There are tons and tons of great restaurants on Key West, from the best places to have breakfast to the best places to stop for Key Lime Pie. But you can’t say you’ve been to the island without enjoying a refreshing beverage (or two) while gazing out at sea, across the Big Blue, off to distant horizons.
Whether it’s a romantic sunset meal for two or a mid-day cocktail to cool off, here’s a list of the best places to dine in Key West while enjoying water views and the salt life.
6 Best Waterfront Restaurants in Key West
In some beach towns, you have to make a choice: Do you want a great view or great food? It’s really hard to get both right, apparently.
Thank goodness Key West doesn’t have that problem! We’ve got a handful of restaurants on the water offering great views AND great food. Here are my six favorites.
Louie's Backyard
Jimmy sang about it in “Tryin’ To Reason With Hurricane Season.” So, if you too could use a Bloody Mary, then you ought also stumble to Louie’s Backyard.
The backyard in the name refers to the large patio situated right on the Atlantic, but there are several patio areas. It’s a primo spot for ocean views, but the food is usually excellent, too. They have nearly five stars and a Traveler’s Choice Award from TripAdvisor.
Louie’s is located on the island’s south side on the corner of Waddell and Vernon, right next to Dog Beach. Call them for reservations if you plan to show up at busy times!
Four Marlins at The Reach
The Reach is one of Key West’s best beach hotels. The Four Marlins Restaurant takes advantage of its waterfront, with good meals served on a huge covered patio beside the water. Like Louie’s, it’s on the south side of the island, so it’s all open water with a great view of the Cuban coastline just 90 miles away. Not really, you can’t see that far — go home, Flat Earthers.
Hot Tin Roof
Hot Tin Roof is named for Tennessee Williams’ favorite of his plays, “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” It’s the main restaurant at the Ocean Key Resort at the very tip of Duval. The views of Key West Harbor and Sunset Key are sublime.
This restaurant is ‘it’ right now; it is one of the best restaurants in Key West and it happens to have killer water views.
Salute! On the Beach
Salute is located right on Higgs Beach on the island’s south end. The name is accurate — it’s just steps away from one of the most popular sandy beaches on the island. It’s a casual beach/tiki bar outdoor dining sort of place with a solid drink menu and good food. It’s pretty hard to go wrong with that combination.
Seaside Cafe at the Mansion
Seaside Cafe is one of the highest-rated restaurants on the island. It’s located on the grounds of the southernmost mansion at the foot of Duval Street, right on the beach. It’s known for its unique food, friendly service, and, of course, great ocean views. If you’re looking for drinks, head upstairs to the Sky bar at the Mansion.
Try the lobster pizza; you won’t regret it!
A&B Lobster House
A&B overlooks the harbor from the end of Front Street. It’s a self-described quintessential lobster and steak sort of place. You know, wine, tablecloths, leather chairs, and that sort of thing. It doesn’t have ocean views, but it’s always a pleasure to watch the boneheaded boaters doing crazing things in the marina.
Where's Your Favorite Waterfront Restaurant in Key West?
Now that you’re full of great food, it’s time to get up and get out on that Big Blue. Book a private sandbar charter with me on the Casual Monday, and we’ll blast around the backcountry, headed to the best sandbars and beaches you’ll find in the Lower Keys. Giddy up!
