Key West and Cuban food
 

I'm going to key west in december and I'm very interested in eating cuban food while I'm there. I notice there are a few different restaurants. I'm interested in authentic cuban food (dont give me that fusion crap!) but I also would like home cooking at affordable prices. My parents are cuban so I know good cuban from bad cuban food! Any suggestions which one of the cuban places in key west fit that bill?

I'd recommend El Siboney. Not fancy, but a fun place to dine. I think it's cash only. Lots of locals, sort of off the tourist path, but seems to be getting more popular.

For carry out, Sandy's on White Street has awesome sandwiches and such, and people say the best cafe con leche.

Five Brothers is also said to have good carry out, but I've never stopped in there. I love walking by in the mornings though, there's always a bunch of men standing/sitting around drinking coffee.

The more expensive Cuban in town is El Meson de Pepe, right off Mallory Square. I've eaten there once, it was ok, but they do have live music and it's good people watching.

I hope you share your thoughts when you return. Although I enjoy Cuban food, I have to admit I don't know much about it.

El Siboney for sure!!!

this is a small neighborhood place far from the tourists. Not fancy but the food was great.

Jose's Cantina
800 White St
Key West

+1 for Jose's...

http://pjk.smugmug.com/photos/609726397_8Z4wD-M-1.jpg

And if you venture out White Street, go to 1116 to Mo's Hatian Cafe.

Pjk

El Siboney! Jean - they're taking credit cards now :)

Key West has a number of Cuban grocery stores like Five Brothers which offer sandwiches and a few daily specials to take out (ropa vieja would be typical). I love these, and Five Brothers is very accessible. You can eat on the bench outside, then go back in for a cortado.

Might as well add Ana's Cuban Deli on the corner of Simonton and South Streets.

Pjk

Awesome! Thanks for all the great suggestions!