It's the middle of October now and we're closer to 2020 than we are to the beginning of 2019. How baffling is it as to where time went. This year I went on a few little trips in the beginning and here's to many more in the future.
During the Disney College Program I didn't live in the traditional housing but lived off property in a townhouse with several other girls, including my best friend. The one that I featured in many photos from my Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party guide. We had been talking about going to Key West to visit her brother throughout the CP, so with both having vastly different schedules we came to conclusion to do it right after my program ended. I went home to visit my parents and came back two weeks later and with me having not slept at all the night prior and her going to work for a full day, we made the six and a half hour drive to Key West. It was quite an adventure but we were able to do a pretty exciting road trip and eat some great food. These are some of the food and coffee spots that we hit up when we went to Key West.
The Waterfront Brewery
This spot is a stop for typical American cuisine, where there is something for everyone on the menu. The Waterfront Brewery is right on the water in the center of Key West's touristy area, which makes it also convenient and scenic. The spot is also a brewery, serving their homemade brews and is also a licensed wholesaler of Florida Keys finfish and shellfish. The more you know. Enough about the restaurant, now on to the menu. The photo above and what I ordered is the bayou shrimp. This dish is comprised of chili-rubbed shrimp, red, green and poblano peppers, green onions, and mushrooms in a creamy Cajun sauce over bowtie pasta. If seafood doesn't sound all that appealing, fear not there are plenty of seafoodless dishes. There is the Cuban BBQ Pork which is Cuban mojo pulled pork in mango chipotle BBQ sauce served with black beans, rice, and plantains. There is also the extremely delicious sounding roast beef and grilled cheese. Slow-roasted beef, fried onions mixed with gooey and melty cheese on top of country bread.
The Waterfront Brewery: 201 William St., Key West, FL 33040
Garbo's Grill
I love tacos and I love food trucks, so in my *always* humble opinion this spot is a must try. Founded by a lovely couple that vacationed in Key West, they took their dreams of owning a restaurant all the way to the Southernmost place in the United States. Options off the menu are tacos and burritos or hotdogs and burgers. Naturally I ordered the yum yum shrimp, pictured on the top left. These two tacos come with mango ginger habanero glazed shrimp, served either cayo style or korean style. I got the cayo style because it is spicier than the latter. Both of my friends got the Korean BBQ tacos, which is the bottom photo. These are two tacos that come with marinated beef short rib, cabbage, scallions, carrots, diakon, cilantro, citrus soy dressing, and of course sriracha. If you're more in the mood for a hot dog than look no further than the mango dog. The dog is a quarter pound all beef hot dog wrapped in bacon, topped with mango, sauteed onion, jalapeño, and their house made Carribean sauce.
Garbo's Grill: 409 Caroline St., Key West, FL 33040
Cuban Coffee Queen
Considering Havana, Cuba is about 105 miles away from the Southernmost point, there is plenty of Cuban influence on this small Florida key. Established ten years ago is this small coffee hut that has since then expanded to a downtown location. They offer a plethora of breakfast items as well as Cuban dishes. Try their signature Cuban Queen Mix, which is mojo pork, ham, roasted turkey, American cheese, with bacon, mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomatoes and onions, on top of pressed Cuban bread. Or the Havana rice and beans, which is rice and black beans with a choice of their mojo pork, Havana beef or two fried eggs. My favorite option off the menu were the assortment of Cuban coffees. Pictured above is the Bucci, which is a Cuban espresso shot. This is a strong Cuban espresso that is served with cane sugar inside of a plastic shot cup. I ordered several because I enjoyed them so much and they only cost $1. Another great traditional option is the cafe con leche. This is a Cuban coffee with steamed milk, which typically is served with pan cubano which is a buttered, toasted bread that is dunked into the coffee. You can add the toast on the side for an additional $2. If you're not in the area but just want to try out the coffee, they offer a weekly coffee subscription with several different types of their signature coffees.
Cuban Coffee Queen: 284 Margaret St., Key West, FL 33040
Baby's Coffee
One of the best parts about travelling to new places is all of the locally owned restaurants that occupy the area. Shopping and eating local are essential parts to supporting the local economy which is why you should grab a coffee from Baby's. Founded by a couple from New York City in 1991, is this roadside coffee stop that isn't in the center of Key West but is worth the trip outside. There isn't a menu on their website so you'll just have to stop in and see what they're offering. From my memory they have a selection of coffees and teas to choose from as well as breakfast bagels. I got my staple order from Baby's Coffee which is just a vanilla latte. Pictured on the newspaper box in the background of the photo is also my Cuban breakfast sandwich that I ordered. I didn't get a great photo of the breakfast bagel but I just remember how it was quite delicious. Just like Cuban Coffee Queen, they sell a variety of their signatures coffees on their website. So if you aren't in the area or just want to enjoy their coffee again you can order it online.
Baby's Coffee: 3180 US Highway 1 MM 15., Key West, FL 33040
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