If travel is on your 2020 bucket list, you more than likely have the Florida Keys somewhere on your list. With Key West being such a tourist hotspot, it can be a challenge to find the local, high-quality restaurants. Even further than that, you might be struggling to find an Instagram-worthy brunch spot, as most restaurants specialize in seafood dinners. If you’re hungry for a decadent, memorable brunch experience in Key West, consider these local-approved restaurants.
Moondog Cafe
Only a few steps from the famous Hemingway House, get a taste of just about everything at this local spot. Their breakfast menu offers all the sweet and savory treats you could ever want. To name just a few, you can get Quiche Lorraine, Breakfast Tacos, Blackened Shrimp Benedict, Elvis French Toast, Avocado Toast and so much more. The Moondog Classic includes 2 eggs your way, choice of ham, applewood bacon or sausage with toast & breakfast potatoes, so you certainly won’t leave this brunch spot hungry. You won’t be short of a drink, either, as Moondog Cafe offers an extensive list of coffees, sangria, mimosas and much more.
Grain and Berry
Originally based in Tampa, this growing chain is a popular spot for superfood-powered brunch treats. Specializing in smoothie bowls, you can get a variety of açaí, spirulina, pitaya or kale-based smoothie bowls, topped with fruits, nutella, peanut butter and more. The classic Grain and Berry bowl is made with an açaí base, topped with organic granola, banana, strawberries, blueberries, nutella, peanut butter and coconut shavings. Grain and Berry also offers smoothies, juices, avocado toasts, yogurt parfaits and yogurt banana splits. Make your trip to Key West extra special with the beautiful Key West Sunset bowl, made with a pitaya base and topped with organic granola, blueberries, banana, pineapple, nutella and coconut flakes.
The Cafe
A favorite for vegetarians and vegans, you’ll have no shortage of dairy-free, meat-free food options. Right off of the famous Duval Street, The Cafe is the perfect spot for vegetarian-friendly brunch options. Fulfill your meat cravings with the Cafe “Chicken” & Waffles, made with battered crispy cauliflower or pure maple syrup. Southerners can delight in The Cafe’s Homemade Biscuit & Gravy, made with peppered veggie “sausage” gravy. Every weekend, The Cafe offers bottomless mimosas to complete the perfect brunch. You’ll never be short of a variety of vegan desserts, either, so be ready to carry a to-go box.
Date & Thyme
An Instagram favorite, this former gas station is now an organic, veggie-based hotspot. Take advantage of a beautiful day here, as they only offer outdoor seating. Inside, you can wander the natural food market, collecting snacks, produce, supplements, beauty products and more. Date & Thyme specializes in their all-day breakfast, offering treats such as the Rise & Shine Bagel, made with cashew cream cheese, tomato and avocado on a whole wheat bagel. Grab a smoothie to go, like the Golden Dragon, made with banana, turmeric, bee pollen, cardamom, honey, lemon and coconut milk. Date & Thyme also offers a coffee and tea bar, serving Florida-roasted, organic, fair-trade favorites like the Yogi Latte, made with espresso, steamed milk of choice, honey and chai tea. No matter your pick, you won’t want to miss this hidden gem.
Bistro 245
For an on-the-water treat, wander over to Mallory Square to find this favorite brunch spot. Every Sunday from 10am to 2pm Bistro 245 offers a brunch buffet, and reservations are recommended. With a complimentary champagne service included, you’ll certainly understand why Key West is called paradise. An extensive range of brunch options and bottomless mimosas (that you’ll never see the bottom of) make this the perfect special treat for your trip to Key West. Key West is the place to sleep in a little and move slowly, so don’t worry about setting that early morning alarm. Wake up when you feel like it and make your way to any of these brunch spots for an amazing treat.