Key West Guide – A Conch's Take on Food, Finds & Flavor

Key West Guide – A Conch's Take on Food, Finds & Flavor

Welcome to paradise. If you're reading this, you're either planning a trip to Key West or just dreaming about the next time you’ll feel that warm salt air and see a sunset that actually stops time. Either way, we’ve got you covered.

This isn’t a touristy brochure or one of those generic “Top 10” lists that feels like AI wrote it. This is the local scoop — where to go, what to eat, what to skip, and how to bring a little piece of the island back home with you. Let’s dive in.

🏝️ What to Do in Key West (That You’ll Actually Enjoy)

There’s no shortage of activities in Key West, but here are a few that locals swear by — and for good reason:

  • Catch a Sunset at Mallory Square – Yes, it’s “touristy,” but it’s also pure magic. Street performers, live music, and the kind of view you remember forever.

  • Snorkel or Lounge at Fort Zachary Taylor Beach – Clear water, big shade trees, and some of the best snorkeling on the island.

  • Visit the Hemingway House – Even if you’re not a literary buff, the six-toed cats and the old Spanish architecture are worth the visit.

  • Cruise the Island by Bike – Skip the Uber. Rent a cruiser and explore Old Town’s pastel cottages, banyan trees, and tucked-away cafés.

  • Do a Ghost Tour at Night – Key West has a wild past, and it gets a little spookier after dark.

These are the real-deal experiences that give you a feel for the rhythm of the island.

🍽️ What to Eat in Key West (And Where to Get It)

If you’re here for the food — good. You’re in the right place. Key West has some hidden gems that locals hit on the regular:

  • Conch Fritters from Eaton Street Seafood Market – Fresh, crispy, and served with a spicy dipping sauce you’ll want to drink.

  • Lobster Reuben at The Fisherman’s Café – Trust us. Don’t ask questions, just order it.

  • Cuban Coffee from Cuban Coffee Queen – Sweet, strong, and served with that unmistakable old-school Key West charm.

  • Mojitos at El Meson de Pepe – Pair with plantains, then stick around for live music and dancing.

And here’s a local hack: if you’re cooking while you’re here (or just want to impress when you get home), use real Key West sea salt. We harvest ours straight from the local ocean, sun-evaporated right here on the island.

👉 Try Southernmost Flake Salt
(Yes, that’s us. We’re proud of it.)

🎁 What to Bring Home from Key West

Souvenirs don’t have to be junky shot glasses and flamingo socks. Here’s what’s actually worth packing:

  • Rodriguez Cigars – Hand-rolled right in town. Smells like tradition.

  • Key West Legal Rum – Smooth, locally distilled, and Hemingway-approved.

  • Local Art from Duval Street – Vibrant, funky, and perfect for remembering the colors of the island.

  • Southernmost Sea Salt – A jar of this stuff and you’ll be cooking like a local in no time. Perfect for grilled fish, steaks, salads… even cocktail rims.

🌊 The Taste of Key West — In a Jar

Southernmost Salt isn’t some big factory operation. We harvest our salt from actual Key West seawater — filtered, sun-evaporated, and packed by hand. No additives. No fake flavors. Just the taste of the island in its purest form.

Whether you're throwing it on grilled shrimp, a slice of mango, or the rim of your margarita, it's one of the easiest ways to bring a little island magic into your kitchen.

☀️ Final Thoughts: The Key West State of Mind

Key West isn’t just a location — it’s a feeling. It’s the slow mornings, salt on your skin, live music echoing through narrow streets, and the smell of the ocean drifting into your bedroom window.

We hope this guide helps you find the best of it — and if you want to bring a little bit home, well, now you know where to look.

See you at the end of the road.

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