Exclusive | Key West: Where to Eat Part Three

Camille's (1202 Simonton St.; 305/296-4811; $10-$18) serves up good dish, not to mention three squares a day, one block from Duval on the corner of Catherine St. Enjoy hearty, American fare, friendly, warm service and the company of convivial local patrons.

Also just a block from Duval, the Deli Restaurant (531 Truman Ave.; 305/294-1464; $10-$15) has been providing simple, delicious and inexpensive island fare since 1950. This family-run establishment has improved its service and spruced up a bit since our last update, and the food is always fresh. Try the fruit salads, grilled mahi-mahi sandwiches, homemade pies or huge breakfasts (served all day). Don't let the darkened windows give you the impression the deli is closed during the day; in fact, it's only open until 4 p.m.

Harpoon Harry's (832 Caroline St.; 305/294-8744; $8-$10) is a fun diner serving breakfast and lunch, such as hefty portions of meatloaf and satisfying chicken sandwiches. The MCC choir makes it their after-church brunch stop.

Big portions, casual seafood -- such as smoked fish dip -- and quality bar food star at The Rum Barrel, (528 Front St., 305/292-7862; $8-$27) which opened adjacent to the Pirate Soul Museum in February 2006.

Pepe's Caf? and Steak House (806 Caroline St; 305/294-7192; lunch $5-$9, dinner $15-$27), the oldest restaurant on the island, dating back to 1909, serves steaks, meat loaf, pork chops and other heavy American fare, including Thanksgiving dinner every Thursday. It's a nice lunch stop.

If you're staying in one of the many guesthouses on or near Fleming, grab takeout from Flora & Flipp on Fleming (811 Fleming St.; 305/296-1050; about $5). Call ahead from your hotel as the individually prepared sandwiches and salads often require considerable time to construct, and the staff is usually busy at lunchtime. Vegans will want to try the Very Veggie, which includes daikon and watercress. The Caf? (509 Southard St.; 305/296-5515; $8-$15) serves "mostly" vegetarian fare and its jazz evenings are popular with gay men and women.

When late night munchies strike, Mr. Z's (501 Southard St.; 305/296-4445; breakfast $5, sandwiches $5-$7, pizzas $8-$13) delivers pizza and sandwiches. Breakfast is served from 3 a.m. to 12 noon.

Those staying on the Atlantic side, can grab a latte and a seat on the porch with the locals at Coffee and Tea House (1218 Duval St., 305/295-0788). Sippin at Java Joe's (424 Eaton St.; 305/293-0555; ) is an Internet caf? with great coffee and homemade baked goods. For an intense ice cream experience, visit Flamingo Crossing (1105 Duval St.; 305/296-6124) arguably offering the best ice cream and frozen yogurt in Key West. It is located on the Eastern end of Duval but worth the walk.

It's impossible (if not inadvisable) to visit Key West without trying key lime pie, offered at just about every restaurant in town. Many locals claim the best can be found at the Rooftop Caf? (310 Front St.; 305/294-2042) where this delicious dessert is topped with meringue (supposedly the more authentic version) instead of whipped cream. As a key lime pie alternative and/or refreshing antidote to the sultry weather, try the inventive, frozen key lime "Pie-Pop" at Blond Giraffe (629 Duval St.; 305/293-6667) or stock up on pies to take home at gay-owned Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe (200A Elizabeth St., 305/296-0806).

Part One | Part Two | Part Three

Related Articles:
Key West: Introduction
Key West: Where to Stay
Key West: Where to Play/Meet
Key West: What to See and Do