Wondering where to eat breakfast in Key West? Breaking fast is a vital part of the day in these parts. Who doesn’t love a filling meal of carbs and grease waffles and bacon after a long night crawling Duval?
Whether you’re looking for a romantic waterside brunch to smooth things over after all the mistakes you’ve made or just a quick egg and cheese sandwich to take with you on your boat charter, our island has something for everyone. Here’s a look at some of the best breakfast places in Key West, Florida.
Where to Eat Breakfast in Key West, FL
In all seriousness, though, there are some killer breakfast restaurants in Key West. Maybe it’s because it’s the meal you’re most sober for (although there are plenty of Bloody Mary and mimosa options to pick from, so that doesn’t need to last!). Or maybe, being the optimist, it’s because breakfast actually does rock just as much as Leslie Knope and Ron Swanson said it does.
The best breakfast in Key West tends to range from lavish brunch affairs with sipping mimosas and too-fancy egg benedicts to the other end of the spectrum with a lineup at the coffee counter by the laundromat. All I know is that the best Cuban coffees come from counters like that, but I did a mimosa (pinky up!), too.
Hot Tin Roof
Ocean Key Resort’s waterfront restaurant at the end of Duval is known for its Sunday brunch. Overall, the place is one of the island’s highest-rated restaurants. TripAdvisor even picked it as the Number 1 date night location for 2023. In the whole country! But, back to breakfast and brunch…
They serve regular breakfast every morning from 8 to 11:30 (10:30 on Sundays) and bunch on Sundays from 11:45 to 12:45. Reservations are recommended, especially for Sunday or holiday brunches.
Breakfast Club Too
Open every day from 8 to 2 for breakfast and lunch, the Breakfast Club Too won TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award for having the best breakfast in town. Special shout-outs go to their Bloody Marys and an extensive list of mimosa options. Their menu includes the classics: benedicts, burritos, breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, and waffles.
The Breakfast Club Too is located on Greene Street, a few blocks northeast of Duval.
Banana Cafe
This little French-inspired casual cafe has been on the island since 1992. It opens every day for breakfast at 7:30. It is, clearly, THE place to go for good crepes — both sweet breakfast creations and savory choices. But they have many other great options, like eggs benedict, omelets, and even some less French things like sandwiches and waffles.
Banana Cafe is located on the south end of Duval near the Southernmost Beach Resort (which is, incidentally, one of the best Key West beach hotels if you happen to be looking for one of those…)
Blue Heaven
Blue Heaven is a local’s favorite spot on Thomas Street near Bahama Village. Besides being one of the best places to get Key Lime pie, it’s also open for breakfast every day at 8.
They have all the classics, pancakes, benedicts, and omelets — plus more extensive lux choices for Sunday brunch.
Other Quick Options for Breakfast in Key West
Looking to grab a quick breakfast sandwich before your private sandbar charter? Here are a few places to check out.
Sandys Cafe — A takeout window/lunch counter with great Cuban coffee, located at the corner of White and Virginia Streets on the very edge of Old Town. They also keep a food truck at the end of Duval near the Southernmost Beach Resort. Breakfast sandwiches are served until 11 am. While you’re there be sure to try my favorite cuban sandwich on the island.
Cuban Coffee Queen — Three locations around Old Town for all your caffeine needs — Waterfront near the marinas on Caroline Street, Downtown right off Duval on Key Lime Square, and the OG in the Clinton Square Market at the corner of Whitehead and Front Streets (near the port). Great coffee, smoothies, and breakfast sandwiches served all day.
Delunas Cafe — Food truck serving breakfast platters, sandwiches and wraps, great prices. It is closed on Mondays but opens every other day at 6:30 and is located on Stock Island. Pick me up a couple of her empanadas, would you?
Kims Kuban — Takeout joint on North Roosevelt; Sandwiches and omelets. Opens every day at 6 am. It’s a great place to grab something for the road.
Where Do Locals Eat Breakfast in Key West?
I know what you’re thinking: Sure, these are where they send the tourists, the overpriced spots, so that they can save the real special places for themselves. Well, that’s just not true! Locals eat breakfast in Key West right there beside you. You’ll see us in line at the Cuban Coffee Queen and plowing down crepes (in a classy way) at Banana Cafe.
No matter where you get it, breakfast is important. So grab a cafecito and breakfast sammy, and head over to the docks. We can leave early or late on our private sandbar charter.
