Best Breakfast Places in Key West for Every Mood

How many times have you heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Well, in Key West, we adhere to the saying, “You can’t drink all day unless you start in the morning!” So, start your day with a hearty breakfast before diving into those margaritas. Trust us, your taste buds and your tummy will thank you… helping keep that BAC in check!

If you haven’t read our bio, let me fill you in… I’m the adventurer, always looking for something new, while my husband is all about his tried-and-true favorites. That’s why we’ve got a list of breakfast spots we keep coming back to. They’re just that good! When it comes to breakfast, I don’t mind sticking to the familiar because these places are delicious.


In no Particular Harbor order, here are our favorite places to grab breakfast in Key West before heading out exploring for the day.


Cuban Coffee Queen

This is hands down the best freaking breakfast sandwich on the island and a staple in our breakfast rotation. I’m getting hungry thinking about 2 eggs, American cheese and bacon on a pressed Cuban roll. Yummo! Add a strong jolt of Cuban coffee and it’s a match made in Ed’s version of breakfast heaven. There are a few locations throughout Key West, but our favorite is slightly hidden in Key Lime Square. Be advised, do not feed the chickens!

Location: 5 Key Lime Square (Southard & Duval)

Food Recommendations: Key Wester Sandwich & an Iced Coffee


Keys Coffee Co

If you haven’t already noticed, it gets HOT in Key West. Some days you need to nurse a hangover and get a blast of AC to go with your ham, scrambled egg and Swiss cheese Cuban sandwich and coffee. On those days, we make a beeline for Keys Coffee Co. This charming little spot has grown over the past few years, and it’s no wonder why. The food is always fresh, the coffee is always hot and the vibe is always hip. And, if you’re a smoothie enthusiast, this is definitely your go-to place.

Location: 505 Southard (Southard & Duval)

Food Recommendations: Havana Sandwich & a Nitro Cold Brew


Moondog Cafe and Bakery

When you’re in the mood for a sit-down meal to kickstart your day, Moondog Cafe and Bakery is the place to be. If the food doesn’t wake up your senses, the decor surely will—it’s a feast for both the eyes and tastebuds! This vibrant spot serves up classic breakfast dishes with a delightful twist. And let me tell you, the moment you step through the door and find yourself face-to-face with the bakery counter, resisting those treats is next to impossible. Do yourself a favor and grab something sweet on your way out!

Location: 823 Whitehead St (Whitehead & Olivia)

Food Recommendations: Elvis French Toast (Shawn) or Blackened Shrimp Benedict (Ed)


Blue Heaven

Touristy things aren’t usually our jam (see what I did there?), but Blue Heaven is a worthy exception. For starters, the vibe is quintessential Key West—100% laid-back, complete with a random assortment of roosters and cats roaming around. The food is undeniably delicious, but it’s the al fresco experience that truly draws the crowds. A little tip: they don’t take breakfast reservations. So, make sure you arrive before 9:00 am, or you might find yourself waiting in line for an hour or more.

Location: 729 Thomas St (Petronia & Thomas)

Food Recommendations: Banana Pancakes (Shawn) or Shrimp & Grits (Ed)


A few places we couldn’t bear to leave off the list:

  • Upscale: Sarabeth’s Key West
    • If you want a bit of refinement and away from Duval, you won’t be disappointed here.
  • Local’s Diner: Harpoon Harry’s
    • Ask any KW local and they will tell you this is the place they all go for breakfast.
  • Cheap Eats: Two Friends Patio
    • Conveniently located right in the heart of Old Town, and when they ask, yes, you want Stella’s Famous Hashbrowns

One last thought: Make sure to hydrate at breakfast. Trust me, your future self will thank you for that tip!

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