Just a short drive from Key West, you’ll find Stock Island, a place with a vibe all its own. Stock Island is less about the tourist hustle and bustle and more about a laid-back, authentic Florida Keys experience. And it’s becoming a real destination for food lovers.
The restaurant scene on Stock Island is booming, with everything from casual seafood shacks to upscale waterfront dining. You can find just about any kind of food you’re in the mood for, and the atmosphere ranges from lively and fun to relaxed and romantic.
This guide is all about helping you discover the best restaurants in Stock Island. We’ve chosen places that stand out for their delicious food, excellent service, and overall ambiance. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a special night out, we’ve got you covered. We want you to have a memorable dining experience and discover some hidden gems.
Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar: Coastal Comfort with a View
If you’re looking for a relaxed but refined dining experience with a great view, Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar is a great option.
Ambiance and Atmosphere
Located right on the waterfront, Matt’s offers stunning marina views. You can sit outside and enjoy the fire pits or relax in the thoughtfully designed interior.
Whether you’re dressed casually or looking for something a bit more upscale, you’ll feel right at home in Matt’s relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
Cuisine and Menu Highlights
Matt’s features “American Coastal Comfort Cuisine” with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, and the menus change seasonally.
Here are a few things you might find on the menu:
- Breakfast: Bananas Foster French Toast, Wild Berry Pancakes, Chicken and Waffles
- Dessert: Key Lime Bread Pudding, Chocolate Crème Brûlée, Beignets
Matt’s also offers special menus for holidays like Easter and Mother’s Day.
Drinks and Cocktails
The bar menu features a wide selection of wines, beers, and signature cocktails, including some unique and locally sourced options.
Here are a few signature cocktails you might want to try:
- Perry’s Mary
- Aperol Spritz
- Strawberry Basil Lemonade
- Irish Coffee
- Hannah Banana
Important Information
Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Check their website for specific hours.
Keep in mind that parties of six or more will be charged a 20% gratuity.
Reservations are recommended, especially for brunch and dinner.
Other Notable Restaurants on Stock Island
Stock Island might be a little less well-known than Key West itself, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in great places to eat. Here are a few more restaurants you might want to try:
The Docks Restaurant
The Docks Restaurant offers a relaxed, casual dining experience with beautiful waterfront views. They frequently feature live music, and there’s a lively outdoor bar area. It’s the kind of place where you can kick back, relax, and enjoy the island vibe.
As you might expect, The Docks specializes in seafood, with an emphasis on local catches. Popular dishes include the grilled fish tacos, the seafood pasta, and their daily specials, which often feature fresh, seasonal ingredients. The conch fritters are also a must-try!
You can find The Docks Restaurant at 5051 Stock Island Marina Village, Key West. They’re open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season. You can make reservations by calling them directly.
Hogfish Bar & Grill
Hogfish Bar & Grill is a laid-back, dockside spot that’s popular with locals and tourists alike. It’s known for its open-air seating, friendly atmosphere, and authentic Key West vibe. It’s the kind of place where you can show up in flip-flops and feel right at home.
The menu focuses on fresh seafood, with the star attraction being the hogfish sandwich. Other popular dishes include the shrimp tacos, the conch ceviche, and the blackened mahi-mahi. They also have a great selection of local beers and tropical cocktails.
Hogfish Bar & Grill is located at 6810 Front St, Key West. They’re open daily for lunch and dinner. They don’t take reservations, so it’s best to arrive early, especially on weekends.
Roostica Wood-Fired Pizzeria
Roostica is a casual, family-friendly pizzeria known for its delicious wood-fired pizzas. The restaurant features a traditional wood-fired oven, and they offer both indoor and outdoor seating. It’s a great place to bring the kids or enjoy a casual meal with friends.
The menu features a variety of wood-fired pizzas with different toppings, as well as pasta dishes and salads. Popular pizzas include the Margherita, the pepperoni, and the “Roostica Special,” which features a combination of meats and vegetables. The garlic knots are also a crowd-pleaser.
Roostica Wood-Fired Pizzeria is located at Stock Island Marina Village 5620 MacDonald Ave, Key West. They’re open daily for lunch and dinner. They don’t take reservations.
Salty Oyster Dockside Bar & Grill
The Salty Oyster is a lively, waterfront bar and grill that’s known for its fresh oysters, seafood dishes, and classic bar fare. They often have live music, and there’s a bustling oyster bar where you can watch the shuckers at work. It’s a great place to grab a drink, enjoy some fresh seafood, and soak up the Key West atmosphere.
Popular dishes include the raw oysters, the peel-and-eat shrimp, the conch chowder, and the fish tacos. They also have a good selection of burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Be sure to try one of their signature cocktails!
The Salty Oyster Dockside Bar & Grill is located at 900 Palm Ave, Key West. They’re open daily for lunch and dinner. They don’t take reservations.
El Mocho
El Mocho is a small, family-owned restaurant that serves up authentic Cuban cuisine. It’s a no-frills kind of place, but the food is delicious and the prices are reasonable. It’s a great spot for a quick and satisfying meal.
The menu features all the Cuban classics, including Cuban sandwiches, roasted pork (lechon asado), plantains, and black beans and rice. Popular dishes include the ropa vieja (shredded beef in tomato sauce), the arroz con pollo (chicken and rice), and the Cubano sandwich. Don’t forget to try their cafe con leche!
El Mocho is located at 5700 4th Ave, Key West. Hours of operation are limited, and they’re closed on Sundays, so it’s best to call ahead to confirm their hours. They don’t take reservations.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Stock Island is a great place to find delicious food if you know where to look. Sure, there are plenty of well-known spots, but the real magic often lies in the smaller, less-publicized eateries. These “hidden gems” offer a more authentic taste of the island, a chance to connect with locals, and an experience you won’t find in the tourist traps. So, how do you find them?
Exploring Off-the-Beaten-Path Options
The key is to venture beyond the main drags and explore the side streets. Don’t be afraid to try a place that might not look fancy; sometimes, the best food comes from the most unassuming spots. To give you an idea of what you might find, here are a couple of examples (though keep in mind, these are just examples!).
Stock Island Provisions
Imagine a tiny bakery and cafe tucked away on a quiet corner. That’s Stock Island Provisions. The aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries wafts through the air, drawing you in. Everything is made from scratch with high-quality ingredients. They’re known for their flaky croissants, sourdough bread, and surprisingly delicious sandwiches. If you’re lucky, they’ll have their key lime pie available – a true taste of the Keys.
The Conch Shack
For a truly authentic island experience, seek out The Conch Shack. This isn’t your typical restaurant; it’s a casual, open-air shack serving up the freshest conch fritters you’ve ever tasted. The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly, and the flavors are bold and unforgettable. Don’t miss their daily specials, often featuring locally caught seafood prepared with a unique island twist. It’s the kind of place where you can kick back, relax, and enjoy the true taste of Stock Island.
Tips for Discovering Your Own Stock Island Culinary Treasures
Ready to embark on your own culinary adventure? Here’s some advice:
- Ask the locals: The best recommendations often come from the people who live and work on Stock Island. Strike up a conversation with a bartender, shop owner, or even a fellow tourist – they might just point you to your new favorite spot.
- Check online reviews and social media: Don’t rely solely on the big review sites. Look for smaller blogs, local forums, and social media groups dedicated to Stock Island. You might find hidden gems that haven’t been discovered by the masses yet.
- Be open to trying new things: Step outside your comfort zone and sample local specialties. You might discover a new favorite dish you never expected!
The best restaurants in Stock Island aren’t always the ones with the biggest signs or the most online buzz. Sometimes, the most memorable culinary experiences are found in the most unexpected places. So, get out there, explore, and discover your own Stock Island culinary treasures!
Closing Thoughts
Stock Island offers a dining experience unlike anywhere else in the Keys. You’ve got everything from upscale seafood joints with postcard views to funky dockside bars serving up fresh catches straight off the boat. The variety is part of the charm.
When choosing a restaurant, think about what kind of vibe you’re after. Are you looking for a romantic dinner, a casual lunch with friends, or a lively happy hour spot? Consider the type of cuisine you’re craving and, of course, your budget. Don’t forget to make reservations, especially during peak season!
Ultimately, the best way to find your favorite Stock Island restaurant is to get out there and explore. Wander around, talk to the locals, and try something new. You might just stumble upon a hidden gem that becomes your go-to spot. And remember, when you dine at these local establishments, you’re not just enjoying a great meal; you’re supporting the hardworking people who make Stock Island such a special place.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Stock Island, pack your appetite, and get ready to discover some truly unforgettable culinary experiences. You won’t regret it!