The Florida Keys boast some of the most iconic eateries and bars in the world.
Creative culinary minds elevate local seafood to new levels and celebrate contemporary fusion, Cuban, Caribbean, Asian, French and other international influences. Our chain of islands is one of the world’s top food and drink destinations.
But our magnetic appeal goes beyond the menu. The skilled professionals who define our local hospitality industry do much more than mix creative cocktails and serve delicious meals. These hard-working men and women are ambassadors, social directors, travel advisors and unlicensed — but often effective — therapists.
To celebrate our unique culinary culture, Keys Weekly brings you this bi-weekly feature to highlight the food, libations and local personalities that define our “must-try” destinations across the Florida Keys.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a fifth-generation local, your options are endless. Indulge in something new or revisit a familiar favorite. And above all, support the local owners and loyal employees who are vital to our Keys communities.
Jerk chicken quesadilla and burrito bowl
Sinz Burritos, 500 Truman Ave., Unit 1, Key West
Fresh veggies, homemade sauces and perfectly seasoned meats made Sinz Burritos a Key West favorite as soon as it opened. Most items, with ingredients selected by the customer, can be made into a taco, burrito or a bowl. Eat in, take out or get it delivered. The casual dining spot at the corner of Truman and Duval is always a delight.
Emily Pacenta, Bongos Botanical Beer Garden
59300 Overseas Hwy., Marathon
This four-year Marathon resident is a dolphin trainer by day before spending her nights slinging drinks at Bongos, one of the fastest-growing local hangouts in the Middle Keys. Hailing from Kettering, Ohio, Emily says the best part of her second job is listening to sage life advice from her many patrons. Naturally, we had some completely non-work-related questions for her:
What’s the dumbest thing you’ve ever done?: I once had to Google what the date was. It was my birthday.
What’s the best (or worst) prank you’ve ever played?: Santa came to my house to drop off presents for my siblings and I. There was a train track nearby, so I went to grab coal and put it in the top of my siblings’ stockings to hide their gifts. They started sobbing. I wasn’t allowed to open a few of my presents on Christmas Day because of that one.
How many people try to slide you their phone number on a receipt?: An unfortunate number.Favorite and least favorite drinks to make?: Beer is nice and easy, because all I have to do is open the tap. But when I make a mojito, there are so many things to muddle, and once you start making it, everyone wants one.
Lorelei Sunset, Bushwacker & Key Lime colada
Lorelei, Islamorada
Feet in the sand and a cold drink in the hand: Enjoy a host of refreshing drinks at the Lorelei. With some of the best sunset views come some drink favorites to enjoy on a picturesque evening. Lorelei’s famous Key lime colada, pictured right, Bushwacker, middle, and Lorelei Sunset, left, which is created with tangerine-infused vodka made by Islamorada Brewery & Distillery.
