Post-Pandemic Key West Eateries
New Restaurants in the Conch Republic
COVID has been the death knell for many businesses worldwide and some would say that starting a new venture in such uncertainty would be an exercise in madness. However, in Key West, many small businesses can confidently say that they can toast to their success in an (almost) post-pandemic economy. We hope to see you here soon so you can experience them for yourself!
Ingrid's Key West Kitchen
Ingrid is a Key West local who spent over 6 years working at the iconic Woody Wagon, managing to serve over 200,000 customers from a simple food cart with a whole lot of attitude! She has now struck out on her own, offering her tried and true customers favorites like Mango Papaya Chicken and Chicken and Pork sliders, as well as branching out to create a whole new menu including delicious soup, sandwich, and vegan options.
Currently, you'll be able to see Ingrid grinning from ear to ear while she delights her customers from 11 am to 7 pm Monday to Friday, but that is soon to change. Her passion combined with her rip-roaring success means that, very soon, she hopes to expand her menu to incorporate a head-spinning host of breakfast options, and after that, she pictures creating a Key West Kitchen sit-down experience. Watch this space! Check out her Instagram here.
SouperHappy
No street in Key West is more famous than Duval Street and, while wandering around this iconic area of the city we recommend you make a stop at SouperHappy. A new noodle & sake bar finding its feet and offering mouth-watering dishes along the way.
Customers can enjoy truly authentic Asian flavors while being able to choose between Malaysian, Indonesian, Vietnamese, and Thai-inspired dishes. Forget about the sins of the night before while you enjoy a "Hangover Hot and Sour Noodle Soup" washed down with some delicious sake cocktails. For more information have a look at their Facebook page!
Pepper Pot Island Café
Pepper Pot Island Café is run by a husband and wife duo who share the same intense devotion to creating the best Caribbean menu possible for their customers. Hailing originally from Trinidad, they made it their mission to recreate the tantalizing spicy vibrancy found in their native dishes and, as their customers can attribute, their hard work has been met with massive success.
Although we recommend that you do, you don't even need to come to Key West to be able to enjoy the huge variety of homemade sauces they have available, as they are now available for worldwide export. You can get lost in the Caribbean without even leaving your home. Check out their website here!
Scotty's Front Street Stage Key West
Scotty's Front Stage is the brainchild of Scotty Edwards, a guitar fanatic and lifelong musician, and Brant Rhoad, a local entrepreneur and former student of Scottys. Wanting to celebrate their 4th wedding anniversary in style, Scotty and his wife Krista took a trip to Key West, where Scotty felt an incredible surge of inspiration. Despite the rumbles which spelled the beginnings of the COVID pandemic, Scotty was determined to follow his dream and so he packed up his life and headed south.
Working quietly for a year while the world turned upside down, he was finally able to open doors to the public in December 2020. Scotty's is an homage to Key West culture and the nucleus of a live music scene with daily acoustic and full band performances. Come to Scotty's if you want to enjoy gorgeously crafted food and drinks while you appreciate local Key West artists. Have a look at Scotty’s Instragram page here!
Kaya Island Eats
Last but not least, we can finish our stroll down Duval Street at Kaya Island Eats. With a menu stuffed with options ranging from the Caribbean, Polynesian, Hawaiian, and Jamaican cuisine, the problem will be not being able to order everything you want to try!
Serving up fresh island vibes in a tropical atmosphere, it's no wonder that a quick look at the reviews see hundreds declare it some of the best food they've ever eaten. But don't take our word for it, come check it out for yourself!
The world is healing, and with travel becoming more and more accessible and inexpensive, we're hungry for you to come down to Key West and enjoy some of the culinary delights that have popped up post-pandemic. See you soon!