NEW CONCH FLYER RESTAURANT OPENS AT KEY WEST AIRPORT

a restaurant filled with lots of tables and chairs
The new Conch Flyer restaurant and bar has opened at Key West International Airport, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks, but beyond the security checkpoint in the new Concourse A. CONTRIBUTED

An old legend in Key West has a shiny new look and location inside the new Concourse A at Key West International Airport.

The Conch Flyer had a storied history at the local airport, as its bar was once open 24 hours a day due to the airport’s location on county-owned property, which at one point didn’t have a required closing time for bars. Local stories of late nights, early mornings and missed flights abound. 

The most recent incarnation of the Conch Flyer, which was located pre-security at the airport, is now closed and a new version has opened inside the new concourse, beyond the TSA checkpoint.

The new restaurant and bar features some new menu options along with old favorites. Passengers can enjoy a pre- or post-flight breakfast, including eggs your way or a toasty cinnamon roll — and as always, bloody Marys and mimosas.

Lunch offerings include a Cuban sandwich, conch fritters and island fish tacos, plus homemade Key lime pie for dessert. The menu also features craft cocktails, a variety of beers and select wines from California. 

The Conch Flyer, located near gate 8 in the new terminal, opened last week under the management of Master ConcessionAir LLC, which is also managing Chili’s Grill & Bar, Starbucks, Maestro Della Pizza and Farm2Air Market, all at EYW.

“This is another fantastic addition to our variety of options for food and drink within the new concourse,” said Richard Strickland, Monroe County director of airports. “The reception has been outstanding.”

Mandy Miles
Mandy Miles drops stuff, breaks things and falls down more than any adult should. An award-winning writer, reporter and columnist, she's been stringing words together in Key West since 1998. "Local news is crucial," she says. "It informs and connects a community. It prompts conversation. It gets people involved, holds people accountable. The Keys Weekly takes its responsibility seriously. Our owners are raising families in Key West & Marathon. Our writers live in the communities we cover - Key West, Marathon & the Upper Keys. We respect our readers. We question our leaders. We believe in the Florida Keys community. And we like to have a good time." Mandy's married to a saintly — and handy — fishing captain, and can't imagine living anywhere else.