Thanks to all the Facebook friends who responded when I requested restaurant recommendations in Key West. What follows is a sampling of the places where we did eat and dishes that I’d recommend.

Across from where we stayed on Stock Island is Roostica, a friendly place filled with a crowd and a great vibe at 4 pm when we went for Happy Hour. Don’t miss the hearty meatball sliders, 2 for $8. We would have returned if we had had enough time. Drinks good, too.

Roostica
5620 McDonald Avenue
Stock Island
305.296.4999

 

Walking on Duval Street, Key West’s main drag, we stopped at Sloppy Joe’s Bar — Ernest Hemingway’s watering hole — for a drink and nibble, sharing their nachos, covered in melted Cheddar Jack cheese-covered tortilla chips, with black beans, tomatoes, black olives, and jalapenos ($14.99). Delicious. If you go, say hi to Justin, our attentive, happy server.

Sloppy Joe’s Bar
201 Duval S
(305) 294-5717
sloppyjoes.com/ 

 

Wandering around town, we stopped at Santiago’s Bodega for Happy Hour tapas and the sparkling sangria suggested by a shop owner when she heard where we were heading. Reservations advised.

We sipped their sangria (pitcher happy hour price $25) and ate their tasty version of patatas brava ($9) containing still-crisp fried potatoes with olives, capers and tomatoes sprinkled with grated parmesan and served with chipotle aioli.  And their brandy flambéed saganaki ($12), halloumi cheese with pita bread.

Santiago’s Bodega
207 Petronia Street, Suite 101
(305) 296-7691
santiagosbodega.com

 

Do not miss Latitudes, the Sunset Key Cottages Key Resort restaurant. Reservations are a must. To get there, you board a boat from slip 29 for a quick ride to Sunset Key, the upscale restaurant surrounded by the sea. I highly recommend booking for one of the most serene dining settings!

Latitudes
245 Front Street
In Sunset Key Cottages Key Resort & Marina slip 29
(305) 292-5394
Latitudes

 

We drove in our bright red Mustang convertible north to see some of the other keys. After driving over the 7-mile bridge, we started looking for a place to eat and tripped over La Chapina, a Guatemalan restaurant celebrating its opening.  We liked the housemade garnachas ($11.99 for 3), the thick corn tortillas topped with ground beef, onion and salsa and served with cooked carrots and cabbage.

La Chapina
11524 Overseas Highway
Marathon, FL 33050

 

After a sunset cruise, we stopped into Margaritaville for a Margie and bite-to-eat in honor of Jimmy Buffet.  As you might expect, the margies were good.

Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville
500 Duval Street
margaritavillekeywest.com/

 

Blue Heaven, a casual outdoor restaurant, was on most lists. We ended up there for brunch, enjoying their shrimp and grits ($19).

Blue Heaven
729 Thomas Street
(305) 296-8666
blueheavenkw.com/