Make your next vacation destination America’s only tropical island, frost-free Key West. As a real Key West insider, I can help you get the most out of your vacation right from the start.
Here’s insider tip #1
Key West is home to the Conchs, the island’s original founders from Cuba. And no true Conch starts any day without Cuban coffee, called con leche. This is a dark Cuban coffee/milk combo that packs an a.m. punch. Key West has literally dozens of coffee shops, and most are worth a try. But for the very best Key West coffee experience, be sure to hit our favored foursome.
First up is Help Yourself, a funky organic foods favorite, located on the corner of Fleming and Margaret Streets. Try the house specialty: a great coconut milk cappuccino.
A short block or so away on Southard Street is another little corner enclave named 5 Brothers Grocery. Here you get true con leche with very strong, dark Cuban roast coffee and regular whole-milk half-and-half. Wait in line like a local and catch up on all the gossip on the 1959 Fighting Conchs baseball team. (Yup, they’re still talking about ’em.)
On to our third favorite, the café at The Restaurant Store, located at the end of White Street near Eaton Street. You’ll get great con leche and homemade bread right out of the kitchen. We’ve known the owners, Richard and Cathy, since we came to Key West, so you’ll be in good hands.
Fourth on our list, right across from Blue Heaven in Bahama Village, is our French friend Yolande’s La Crêperie. Ask for the cappuccino, and don’t miss out on the wonderful crêpes.
Enjoy our four favorite coffee stops, and have a super visit in Key West.
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