Pepe's Cafe - Key West, FL
One of the best breakfast stops in Key West, with their daily fresh baked homemade bread and freshly squeezed juices.
Pepe’s is the oldest eatery in the Florida Keys and second oldest in the State of Florida, behind the Columbia Restaurant in Tampa (1905).
Harry Truman was a regular here, along with Tennessee Williams and later Jimmy Buffet, and many others whose photos are still hanging on the walls.
Pepe’s has a long history in Key West. In 1909 Jose (Pepe) Palaez opened Pepe’s Cafe at 202 Duval Street. Pepe’s remained at this Duval Street location during World War I, the Depression, and World War II. In 1941 Palaez retired and sold the restaurant to Eduardo Garcia whom the locals called “Curie”.
Pepe’s moved to the structure that was built in 1913 on Caroline Street that was formerly an ice cream shop that served the many soldiers and sailors who were stationed in Key West because of the large military buildup during the world wars.
They have the best price fresh shucked oysters for happy hour, and their proprietary hot sauces are awesome.
Go early, seating is limited and everyone waits on a table.
You can bring your dog too.
All right at the end of Route 1.
David Garland FL Key West Dec 31, 2023 Food History Restaurants
Dec 31, 2023
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