| Key West Travel Guide - Visitor Information for Key West, FL in the Florida Keys

Sandy’s Cafe

David Dlugitch — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 18:41:38 +0000

Coffee and Cuban sandwich shop popular with locals looking for an affordable to-go meal

If you are looking for a low cost to-go meal, Sandy’s Cafe is a convenient carry-out cafe popular with locals in Key West.

With its iconic red and white striped awnings, walk-up window service on White Street, and long line of working locals waiting for the inexpensive and satisfying sandwiches and coffee, Sandy’s Cafe is, one could say, a Key West institution. Each morning Sandy’s serves a steady stream of cops, city workers, tradesmen, and service industry folks – a testament to its consistency, affordability, and hearty servings.

Attached to M&M laundromat (for a long time, this cafe was known as M&M’s) and decidedly humble, the cooks at Sandy’s quickly prepare Cuban pressed sandwiches served on fresh Cuban bread and toasted in a panini press. Favorites include the breakfast sandwiches and the Cuban Mix – the unofficial sandwich of Key West and packed with sliced ham, pork, Swiss cheese, and pickles.

Cuban coffee is served. Strong espresso can be ordered in numerous sizes: the tiny and economical “bucci” is a bit bigger than a thimble’s worth, a “colada” is four-times as much. Most popular is “cafe con leche,” the Cuban version of the Italian latte: espresso with steamed milk.

Sandy’s stays open late-night and is a popular place for an after-Duval Street snack. You’re sure to meet a local.

Location: 1026 White Street

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 5am – 12am/midnight Friday, Saturday open 24 hours

Phone: 305-295-0159 (FREE DELIVERY

Sandy’s Cafe Menu

Sandwiches

All sandwiches served on Cuban Bread. Also available on white or wheat.
Served with French fries or hash brown. Choice of cheese: American, Swiss, & Cheddar. Extra meat $3; extra lettuce, tomato or onion $.75; extra cheese $.50

Cuban Mix – Ham, pork, salami, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, mustard, mayo – $8.99
Sandy’s – Ham, pork, salami, bacon, turkey, American cheese, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, mustard, mayo – $10.99
Fish, Grilled or Fried – Lettuce, tomato, mayo, onion, pickles, mustard, tartar sauce – $10.99
Pork – Shredded roast pork, onion, lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo, mustard – $8.99
Steak – Chopped and grilled palomilla steak, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mayo, mustard, choice of cheese – $8.99
Ham & Cheese – Grilled ham, lettuce, tomato, pickles, mustard, your choice of cheese – $7.99
Turkey – Grilled turkey, lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo, mustard, your choice of cheese – $8.99
Buffalo Chicken Breast, Grilled or Fried – Lettuce, tomato, blue cheese, buffalo sauce – $8.99
Chicken Breast, Grilled or Fried – Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, mayo, mustard, your choice of cheese – $8.99
American Burger – Lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo, mustard, red onion, your choice of cheese, served on white bun – $7.99
Cuban Burger – Hamburger on Cuban bread, lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo, mustard, onions – $8.99
Midnight – Ham, pork, salami, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, mustard, mayo, served on sweet roll – $7.99
Vegetarian – Lettuce, tomato, green pepper, mushrooms, pickles, mayo, mustard, your choice of cheese – $6.99
Tuna Salad – Lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo, mustard, tuna salad – $7.99
Egg Salad – Lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo, mustard, gourmet egg salad – $6.99
BLT – Bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo – $7.99
Egg & Cheese – $6.99
Egg & Ham, Bacon, or Sausage – $7.99
Steak & Egg – $8.99
Plain or Sesame Bagel – $1.99 (with cream cheese $2.99)

Breakfast Platters

Western Omelet with Hash Brown & Bread – 3 eggs, cheese, ham, bacon, onions, green peppers, tomato – $8.99
All-American Omelet with Hash Brown & Bread – 3 eggs, cheese, ham, bacon – $8.59
Ham & Cheese Omelet with Hash Brown & Bread – 3 eggs, cheese, ham – $7.99
Chicken Fajita Omelet with Hash Brown & Bread – 3 eggs, chicken breast, cheddar cheese, onions, green peppers, sour cream, homemade salsa – $9.99
Steak Fajita Omelet with Hash Brown & Bread – 3 eggs, steak, cheddar cheese, onions, green peppers, sour cream, homemade salsa – $9.99
Breakfast Special Platter with Bread – 2 eggs, choice of bacon, sausage or ham, and choice of grits, fries, refried beans, hash brown – $7.99
Huevos a la Mexicana with 3 Corn Tortillas – 2 scrambled eggs, onions, jalapeno peppers, tomato, rice, refried – $8.99
Huevos Rancheros – 2 fried eggs, served on top of tortilla with homemade red sauce, cilantro, cheddar cheese, rice refried beans – $8.99
Huevos con Chorizo with 3 Corn Tortillas – 2 scrambled eggs, Mexican sausage, rice, refried beans – $8.99
Veggie Omelet with Hash Brown & Bread – Onions, green peppers, tomato, mushrooms, Swiss cheese – $7.99

Lunch & Dinner Platter

Served with yellow or white rice, black beans, plantains & bread, or French fries with a salad & bread
Extra meat $3; extra fillet $7; extra shrimp $1.50 each

Homemade Roast Pork – $11.99
Pork Chops – Two chops, grilled or fried – $12.99
Chicken Breast – Grilled or fried – $12.99
Picadillo – Ground beef Cuban style – $11.99
Palomilla Steak – Grilled or fried – $13.99
Hamburger Steak – With grilled onions & green peppers – $12.99
Fish Fillet – Grilled in garlic sauce or fried – $14.99
Shrimp – Eight shrimp grilled in garlic sauce or fried – $15.99

Specials of the Week

Served with rice, black beans, plantains & bread

Monday: Beef Stew – $8.99
Tuesday: Ropa Vieja – $9.99
Wednesday: Chicken Fricassee – $8.99
Thursday: BBQ Ribs – $9.99
Friday: Pepper Steak – $8.99

Local’s Picks

Willy’s Nachose – Chicken, steak, or Pastor pork, with jalapenos, tomato, onions, refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, cilantro, cheddar and nacho sauce – $13.99
Fish & Chips – 6 pieces served with fries – $8.99
Shrimp & Chips – 6 pieces served with fries – $8.99
Chicken Fingers & Chips – 6 pieces served with fries – $8.99
Tostones (6) – with homemade mojo – $3.99

Mexican Tacos – 3 tacos served with homemade salsa, guacamole & rice. Choice of tortilla: corn or flour

Steak or Chicken – Onions, green peppers, cilantro, cheddar cheese – $11.99
Mariachi – One steak, one chicken, and one pork taco, onions, green peppers, cilantro, cheddar cheese – $12.99
Pastor Pork & Mexican Spices, Onions, cilantro, cheddar cheese – $11.99
Alambre – Pastor pork, tomato, onions, green peppers, cilantro, cheddar cheese – $11.99
Fish or Shrimp – Onions, green peppers, cilantro, cheddar cheese – $13.99

Mexican Quesadillas – 12″ flour tortilla. Served with rice, sour cream on top & homemade tomatillo sauce on the side

Cheese – Grilled tortilla with cheddar cheese – $7.99
Ham – Cheddar cheese – $8.99
Steak or Chicken – Cheddar cheese – $10.99
Pastor Pork – Cheddar Cheese – $11.99
Fish or Shrimp – Onions, green peppers, cheddar cheese – $11.99

Mexican Burritos – 12″ flour tortilla. Served with rice, sour cream on top & homemade tomatillo sauce on the side

Steak or Chicken – Onions, green peppers, cheddar cheese, refried beans – $11.99
Pastor Pork – Onions, green peppers, cheddar cheese, refried beans – $11.99
Fish or Shrimp – Onions, green peppers, cheddar cheese, refried beans – $12.00
Vegetarian Burrito – Tomato, onions, green peppers, cheddar cheese, mushrooms, refried beans – $8.99

Mexican Sandwiches – Served with French fries

Steak or Chicken Fajita – Onions, green peppers, cheddar cheese, refried beans, guacamole – $9.99
Pastor Yucatan – Onions, green peppers, cheddar cheese, refried beans, guacamole – $9.99
Alambre Chihuahua – Pastor pork, tomato, onions, green peppers, refried beans, guacamole – $9.99

Fiesta Wraps – 12″ flour tortilla. Served with French fries or hash brown

Cuban Wrap – Ham, pork, salami, Swiss cheese, mayo, mustard, pickle, lettuce, tomato – $8.99
Chipolte Burger Wrap – Chipolte dressing, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, red onion – $8.99
Roast Pork Wrap – Lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo – $8.99
Steak Wrap – Lettuce, tomato, onion, cheddar cheese, green pepper – $8.99
Fish Fillet Wrap – Grilled or Fried – Lettuce, tomato, onion, tarter sauce – $10.99
Shrimp Wrap – Grilled or Fried – Lettuce, tomato, onion, tarter sauce – $10.99
Chicken Wrap – Grilled or Fried – Lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo – $9.99
Buffalo Chicken Wrap – Grilled or Fried – Lettuce, tomato, buffalo sauce, blue cheese – $9.99

Sandy’s Salads – Dressings: Homemade garlic, homemade chipolte, Italian, blue cheese, & ranch. Extra dressing $.99

Tossed Salad – Spring mix, tomato, red onions, cucumbers, green peppers – $6.99
Chef’s Salad – Spring mix, tomato, red onions, cucumbers, green peppers, hard-boiled egg, shredded cheese, American cheese wrapped in ham and turkey – $9.99
Grilled Chicken Salad – Spring mix, tomato, red onions, cucumbers, green peppers – $10.99
Steak or Chicken Southwest Salad – Spring mix, corn, black beans, chopped red onion, chopped tomatoes, tortilla strips, cilantro, cheddar cheese, sour cream and southwest dressing – $10.99

Homemade Soups – All homemade. Served with Cuban bread

Chicken Noodle – 16-ounce, with cilantro – $7.99
Black Bean – 16-ounce, contains no meat – $6.99
White Bean – 16-ounce – $7.99

Breakfast Sweets – Served only from 6am to 11am

Pancakes – 3 buttermilk pancakes – $4.99
French Toast – 3 homestyle triangular slices – $4.99

Breakfast Wraps – 12″ flour tortilla. Served with French fries or hash brown

Sausage, Egg & Cheddar Cheese – $7.59
Bacon, Egg & Cheddar Cheese – $7.59
Ham, Egg & Cheddar Cheese – $7.59
Steak, Egg & Cheddar Cheese – $8.59
Turkey, Egg & Cheddar Cheese – $8.59

Sandy’s Desserts

Homemade Key Lime Pie – $4.99
Homemade Rice Pudding – $4.29
Homemade Flan – $4.29
Homemade Bread Pudding – $2.99
Tiramisu – $4.99

Side Orders

Pan con Croqueta – Four ham croquettes on Cuban bread, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayo – $5.99
Cuban Bread with Butter – $.99
Cheese Toast – $1.99
Cheese Toast with Bacon, Ham, or Sausage – $3.99
Cuban Bread with Guava Cream Cheese – $2.99
Homemade Guacamole – 2oz $1.99, 4oz $3.99
French Fries – $2.99
Cheese Fries – $3.99
Sweet Plantains (8) – $3.99
Rice & Beans with Bread & Plantains – $6.99
Salsa, Guacamole & Chips – $6.99
Bacon – $3.99
Sausage – $3.99
Ham – $3.99
Grits (16oz) – $3.79
Grits (16oz) with American Cheese – $4.29
Homemade Habanero – $.99
Jalapenos (2oz) – $.99
Cheddar Cheese (2oz) – $.99
Hash Brown – $1.59
Ham Croquette – $.99
Pastries – Guava, cream cheese, or guava & cream cheese – $1.59
Pico de Gallo – 2oz $1.99, 4oz $2.99
Refried Bean – 8oz $3.99
Warm Croissant – $2

Drinks

Buchi (Espresso) – $.89
Colada – $2.99
1/2 Colada (Double Buchi) – $2.09
Cortadito – $2.59
Cafe Con Leche – small $2.09, medium $2.69, large $3.09
American Coffee – small $1.49, medium $1.79, large $1.99
Hot Tea – small $1.49, medium $1.79, large $1.99
Hot Chocolate – small $2.09, medium $2.69, large $3.09
Cold Soda – $1.09
Milk – $2.59
Chocolate Milk – $2.59
Orange Juice – $2.99
Apple Juice – $2.29
Water – $1.29
Gatorade – $2.59
Malta – $2.59

El Meson de Pepe

David Dlugitch — Thu, 09 May 2013 19:09:58 +0000

Cuban restaurant located on Mallory Square serving traditional cuisine.

Located on Mallory Square & serving an excellent version of a mojito, a Cuban cocktail.

The cuisine of Cuba quickly became a part of Key West’s food heritage when Cuba families began to settle on the island in the 1860’s. The food served in Key West homes and restaurants was excellent, but lacked the spice and zesty flavorings the Cubans brought with them. Non Cubans on the island began including Cuban recipes in their daily menus, happy to find new tastes and flavors on their dinner tables. The highly seasoned but not too spicy Cuban food was welcoming change.

The special aromas, so much a part of old Key West and other Cuban communities are still here. The smell of the fragrant tobacco of fresh Cuban cigars pervades the air, mingling with that of pungent garlic, onions, Spanish olive oils and other mouth watering scents from the kitchen of El Meson de Pepe’s, a restaurant serving Cuban specialties on the outdoor verandah and the “garden” cistern area.

Accompanied by chunks of fresh lime, or marinated in the juice of a sour orange, seafood is served in a variety of ways – the favorite being the traditional saffron flavored “paella”.

Location: 410 Wall Street (on Mallory Square)

Hours: Open every day, 11am – 10pm

Phone: (305) 295-2620

5 Brothers Grocery & Sandwich Shop

David Dlugitch — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:39:16 +0000

Pressed sandwiches on Cuban bread and strong Cuban coffee at this local’s favorite.

A true locals’ favorite for breakfast and lunch, 5 Brothers is an Old Town institution.

5 Brothers Grocery and Sandwich shop is located on a corner in Old Town Key West. There you will find a tiny store packed with products – many of which are used in the preparation of their homemade food. This is a friendly place where city workers, police, tradesmen, and Old Town residents mingle, grab a newspaper, and enjoy some of the most satisfying sandwiches.

Each morning the local crowd pours in for the best Cuban coffee and breakfast sandwiches. The cafe con leche (Cuban espresso with steamed milk) is strong and flavorful. Enjoy it with a Cuban cheese toast or other breakfast sandwich and you’ll know why it seems that all of Old Town frequents this little shop.

If it is busy, and usually it is, a coffee line forms on the left side. If you don’t want coffee, head over to the cash register and place your order. 5 Brothers serves one of the best Cuban Mixes on the island – a sandwich with ham, pork, swiss, lettuce, tomato, mustard, and mayo served on Cuban bread and pressed & toasted on a hot press machine.

Location: 930 Southard Street

Hours: Open Monday to Saturday

5 Brothers Menu

Breakfast
• Cuban Toast – $0.85
• Cheese Toast – $1.85
• Cheese & Tomato – $2.10
• Egg & Bacon – $3.25
• Egg – $2.50
• Egg & Cheese – $3.10
• Ham & Egg – $3.45
• Bacon & Egg – $3.95
• Steak & Egg – $6.25

Pastry
• Guava – $0.50
• Cheese – $0.75
• Guava & Cheese – $0.75
• Muffins – $1.00

Coffee
• Cafe Con Leche – $0.75 small, $1.25 medium, $1.50 large, $2.00 ex-large
• Espresso – $0.50 small (buchi), $0.75 medium (double bucki), $1.50 large (colada)
• Cortadito – $0.75

Sandwiches
• Cuban Mix – ham, pork, salami, Swiss cheese, lettuce, and pickles – $4.75
• Veggie Mix – lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and Swiss cheese – $4.00
• Midnight – ham, pork, Swiss cheese, and pickles – $4.50
• Ham & Cheese Sandwich – ham, Swiss cheese, lettuce, and pickles – $4.25
• Steak Sandwich – sliced palomilla steak, lettuce, onions, and pickles – $5.75
• Pork Sandwich – slices roast pork, lettuce, onions, and pickles – $5.75
• BBQ Pork Sandwich – on Cuban bread or bun – $5.25
• Roast Beef Sandwich – sliced roast beef, lettuce, onions, and pickles – $5.75
• Turkey Sandwich – sliced turkey breast, lettuce, onions, and pickles – $5.25
• Tuna Sandwich – plain tuna, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles – $4.25
• Hamburger – lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles – $3.75
• Cheeseburger – lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles – $3.95
• Bacon Cheeseburger – lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles – $4.95
• Veggie Burgers – lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles – $3.75
• Frita Cubana – onions, ketchup, and potato sticks – $3.25
• B.L.T. – bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes – $3.85
• Fried Grouper Sandwich – lettuce, tomatoes, onions, mayo – $6.75
• Fried Chicken Sandwich – lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and mayo – $4.95

Side Orders
• Bollos – $4.00/$2.00
• Conch Fritters – $7.25/$3.75
• French Fries – $1.25
• Yuca Fries – $1.75
• Sweet Potato Fries – $1.50
• Ham Croquettes – $0.60
• Empanadas – $2.00
• Papa Rellenas – $1.75
• Jamaican Patties – $1.75

Daily Soups
(small $3.00, large $3.95)
• Monday – Chicken
• Tuesday – White Beans
• Wednesday – Red Beans
• Thursday – Garbanzo
• Friday – Grouper Chowder

Lunch Specials
(all served with white rice, plantains or yuca)
• Monday – Picadillo with Black Beans – $6.95
• Tuesday – Ropa Vieja with White Beans – $6.95
• Wednesday – Beef Stew with Red Beans – $6.95
• Thursday – Chicken Fricasse with Garbonzo Beans – $6.95
• Friday – Ox-tail or Grouper/Moro – $8.95

El Siboney

David Dlugitch — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:19:56 +0000

Traditional Cuban cuisine from this neighborhood institution.

Located in a quite Old Town neighborhood, this casual restaurant serves some of the island’s best Cuban food.

One could say that Key West is surrounded by Cuba. Certainly to our south is the island Cuba, only 90 miles from Key West. But also to our north, on the mainland of Florida, is the largest Cuban American community in the United States.

For Key West, the epicenter of good Cuban food is El Siboney. A modest building tucked among Old Town streets, this restaurant serves delicious and traditional Cuban cuisine. Favorites include Paella, Arroz con Pollo (Chicken & Rice), Cuban Mix sandwiches, and other Cuban creations.

Hours: Open Monday-Saturday 11:00 am to 9:30 pm

Location: 900 Catherine Street (corner of Margaret St.)

El Siboney Restaurant Menu

Main Entrees
All entrees served with choice of Yellow or White Rice with Black Beans, Sweet Plantain, and Cuban Bread OR French Fries, Salad, and Cuban Bread

Pork
Roast Pork – Puerco asado – $9.50
Fried Pork Chunks – Masa de puerco fritas – $9.50
Roast Pork, Casava, Tamale – Puerco asado, yuca, tamale – $9.50
Breaded Pork Chops – Chuletas de puerco a la plancha – $10.50
Grilled Pork Chops – Chuletas de puerco a la plancha – $10.50
Grilled Pork Tenderloin – Filete de puerco a la plancha – $14.50

Beef
Siboney Steak – Skirt Steak – $14.50
Palomilla Steak – Bistec de Palomilla – $12.50
Hamburger Steak – Bistec de Hamburger – $9.50
Breaded Palomilla Steak – Bistec de Palomilla empanizada – $11.50
T-Bone Steak – Bistec T-Bone – $16.50
Delmonico Steak – Bistec Delmonico – $14.50
Ham Steak – Bistec de Jamon – $9.50
Liver Steak – Bistec de Higado – $9.50
Liver Italian Style – Higado a la Italiana – $10.50
Vaca Frita – Grilled Shredded Beef – $10.50
Ropa Vieja – Shredded Beef – $10.50
Picadillo – Ground Beef – Picadillo – $8.50
Cuban Roast Beef – Boliche Asado – $10.50

Seafood
Butterfly Yellowtail – Rabirubia Empanizada – $15.95
Breaded Grouper Filet – Filete de Cherna Empanizada – $12.95
Grilled Mahi-Mahi – Dorado a la Plancha – $13.95
Stuffed Crab – Cangregio relleno – $9.95
Grilled Snapper Fillet – $13.95

Chicken
Grilled Chicken Salad – $10.50
Half Roast Chicken – Pollo Asado – $9.50
Half Grilled Garlic Chicken – Medio Pollo a la Plancha – $9.50
Half Fried Chicken – Medio Pollo Frito – $9.50
Half Barbeque Chicken – Medio Pollo Barbeque – $9.50
Grilled Chicken Breast – Pechuga de Pollo a la Plancha – $11.50
Paella Valencia – minimum 2 persons, please allow 1 hour – $19.95 per person

Sandwiches
Cuban Mix – $5.50
Ham and Cheese – $4.50
Boliche – $5.95
Pork – $6.50
Steak – $6.50
Fish – $6.50
Hamburger – $2.75
Cheeseburger – $2.95
Chicken – $3.75

Side Orders
Conch Chowder – cup $2.95, bowl $3.95
Chicken Soup – cup $1.95, bowl $2.95
French Fries – $1.95
Plantanos Maduros – $2.75
Tostones – $3.50
Two Fried Eggs – $2.25
Croquettas – $2.95
Yuca Frita – $2.95
Yuca – $2.95
Tamala – $3.75
Salad – $3.25
Rice – $1.95
Black Beans – cup $1.95, bowl $2.95
Moros – $2.50
Chicken Fingers – $3.95

Beverages
Jumipa/IronBeer/Matelva – $1.50
Root Beer – $1.50
Coke, Sprite, Diet Coke, Fanta Orange – $1.50
Lemonade – $1.50
Cafe con Leche – $1.75
Cafe Espresso – $0.85
Orange Juice – $1.95
Milk – $1.50
Iced Tea – $1.50
Bottled Water – $1.50
American Coffee – $1.50
Imported Beer – $3.50
House Wines – Chablis/Blush/Rose/Burgundy – Pitcher $12.95, Half Pitcher $9.95, Glass $2.95
Homemade Sangria – Pitcher $12.95, Half Pitcher $9.95, Glass $2.95
Desserts
Key Lime Pie – $3.25
Natilla – $1.95
Rice Pudding – $2.25
Flad – $2.95
Guava Cheese Cake – $3.25

| Key West Travel Guide - Visitor Information for Key West, FL in the Florida Keys

Sandy’s Cafe

Food Menu

Coffee and Cuban sandwich shop popular with locals looking for an affordable to-go meal

Sandy’s Cafe Menu

El Meson de Pepe

Food Menu

Cuban restaurant located on Mallory Square serving traditional cuisine.

5 Brothers Grocery & Sandwich Shop

Food Menu

Pressed sandwiches on Cuban bread and strong Cuban coffee at this local’s favorite.

5 Brothers Menu

El Siboney

Food Menu

Traditional Cuban cuisine from this neighborhood institution.

El Siboney Restaurant Menu