
Where Locals Eat in Key West: A Local's Guide
By Local Keys Guide
Local Keys Guide's short answer: Key West locals eat on Stock Island, one bridge past Key West and away from Duval Street. Our picks are Hogfish Bar & Grill for the Killer Hogfish Sandwich on the docks at Safe Harbor Marina, Roostica Wood-Fire Pizzeria for wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, and Croissants de France for croissants, quiche and brunch.
Ask a Key West local where to eat and there is a good chance they send you one bridge back to Stock Island. The working marinas there have the kitchens residents go back to, from dockside fish to wood-fired pizza.
Best Local Restaurants in Key West
These are the places locals eat at when they're not cooking at home.
- Hogfish Bar & Grill, Local Bites. Open-air and dockside at Safe Harbor Marina, locally owned for more than 20 years. Get the Killer Hogfish Sandwich on Cuban bread. No reservations, so weekday lunch or happy hour is the easy move.
- Roostica Wood-Fire Pizzeria, Local Bites. A family-run Neapolitan pizzeria in a converted warehouse with a locals' crowd most nights. Weekends are dinner only.
- Croissants de France, Local Bites. The Stock Island location of the French bakery, for croissants, quiche and the Nutella beignet.
Where do locals eat in Key West?
Local Keys Guide recommends heading to Stock Island, just past Key West: Hogfish Bar & Grill for dockside seafood at Safe Harbor Marina, Roostica Wood-Fire Pizzeria for wood-fired pizza and Croissants de France for pastries and brunch.
Why do Key West locals eat on Stock Island?
Stock Island is one bridge past Key West and a world away from Duval Street. Its working marinas have the kitchens residents go back to, like Hogfish Bar & Grill on the docks at Safe Harbor Marina and Roostica in a converted warehouse on MacDonald Avenue.
Do these Key West restaurants take reservations?
Hogfish Bar & Grill is walk-in only, so weekday lunch or happy hour is the easy move. Roostica takes reservations by phone for parties of six or more, and everyone else walks in. Croissants de France suggests calling ahead to order.
Slow down... you are on island time, baby! 🌴
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