Kennedy Cafe is a mediterranean budget eat in New Town, Key West.
Editorially verified August 22, 2026 by Lewis Vaughan, TableJourney editor. Source.
Tip: It is a locals' strip-mall room away from Old Town, and one of the few island kitchens open past 23:00.
Address: 924 Kennedy Drive, Key West, FL 33040
Mam's Best Food fills pitas with made-to-order falafel and shawarma under a Petronia Street tent, honest Israeli plates at Key West's kindest prices.
Try: Falafel in pita
Tip: It closes for Shabbat every Saturday and queues build in Jewish holiday weeks; the falafel and shawarma are made to order.
Cuban Coffee Queen pairs pressed sandwiches with dollar-scale Cuban coffee at its Key West Bight window, breakfast and lunch for pocket change.
Try: Pressed Cuban sandwich and con leche
Tip: Five windows now operate across Key West, including a roastery at 6 Key Lime Square; the Margaret Street original keeps the mural queue.
Sandy's Cafe is Key West's cheapest good lunch, a laundromat window on White Street pressing Cuban mixes and pouring con leche from 05:00 every day.
Try: Cuban mix and cafe con leche
Tip: Order at the window, eat on the stools facing the street; the buchi shot is the fastest caffeine on the island.
5 Brothers Grocery feeds Old Town Key West on corner-store prices, pressing Cuban mixes and frying bollos at Southard and Grinnell since 1978.
Try: Cuban mix, con leche and bollos
Tip: The Bench Crew of regulars holds court outside each morning; come before the 06:30 rush clears the pastry case.
El Siboney plates Key West's biggest-value Cuban dinners on Catherine Street, roast pork with rice and beans at prices locals still recognise.
Try: Roast pork, rice and beans
Tip: The Paella Valenciana needs at least an hour's notice, so call ahead if you want it; everything else moves fast.
Frita's Cuban Burger Cafe keeps a Key West lunch under $15 with Havana-style fritas, tacos and yuca fries on a bright patio just off Southard Street.
Try: Traditional frita
Tip: Owner Marcia Weaver built the recipe on trips to Cuba; the churros and Cuban coffee finish the meal properly.
