The Café, Key West – After arriving at the Florida Keys airport, we had dinner in Key West at this vegetarian restaurant off Duval Street, The Café. It was excellent. We each tried a different fruit juice or smoothie and different entrees. There is an incredible selection for gluten free, vegan and vegetarian needs. I tried their falafel sandwich. Both my fresh carrot/tropical juice and the falafel sandwich were good. I could have used more sauce and salt on my sandwich, but it was good. My family tried other salads and items. My son liked his special tacos. He got three and was full after one. We tried three of the special deserts. We were disappointed with the vegan key lime cheesecake; although my daughter said it was better on another night. On our night it was mostly cheese and little lime. I liked my blueberry avocado cake and my daughter loved her coconut cake. Everything vegan or vegetarian was exceptionally made with care and excellent ingredients. Nice location, nice airy rooms and plenty of larger tables. We really enjoyed it. It’s rare to find a healthy choice restaurant while on vacation.
Square Grouper, Cudjoe Key – We had our nicest meal at Square Grouper on Cudjoe Key. We didn’t have a reservation and after a short wait got a table for five easily at 6:30 pm. We tried the insalata caprese and each tried various seafood and fish entrees. I tried the scallops with polenta, which was great. There was too much polenta, but the scallops were done just right. The menu said they had chili powder on them, but they were not hot. We shared a few desserts. The key lime pie was good and I enjoyed a flourless chocolate tart with ice cream. There is plenty of parking next to the restaurant. Since it is a nicer place and popular, I would recommend reservations to be sure you have a spot. It was our favorite meal on the Keys.
Sugar Apple Juice Club, Key West – We dropped by here for smoothies in Key West. It is on the side of a grocery store. The grocery store seemed very well stocked. The juice bar was staffed with one person who seemed very unsure of our orders when we were there. We selected three or four fruits for each of our smoothies and she kept questioning what I and my sons wanted. She asked about our smoothies three or four times. Once they were made, they tasted ok. Their flavor across the three we received was not consistent. Perhaps if we had just ordered standard items on the menu we would have had better luck. Perhaps the person helping was not a regular staff person. We didn’t have a great experience with smoothies.
Tonio’s for Lunch, Summerland Key – We loved the patio for snacks and lunch on our way into Summerland Key. I tried the tuna stack and my boys had chicken and fish tenders for lunch. Everyone loved their food and loved the setting. It is shaded and cool with breezes flowing through. We had boats passing by. The service was fast and friendly. Everything went well for us for a late lunch at an outside table near the water.
Kikis Sandbar, Little Torch Key – We had a great experience at this dog friendly place for dinner on Little Torch Key. It is a seat yourself, hang-out kind of place. Once the waitress found us, we ordered easily and our food came in reasonable time. My kids loved the easy atmosphere out on the patio with plenty for kids to do. There are hanging chairs, sand to run around on, throwing sacks and dogs to meet. It is a family friendly bar and beach food place which welcomes dogs. My son liked his chicken tacos, I liked the tuna nachos although I could have used less sauce on it. Sauce on the side would have been my preference. It was a fun, relaxed place.
Seven Mile Grill for Lunch – We stopped here for lunch after crossing the seven mile bridge coming up from the south. It has standard American burgers but also great Greek options for lunch. My daughter and I enjoyed a salad with gyros meat, fresh warm pita bread and homemade tzatziki sauce which were excellent. My son enjoyed his footlong hot dog and my other son had fish and chips. All good. They have shakes and seafood. Our service was fine. They have seating inside and on the patio. A fine stop on our road trip.
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