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Key West is an amazing foodie city, and breakfast is no exception. While you may not want to rise early during your vacation, these local spots make it totally worth your while. Plus, as your Key West trip is likely to be action-packed, you don’t want to run on empty.
Being a breakfast lover myself, I’ve compiled a list of all the local spots we’ve enjoyed during our visits. While some are healthy and others are quite the opposite, they all have one thing in common – absolutely delicious food. Let’s get into it!
8 Breakfast Spots in Key West You Must Visit
Blue Heaven
Blue Heaven serves breakfast every day, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas when they are closed. This place is an old Key West standby and has come to be an embodiment of the city, with its laid back atmosphere, eclectic decor, and chickens clucking past you.
Having some pineapple pancakes and or a lobster benedict in these surroundings is a fabulous way to start your morning. This is especially true if you dine outdoors in their garden-like space, which has random sculptures scattered about and large tree canopies overhead. Just be sure to arrive early or be prepared to wait, as Blue Heaven does not take breakfast reservations and it is very popular.
Before you leave, consider trying a piece of their key lime pie. Not only is it among the tastiest versions in Key West, but its signature tower of merengue sends it over the top.
729 Thomas Street | Mon-Sat 8:00am to 2:30pm & 5:00pm to 10:00pm | Sunday 8:00am to 2:00pm & 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Key West Cuban Coffee
Key West Cuban Coffee serves food and espresso drinks in a tiny space of a bright blue building on Truman Ave. It smells so good inside, with three women working very hard in a hot kitchen behind the counter. I don’t think any of them ever stopped moving during our visit.
I ordered a black coffee and found it pleasant and on the lighter side. Key West Cuban Coffee also has a large breakfast menu with a variety of breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and bigger plates likes huevos rancheros. You can even order online for pickup or delivery.
517 Truman Avenue | Mon-Sun 8:00am to 5:00pm
La Grignote
La Grignote is a charming and authentic French bakery that prepares delectable looking breads and pastries in house every day. I sadly failed to take a photo of this place – probably because I was too transfixed by their dazzling display of baked goods. However, we did visit every day of our latest trip, and the cashier started to recognize us by our last day.
La Grignote is perfect for grabbing a quick coffee and croissant, but they do also have a full dine-in breakfast and lunch menu. My go-to was iced coffee, as the Key West heat permitted nothing else, which I paired with a chocolate croissant.
1211 Duval St | Tues-Sat 7am to 5pm | Sunday 7am to 4pm
Glazed Donuts
For a super easy, yet mouthwateringly good breakfast, why not visit Glazed Donuts? Donuts might not seem unique, but trust me on this one. Their donuts are beyond good, with the perfect “chew” and fun flavors that are not overly sweet.
No, this will not be the healthiest start to your day, but it’s vacation and these awesome donuts are seriously worth it. Plus, they share a space with Red Buoy Coffee, so you can also get your caffeine fix while grabbing your donuts.
Aaron and I shared a variety between us: Cuban coffee, blueberry cheesecake, and key lime pie. We did make sure to arrive at Glazed Donuts by 9am for the best selection, and there were only a couple people in front of us. As the morning goes on, the line gets longer and the best flavors could sell out.
420 Eaton Street | Wed-Sun 7:00am to 1:00pm (or sold out)
Cuban Coffee Queen
Located in a small square just off the heart of Duval Street, Cuban Coffee Queen celebrates the Cuban influence that permeates Key West. After all, Cuba is only about 90 miles away, and these two islands have a longstanding connection.
The two most popular Cuban coffee drinks to order are cafe con leche or a cortadito, with the latter being the stronger of the two. These are made complete with a side order of pan cubano, or buttered Cuban bread, to dip in the coffee.
If you brought your appetite, rest assured that there are plenty of larger breakfast items on the menu to choose from. Take your pick from a variety of hearty breakfast and lunch sandwiches to fuel you for the exciting day ahead.
5 Key Lime Square | Daily 7am to 7pm
Healthier Breakfast Options in Key West
Date & Thyme
Let’s face it – many things we find delicious when eating and drinking on vacation take a toll on our bodies. Date & Thyme will give your digestive system a much-needed break with some healthy organic food that sacrifices nothing in flavor. This place was certainly calling my name several days into our latest trip.
The restaurant is located in a former vintage gas station that has been completely transformed. Its space holds a tiny market and a cafe where you can order nutritious menu items like smoothies, avocado toast, or a breakfast bagel. You can then devour everything in their small outdoor dining area in front of the building.
829 Fleming Street | Mon-Sat 8am to 3pm
The Green Pineapple
If you seek wellness during your Key West trip, breakfast at The Green Pineapple will have you feeling better in no time. Their boutique on Duval Street has a small cafe with clean eats, a yoga studia, and clothing for purchase. I felt healthier simply standing in their shop.
This wellness cafe is conveniently located on Duval Street, and is easy to pop into for a fresh smoothie or juice for takeout. You could also sit for a second and enjoy an avocado toast variation or a nourishing breakfast bowl.
My husband and I loved coming here for breakfast on our last day in Key West a few years back. By that time, we were fatigued from all the fried appetizers and key lime pie we ate, and a green smoothie and salad were the perfect reset before making our return drive from Key West to Miami.
1130 Duval Street | Daily 8am to 6pm
Moon Dog Cafe
For an adorable alternative that is also close to some of Key West’s best sights, check out Moon Dog Cafe. We must have passed this place a dozen times before giving it a try, since it is only a one to two minute walk from the Key West Lighthouse and the Hemingway Home and Museum. They have a small dining room, but I found the most charm to be on their front porch for people watching or the back patio for a quieter experience.
Moon Dog’s menu has something for everyone, with a nice mix of lighter and more indulgent dishes. During our visit, I was craving something healthy-ish, and found the breakfast tacos to be bright and flavorful. My husband had a bigger appetite and ordered the blackened shrimp benedict, which was deliciously rich and more than he could finish.
If you still have room, the key lime pie is worth a try. It seems wrong to say, but we actually liked theirs better than Blue Heaven’s!
823 Whitehead St | Daily 7:30am to 9:30pm
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No matter what your mood, there is a Key West breakfast establishment on this list for you. With the action that any Key West trip brings, it may be hard to wake up in time for breakfast, but any of these restaurants makes it totally worth it!
