The Café

It seems to always be the most non-descript places that are the best. This emerald in the rough is a slice of the best things from Earth. When a restaurant becomes a local hangout in a tourist town, you know they have it going on. The Café on Southard is hands down my favorite restaurant in all Key West. It is not the most expensive nor the most marketed. Yet, they do so many things the best way.

If you are looking for true vegan or vegetarian cuisine this is one of the few places on the island that supplies a variety of these dishes. The Café bills itself as Vegan and Vegetarian and delivers the goods. The menu is full of unique and interesting recipes full of flavor that make up for the lack of meat and dairy. The food is so good its easy to overlook the staples of meat and dairy that we have become accustomed to having in our American diet. They also do have the option to add fish to many dishes.

My favorite dish at my favorite place is the Café Piccata with the Mahi. Now, you could have it with tofu for the full vegan experience but if you like a little meat, fish is nice and lean, and they grill it with flavorful spices. The Café Piccata is sautéed tomatoes, garlic, capers, and white wine sautéed green beans, roasted potatoes, and your protein option of mahi or tofu. The price is right at $21 for the fish and $19 for the tofu. This is part of their dinner menu and one of their signature dishes.

In addition to lunch and dinner the café has breakfast, brunch, dessert, and drink menu. Brunch is available on Saturday and Sunday only. I have been on Sunday and it gets busy early. They have booth, table, indoor and outdoor patio seating. A wooden statue of a Hindu deity greets you at the host stand to be seated. Local artist’s paintings adorn the walls as well as some cleverly placed décor.

From any seat inside you can see behind the bar where an elaborate expresso machine sits and smiling servers make homemade drinks from fresh herbs and ingredients. The chalk boards carry information on the specials of the day, and this includes their signature drinks found nowhere else. The drink menu consists of: Non-Prophet Kombucha, Dirty Chai Latte, Fresh squeezed Limeade with Agave and Mint, to name a few, and my personal favorite with a little alcohol the Honey Lemon Ginger Mimosa. Mimosas are their specialty. The best part is being able to watch while these concoctions are artfully created and presented.

I never have room for dessert but occasionally I splurge and take a piece of their Vegan Key Lime Cheesecake home for breakfast the next day. The menu states it is the only “Vegan” key lime pie in Key West. So, if you are trying to be true to your lifestyle but still cannot come to Key West without eating some Key Lime Pie this is the place to go that takes care of both. Anytime you see “cheesecake” or “cream cheese” on the menu this is their own dairy free recipe made in house to adhere to the standards of vegan cuisine. Not to be missed on the dessert menu is the gluten free Vegan Chai Tea Pan Cotta and fresh Mango Pie.

When you go, do not be in a hurry. Everything is made fresh to order and the ladies there pride themselves on presentation and perfection. They are not going to rush anything and would rather you stay and soak it all in then rush you out to turn a table. They will answer any questions you have about the artwork and Key West attractions and the general affairs of our beloved town. If you want to know how the conscious natives of Key West live stop by and experience The Café.