - Sunset Key for Amazing Sunsets
When you’re in Key West and looking at the sunset, something is in the way. A bunch of houses out there, an entire island of people getting closer to the sunset than you are. Those lucky people are on Sunset Key.
You could be on Sunset Key, too. It’s a private island, but it’s also a resort, where you can book a room or simply take the ferry over for dinner. Latitudes, the island restaurant, is a chic outdoor affair with sunset views that put Key West to shame. This is like being on your own island in the Caribbean; those other shmucks are on Florida’s Disney World Sunset Ride.
The view from Latitudes is the best, but it’s also one of the best places to eat on the water in Key West. Even if it’s not technically in Key West.
Remember, if you don’t have a reservation, you won’t even be allowed on the ferry!
Sunset Pier for Small Plates and Tiki Bar Vibes
If you’re just looking for a casual place with outdoor seating to stumble into after melting in the Mallory Square sunset celebration, Sunset Pier is your place. It’s right in front of Hot Tin Roof, on the docks and the historic seaport, and shaded by umbrellas. Not that you get any shade during sunset: that burning orb is right in your face here.
Sunset Pier has a nice mix of being in the best place ot watch the sunset in Key West while also not being right in the crush of people on the square.
Louie's Backyard, a Florida Keys Classic with an Extensive Wine List
Ok, so Louie’s Backyard isn’t facing the sunset, but it is on the beach and you can certainly enjoy the ambiance of twilight on the water, even if there’s zero chance of spotting the Green Flash from here. So, for creating a general atmosphere and offering the opportunity to be away from the crowd during sunset, I’ll award them an Honorable Mention.
The upstairs cafe opens at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and you don’t need a reservation. The Afterdeck Bar is a great spot to hang out before dinner. The main restaurant takes reservations every night of the week. The restaurant is near the Southernmost Point on Waddell Avenue.
The Docks - Stock Island for Delicious Food
It might seem counterintuitive to head to Stock Island to watch sunset. After all, isn’t Key West in the way of the sunset? But actually, the view from the south part of Stock Island, where the marinas are, is pretty excellent. The best spot, though, is The Docks, a boat-up bar destination that overlooks the Perry Marina.
The restaurant has both a dining room and dockside seating that faces the sunset. And, since you headed in the opposite direction of the crowds, it’s much quieter than Mallory Square or Sunset Pier.
Get an Even Better View, Book a Private Sunset Charter
Had enough of these fancy-pants restaurants, telling you to wear shoes, shirts, and all their other arbitrary rules? The solution is simple: Head out on a boat with a sunset picnic!
No problem! Give me a call, and we’ll put together a custom sunset cruise for just you and your group.
Get an Even Better View, Book a Private Sunset Charter
Had enough of these fancy-pants restaurants, telling you to wear shoes, shirts, and all their other arbitrary rules? The solution is simple: Head out on a boat with a sunset picnic!
What’s that, no boat?
No problem! Give me a call, and we’ll put together a custom sunset cruise for just you and your group.
