Key West: Historic Seaport Food Tour & Local Tastings

Summary

Seafood bites, Cuban flavors and sweet pie in Key West’s old streets

You’ll wander Key West’s historic seaport with a local guide, tasting fresh pink shrimp with wine, rich lobster mac upstairs in an old house, and classic Cuban sandwiches straight from the source. End with key lime pie so good you’ll remember it later. Small group size means you’ll hear real stories—and maybe laugh at yourself along the way.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway down Caroline Street when our guide, Maria, handed us our first bite—something about the way she said “pink shrimp” made me laugh. The air was thick with salt and a little bit of fried something drifting from a nearby window. I’d never tasted shrimp like this before—cold, sweet, and just a whisper of the sea. Someone behind me tried to pair it with white wine too quickly and nearly spilled; Maria just grinned and said that’s how you know you’re in Key West.

I didn’t expect to care about sandals or cigars, but there we were at Kino’s and Rodriguez’s, watching hands move faster than I could follow. The woman rolling cigars had these strong wrists—I asked her how long she’d been doing it and she shrugged, “Long enough.” The shop smelled like leather and tobacco leaves (not in a bad way). We wandered into an artist collective next—color everywhere—and suddenly there was a Cuban mix sandwich in my hand. Hot bread, tangy pickles, pork… I tried to say “gracias” but my mouth was full. Li laughed at me for that one.

Bagatelle was next—lobster mac and cheese upstairs in what used to be someone’s living room. The light came through old windows all wavy from the glass. I don’t even like lobster usually but this was creamy and rich without being heavy (I finished mine before anyone else did). There were stories about hurricanes and rebuilding—our guide knew everyone by name it seemed.

The last stop: key lime pie at a place that felt more like a science lab than a bakery (in a good way). They showed us how they make it—zest flying everywhere—and then handed out slices so tart my jaw clenched up before the sweetness hit. I still think about that taste sometimes when I see limes at the store. Anyway, we walked back slowly after that; nobody wanted to rush off.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Key West Historic Seaport Food Tour

• Meet guide at Eaton St Seafood Market
• Walk through historic neighborhood
• Taste Key West Pink Shrimp with wine
• Visit Kino's sandals and Rodriguez cigar
• Enjoy lobster mac and cheese at Bagatelle
• Stroll local artist studios for Cuban sandwich
• Taste Key Lime Pie at cooking demo space

Top questions

How long is the Key West Historic Seaport Food Tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

Are non-seafood options available on this food tour?

Yes, substitutions like pork or beef are available if you don’t eat seafood.

Is the Key West food tour suitable for children?

Yes, children 12 and under can join with an adult; infants not eating do not need tickets but must be listed when booking.

Does the tour include key lime pie tasting?

Yes, you’ll finish the tour with a slice of famous Key lime pie at a demonstration space.

Is this walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

What should I wear for the food tour in Key West?

Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection—a hat and sunglasses are recommended due to heat and humidity.

Where does the Key West food tour start?

The tasting adventure begins at Eaton St Seafood Market; arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.

What’s included

Your day includes guided tastings at five different spots across downtown Key West—think fresh seafood or tasty substitutes if needed—plus water at most stops, exclusive coupons and recipes to take home, all led by a professionally trained local guide who keeps things moving (and fun). You’ll walk through colorful neighborhoods with plenty of time for questions or just soaking up the scene before heading back on your own schedule.