When you think of Key West, do you think about drinking?  Yeah, so do a lot of other people.  We’re here to break down the ULTIMATE LIST of the best happy hours on the island. SANTIAGO’S BODEGA A Spanish tapas hidden gem in Bahama Village, Santiago’s Bodega is many local’s favorite dining diamond in the […]

When a trip to Key West isn’t in your immediate future, the outlook can seem grim. No tan lines from jet skis. No chickens to wake you up for your hungover brunch at Blue Heaven. No second round for you and the pals on Duval St…no fun. But if you could bring one thing back […]

  In a town so drenched in fresh fish, you can imagine that our fish taco game is strong. There’s no shortage of the seafood-filled tortillas here on the island, and if you are any bit as indecisive as we are, it can be hard to choose exactly where to go. Key West, where it's […]

    Key West isn’t known for food truck culture, but that’s also due to the fact that we have strict codes on mobile vendor licenses. Our pickings are slim.. but fortunately they’re ridiculously delicious. In no particular order here are the 6 best food trucks in Key West: Garbo’s Grill Photo: Instagram // @lilymay23 Arguably […]

Experience the Iconic Rum Runner in the Florida Keys In the Keys, we embrace a laid-back “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere” mentality, making our island chain the perfect source for some wonderful libations. One standout is the legendary Rum Runner, a cocktail with a rich history and a unique flavor profile. The Origin of the Rum […]

Beer Lovers Unite! Join us for the Annual BrewFest from August 31 – September 4, hosted by Southernmost Beach Resort. The multi-day festival features fun filled events, from pool parties complete with Belly Flop Contests to beer pairing dinners and of course the signature beer tasting event on Sept. 2. The different events are hosted […]

July… A time for independence, fun in the sun, and sweat. Lots and lots of sweat.  So much sweat that you feel it in places you didn’t know you could sweat.  Excited yet? Even our ocean is a balmy 87 degrees this time of year.  So ladies, proudly wear that adorable sweat mustache you’ll be rockin’ […]

  What’s the buzz in Key West this May? From acting like a kid again to eating a bucket list menu island-style, we’re covering all the bases. Our list of things to do in Key West will have you drinkin’, dancin’ and playin’ like the locals.   Singer Songwriter Festival Join us for one of […]

  Spring is right around the corner in the US, but it’s always summer temps here in sunny Key West, Florida! The flowers are always in bloom, the rooster’s crowing, and the bartenders’ pouring, so pack your bathing suit, flip flops, and Hawaiian shirt and get down here to enjoy the March events we’re cooking […]

April has sprung! This month we’ve got a lot to celebrate and we hope you can join us. We have a few fun things Blooming below that sum up life on the island. Experience our history, culture and food and add these events to your calendar!   Papio Kinetic Sculpture Parade One thing we’ve got […]

Summer is peaking here in Key West, and although the crowds are slimming, there’s no shortage of events. Lobsters, music, art, eating and without a doubt, drinking, are on the lineup this month.  In no particular order here are our top 8 things to do in Key West this August: 1. Feast on our Finger-lickin’ […]

It’s officially summer and Key West continues to sizzle with events happening this June. School’s out and days grow longer giving you plenty of time to soak up the sun here in the sub-tropics. Dance, eat, swim and learn this month with our must-do’s list: Party With Pride Arguably one of the biggest events in […]

October: The month of body paint in Key West. You’re likely ready for the festival of debauchery, also known as Fantasy Fest, but we’re here to break down some other fun things to do in Key West this month.     1. Rocky Horror Picture Show Key West’s Waterfront Theater presents the cult classic Rocky […]

[button link=”/tours” icon=”calendar” palette_color=”red” is_target_blank=true label=”Find a Food Tour” large=true ] New year, same island. Kick off the season with outdoor festivals and jam packed foodie events ranging from the Key West Food & Wine Festival to races on land and sea. Don’t miss the hottest events happening in Key West this January. 1. Key […]

[button link=”/tours” icon=”calendar” palette_color=”red” is_target_blank=true label=”Find a Food Tour” large=true ] Winter in Key West means outdoor activities. With average February temps at a brisk 76 degrees (sorry to rub it in), we’ve got no reason to stay indoors with our a/c on. February is peak high season here on the island, which means plenty […]

  [button link=”/tours” icon=”calendar” palette_color=”red” is_target_blank=true label=”Find a Tour” large=true ]   The high season is officially kicking off in Key West, and the snowbirds are starting to migrate south. This November is jam-packed with fun events of music, culture, food and boats. We’d hate for you to miss out on anything, so we collected […]

  As always, our focus at UpLevel is on our community. We were thrilled to hear from operators in four countries at this Town Hall about the challenges and successes they’ve had with their own corporate tour endeavors. This open exchange of ideas to help each other flourish is what UpLevel is all about. Key […]

Because of the influx of immigrants working in Key West and Tampa cigar factories, a quick, affordable lunch was needed… The Cuban sandwich was born. The Cuban is a magical variation of a ham and cheese sandwich originating in cafes that catered to Cuban factory workers in Key West and Ybor City, Tampa–two early Cuban […]

10pm is closing time for many of our local Key West restaurants, so what happens if guests arrive late, are hungry due to a time change, or just woke up from their post-happy-hour nap? Well, no need to panic! There are lovely late-night kitchens open about town, and only half of the list requires putting […]

The Florida Keys leave no shortage of exciting things for visitors to try. Whether you’re into amazing food, music, partying, relaxing, sailing, whatever it is, the Keys have it. With that in mind, here are five activities that are universally loved by visitors (we know because we get to hear about it!). Feeding the tarpon […]

With our pristine waters and magnificent sunsets, it’s no surprise any visitor or local is looking for the best place to indulge with a view. While there’s an abundance of great restaurants in town, there are just those few gems where you really are able to “take it all in”. Factoring in sand, water, and […]

We’re of the firm belief that there’s no bad time to visit Key West, but hey, we live here! Still, if you’re not familiar with the Keys, you may be wondering when is the best time to plan your visit for. Here’s a brief overview of the seasons, and what they have to offer. December […]

We are days away from the most colorful, creative, costumed (or barely clothed) Festival of Key West and it’s so close we can almost taste the drinks and smell the paint. Fantasy Fest isn’t something you accidentally arrive during the middle of without knowing (you already know from the hotel room price spike). So it’s […]

We don’t need too many excuses to throw a party, and celebrating the man, myth and legend Ernest Hemingway is a perfectly reasonable reason. Held every July, Hemingway Days is an annual festival held in Key West, Florida, celebrating the life and work of the famous American author who lived in Key West during the […]

The Best Cuban Food Spots in Key West Key West is only 105 miles from Havana, Cuba. To put that in perspective, a flight to from Key West International Airport to Cuba would take less than 15 minutes. With that level of proximity, it’s no surprise that some really authentic Cuban food has made its […]

The Best Team Building Activities in Key West! Whether you’re planning a conference, sales incentive vacation, or just an off-site work trip, Key West should be in your short list of destinations. It’s time to log out and spend some time with your team OUT OF OFFICE. If you are looking for unique ways to […]

“Is a four mile by two mile island really a place to take food tour? How many restaurants could Key West possibly have? How could a tiny island be considered a foodie mecca?” You might be asking yourself these questions as you scroll through travel & review websites looking for places to make your dining […]

COVID-19 has really botched up 2020 pretty good, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that your vacation has to cancel. Take in deep (mask-free) breaths on these great outdoor activities during your next Key West trip. Don’t have a trip to Key West in the works? Time to book those flights! 1. Walk the docks on […]

Announcing The Historic Seaport Food & Cultural Walking Tour PRESS RELEASE Key West Food Tours Replaces its “Seafood Lover’s Tour” with the More Inclusive “Historic Seaport Food & Cultural Walking Tour” KEY WEST, July 22th, 2020, Key West Food Tours announces the launch of The Historic Seaport Tour as a redesign and replacement of its 2017 […]

1. Key Lime Martini   Not everyone wants their key lime in pie form…some like to sip it! This boozy treat will have you forgetting all worries, what time it is, and general responsibility until the last drop. Unless, you made a batch, then it’s time for round two! Ingredients 3 1/2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice 1/2 C. 4 […]

If you’ve ever been on our Southernmost Food Tour, then you’ve had the pleasure of biting into a fresh, vibrant, locally-caught fish taco from Bad Boy Burrito. This tasty stop is the tour’s highlight of our local seafood which ranges from Caribbean lobster and Stone crab, to our famed Key West Pink Shrimp. But, if […]

  Here at Key West Food Tours, we ONLY eat seafood…as in, we SEE food and we eat it, so of course, you can expect to see us at the upcoming 14th Annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival this January, 2021. This two-day celebration of the bounty of the sea goes on Saturday, AND Sunday, at Bayview […]

We don’t just make great food and pour good drinks, Key West makes original and authentic products that you can take home with you. So put the generic $5.00 printed t-shirt down and fill your extra luggage space with these hand-made goods from locally owned shops. Kino’s Sandals Who doesn’t love a hand-made leather sandal, […]

The kids are out of school. The tank tops, flip flops, shoulders, and thighs are out of hiding. Summer is here and the living is easy! It’s especially easy to find a reason to visit the bottom of the Florida Keys when you take a look at these HOT summer events happening right here in […]

If you’re a first-timer to Key West, or a “virgin” as some of the locals have termed it, then you get a free pass to spend your entire vacation strolling, boozing, and people watching your way up and down Duval Street. But, as a “repeat offender,” you should know Key West offers so much more […]

So you’ve made it here for the holidays. However, to many on vacation, cooking a holiday dinner doesn’t sound like an appealing past time in paradise…or maybe it’s just that your hotel room’s kitchen can only boast as far as a coffee pot and microwave. Whatever the reason, there are much more skilled (or at […]

Down here in the Florida Keys we love celebrating the things that make our islands unique. Tropical fruits, eccentrics, people & pie.  Sums it up, doesn’t it? Our celebrations are fun, wacky & unforgettable. Our people are too. Which leads us to Key Lime Festival: America’s favorite citrus celebration! If you happen to be traveling […]

Meet Robert Tracy (aka “Tracy” as he goes by his last name)! He is KWFT’s dedicated Southernmost Food Tour guide, a true born-and-raised island local, and our little mexican jumping bean! A natural in the spotlight, Tracy has given the tour his own twist taking guests around on what he refers to as “The Tracy […]

Hotel, motel, Holiday Inn? It’s hard to discern where to stay, when hotels, rental homes, and bed and breakfasts are around every corner! So we’ve slept our way around town (no it’s not what you’re thinking, but) to compile a list of the best places to rest your head upon your next Key West vacay! […]

Whether you’re a cruise addict or you’re planning your very first venture out on the seas, most people can agree that cruising isn’t considered traveling unless you get off the boat. Cruising is the all-inclusive-resort of the ocean. A floating party, if you will. There can be nothing more relaxing and rejuvenating than having all […]

Announcing The Cocktail Crawl Launch PRESS RELEASE Key West Food Tours Launches NEW Upscale Bar Crawl! KEY WEST, April 13th, 2018, Key West Food Tours announces the launch of their Cocktail Crawl. On its third and newest excursion, Key West Food Tours veers vacationing drinkers on a new path along infamous Duval Street away from […]

There’s a lifetime of unbelievable meals in Key West. How does a tourist even get started? While there are more options than you can likely fit into a single trip (unless you stick around for 3 months!), you’d be in pretty good shape if you get these five meals on your list: Stone Crabs Where: […]

There are over 315 restaurants here on our tiny 2 mile by 4 mile island…So where do you decide to dine on your precious few days here? Good news is, with such high competition, you’re likely to sit down anywhere to a good meal, but why settle for good when you can have GREAT?! Well, […]

Every well-versed traveler knows to keep an eye on the locals—they’re the ones who live there day in and day out and know how not to fall for the tourist trap destinations and instead experience the place in an authentic way. Here are four suggestions that should help you experience Key West like a local! […]

Looking for a Key West foodie check-list for your next visit? Huffington Post’s 10 Delicious Reasons You Should Be in Key West Right Now, an article written almost 3 years ago, still rings perfectly true today, but there’s FAR more than 10 Delicious Reasons to be in Key West! If you’ve been here before, you could […]

Don’t skimp on shrimp. We don’t call our local shrimp “pink gold” for nothing. These babies are sweet, juicy, succulent, and bigger than normal. On top of that, while most shrimp come out of the water white or brown (and turn pink while cooking), our local Key West pink shrimp come fresh out of the […]

  Because most visitors to Key West perceive us as having a seafood oriented cuisine, few realize the impact Cuba has made on our cooking. Ask any local for a great restaurant and he refers you instead to a great cuisine: Cuban. Now that you get the logic that Cuba has always been only 90 […]

Mini lobster season is about to kick off in the Florida Keys, and man are we ready to get our hands on some fresh Florida lobster!  The 2-day spiny lobster event is always the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July, with the regular season opening August 6th and ending March 31st. Mini season started […]

THIS MONDAY, Oct 23rd, Key West Food Tours is bewitching guests with two transfixing hours of cocktails and costumes down Fantasy Fest lane! This spellbinding tour includes so many goodies, it’ll have you JUMPING with FEAR……ummm, we mean “JOY!” Here are the Top 5 Reasons this Tour is NOT to Miss! 1. Each Tantalizing Tonic […]

“Irma-kay, guys.”—Key West, Florida Irma was no joke. The news you heard from frantic weathermen wasn’t wrong, just…exaggerated. We get it–disaster sells, but in all honesty Key West came out #blessed and is sitting pretty pretty. Now, more than ever, the wild, wacky, wonderful, tropical paradise needs you to know that we are up and […]

Announcing The Seafood Lover’s Tour Launch PRESS RELEASE Key West Food Tours Launches The Seafood Lover’s Tasting & Cultural Walking Tour    KEY WEST, July 30th, 2017, Key West Food Tours announces the launch of Seafood Lover’s Tasting & Cultural Walking Tour. On its second and newest culinary excursion, Key West Food Tours takes seafood […]

Ahh, Rum. The Pirate’s drink of choice. So it makes sense that Key West, a city of modern-day pirates, would have their own distilleries… 3 in fact! But, lucky for our beer-drinking day-trippers, The Rock also features two significant breweries that are equally as delicious. One of the best ways to help your hometown homies […]

Meet Nick Soto! Born and raised in Key West, Nick gives the tour a local peek into the life of a Conch. He’s had a long-lasting love affair with all things food, and has worked in the front and back of the house in restaurants both here and Boston. We asked him a few questions about […]

  Meet Shannon McRae! She is Key West Food Tour’s social media coordinator, guide, and first official hire! A natural in the spotlight, Shannon has given the tour her own twist diving head first into the Key West community. We asked her a few questions about the tour, Key West, and what makes this South […]

You’ve spent all this money to get down to Key West and now, (what?!?) the tanned, South Florida weatherman is calling for RAIN?!?! First of all, we have a saying down here, “If you don’t like the weather, wait half an hour.” But, that doesn’t mean everyday in the Sunshine State is a sunny one. […]

Meet Analise Smith! She is Key West Food Tour’s Wonder Woman! A Jill-of-all-trades, Analise designed the tour, developed the brand, and is the driving force behind building our company from the ground up. We asked her a few questions about the tour, Key West, and what makes the entrepreneur tick, here’s what she said… What […]

In the “Irish wake” of Saint Patrick’s Day, when the amateur drinkers go pro or go home, we take note of the new stains we’ve managed to add to our beloved green shirts and how the hangovers seem to get harder every year. But not every lucky tourist can be in Key West, Florida on […]

In the wake of the 55th Annual Key West Conch Blowing Competition, we thought it appropriate to share some sage island wisdom about the Caribbean Queen conch and all its rich history, uses, and styles of preparations. Starting from the beginning, “conch” (pronounced “konk”), said incorrectly, is the very first indication that you are a fish […]