To answer that question, start at the end of the road. Head for the last of the “connected” islands (keys), where you will find Mile Marker Zero. Here you will also find the oldest restaurant in Key West and the Florida Keys.
Pepe’s Cafe is the oldest eating house and restaurant in Key West and the Florida Keys. Since 1909, this humble and historic eatery has served family-style favorites for locals, visitors, and even a former US President.
Pepe’s Cafe is a popular tourist destination, and it is known for its breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant serves a healthy variety of dishes, including eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, waffles, sandwiches, burgers, seafood, and steak. Pepe’s Cafe also has a full bar and offers a wide selection of cocktails, beer, and wine.
At Pepe’s Cafe & Steakhouse Key West, you will discover a meal for any time of the day. Watch for daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner specials and regular menu selections. Pepe’s is one of those Key West restaurants that keeps people coming back for more.
Grab a table in the covered outdoor area, belly up to the bar, or grab a comfortable booth inside. Interesting local and historical art and merchandise adorn the walls.
Breakfast at Pepe’s Cafe Key West
Keep an eye out for just prepared baked bread and freshly squeezed juices. Locals and guests rave a little and crave these choices too. Or that could be the mimosas and screwdrivers talking.
In Key West, breakfast at Pepe’s Cafe is from 7:30 until noon. Specials might include scallion pancakes, an incredible omelet, and other delightful options to start your day.
Have eggs with toast, a muffin, a bagel, or homemade bread. Tack on a little extra to add your favorite breakfast meat, home fries, grits, or a potato patty.
Choose between French Toast or Pancakes of different sizes and flavors.
Omelets, benedicts, smoked salmon, and more are always on the menu. Enjoy a side of fruit, yogurt, or granola. The choice is yours.
Pepe’s Cafe for Lunch
Pepe’s lunch menu (from noon to 5) features fresh Florida seafood appetizers, house-made soups, different salads with homemade dressings, and hearty sandwich entrees.
Sample local favorites and delicacies such as Key West Pink Shrimp, Stone Crab (seasonal Oct-May), Smoked fish dip, Oysters raw or baked, and a Fresh catch fish sandwich.
For the younger crowd, they offer grilled cheese, BLTs, burgers, and club sandwiches.
Pepe’s Key West Happy Hour and Menu
If Happy Hour with seafood is calling your name, Pepe’s can provide you with a few great options daily from 4-6 pm.
Raw oysters are half off. On my last visit, a dozen Oysters were less than eleven dollars coming in at .88 cents each.
Peel-and-eat shrimp (Key West Pinks) are available and also 50% off at this time.
Lastly, a generous, and I mean a mound that could be a meal in itself, is presented with the local smoked fish dip. Again, this is half-off during Pepe’s Happy Hour.
Pepe’s Key West Happy Hour offers $1.50 Yuengling on draft and $6 fresh squeezed classic Margaritas to quench your Happy Hour thirst.
In addition, you’ll find discounts on well drinks, select domestic bottles, and house wines (Cabernet was $5 per glass).
Dinner at Pepe’s Cafe and Steakhouse and Daily Specials
Dinner at Pepe’s is from 5-9:30 pm. Being a Steakhouse, you’ll discover tempting choices on the dinner and specials menu.
Filet mignon, Ribeye steaks, and New York Strips are all on the menu. Daily specials include a Seafood Trio, Black & Blue Ribeye, and Surf & Turf.
Weekly dinner specials at Pepe’s Key West are Meatloaf on Monday, Pasta on Wednesday, Thanksgiving Thursday, and Prime Rib Saturday.
Entrees come with your choice of two sides, and they have many to choose from.
On our last visit, we dabbled in some happy-hour oysters, margaritas, and red wine, then went for the Surf & Turf for the dinner special.
A five-ounce bacon-wrapped filet mignon and a seven-ounce Caribbean or spiny lobster tail came on a plate with asparagus and mashed potatoes. Our waitress also served us some warm, fresh-baked cornbread and butter.
It was a filling and delicious meal for that late afternoon out.
Celebrate Thanksgiving Every Thursday of the Year and on Thanksgiving Day at Pepe’s
Pepe’s Cafe has been around for a long time and is big on tradition. You can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal at dinner every Thursday during the year.
A traditional turkey feast is always on the Thursday night special menu and could lead to a well-deserved nap. It is filling and hits all the right notes to satisfy your cravings.
Turkey with gravy, mashed or sweet potatoes, cranberry, peas, and bread is enough to bring on those cheerful Thanksgiving vibes.
Alternatively, looking at the lunch menu, you will see a Thanksgiving sandwich available daily for your enjoyment.
Billy Bob (The Mascot and Face of Pepe’s Cafe)
One aspect many looked forward to was seeing Billy Bob. A Beautiful black and white cat, Billy Bob was often wandering around or asleep in his box and used to live his best Key West life at Pepe’s.
Ownership has changed, but Pepe’s remains the same. Billy Bob is now in retirement with the former owner and is no longer on the premises. However, you can still see and buy merchandise with his likeness.
Information for Pepe’s Key West
Pepe’s Cafe at 806 Caroline Street in Key West is a casual restaurant open 365 days a year. Their hours are from 7:30 am until 9:30 pm. Happy Hour is daily from 4-6 pm. Pepe’s is pet friendly and gladly welcomes all animals. They are also easy to get to, with the Key West Bight parking lot directly across the street.
Come and see why Pepe’s has been “A Fairly Good Place for Quite a Long While.” But, of course, being the oldest restaurant in Key West and continuously running since 1909, one would have to figure that they are doing it right.
Visit Pepe’s sister restaurant ‘Two Friends‘ for a wonderful Happy Hour and Live Music all day long.
Video Introduction for Pepe’s
I hope this post has helped you in learning about Key West’s oldest restaurant! Have you been to Pepe’s Cafe before? Please share your favorite thing about Pepe’s in the comments section below!