- Attraction: El Siboney Restaurant
- Location: 900 Catherine Street, Key West, FL 33040
- Industry: Cuban Restaurant
- Website: https://www.elsiboneyrestaurant.com/
Picture walking into a neighborhood gem where Spanish conversations blend with the aroma of garlic-infused roasted pork, and you’ll discover why locals have crowned El Siboney the best Cuban restaurant in Key West every year since 1993.
This family-owned institution has been serving soul-warming Cuban comfort food since 1984, tucked away on a quiet street just blocks from the Duval Street chaos.
El Siboney offers authentic Cuban dishes at budget-conscious prices, creating the perfect storm of incredible flavors without the tourist trap pricing. The restaurant attracts a devoted mix of longtime Key West locals and savvy visitors who’ve discovered this culinary treasure.
You’ll hear Spanish as the primary language spoken here, creating an authentic atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a family kitchen in Havana.
Signature Cuban Dishes You Can’t Miss
The #1 Roast Pork: Patrons come back over and over to order their favorite dishes by number, like the #1 Roast Pork. This slow-roasted masterpiece arrives tender enough to cut with a fork, seasoned with traditional Cuban spices and accompanied by perfectly caramelized sweet onions.
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Keep Exploring →Ropa Vieja: The shredded beef ropa vieja consistently earns rave reviews, with tender strands of beef simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce that’s both hearty and deeply flavorful. You’ll understand why this dish translates to “old clothes” – the beef literally falls apart like well-worn fabric.
Siboney Steak: The #7 Siboney Steak features perfectly marinated skirt steak that’s juicy, tender, and packed with bold Cuban flavors. The steak arrives wonderfully seasoned and marinated, full of flavor, often paired with grilled shrimp for an extra indulgent experience.
Garlic Chicken: The half garlic chicken arrives butterflied with crispy skin and meat so tender it slides off the bone. The garlic flavoring is subtle yet evident, creating a smoky-sweet taste that perfectly complements the juicy meat underneath.
Cuban Mix Sandwich: Their Cuban Mix Sandwich is a big hit with the lunch crowd. Made on fragile-textured press-toasted bread, this Cubano contains ham, roast pork, salami, and cheese with pickles, lettuce, tomato, mayo and mustard.
Paella Valenciana: Don’t forget to call 1 hour ahead to experience their mouthwatering Paella Valenciana. This grand dish serves two and arrives as a vast fisherman’s stew with rice, black beans, and plenty of Cuban bread for mopping up every drop.
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Discover MorePerfect Cuban Sides & Accompaniments
Sweet Plantains: The plantains arrive slightly crusty and caramelized around their edges, offering the perfect balance of sweetness to complement the savory main dishes. Many reviewers call these the best plantains they’ve ever had.
Yuca: This revelation of a side dish features soft, glistening white hunks reminiscent of well-baked potato but more luscious and substantial, served in a bath of heavily garlicked oil and garnished with onion slices.
Cuban Garlic Bread: The Cuban garlic bread consistently gets praise for being especially delicious, arriving buttery and perfectly toasted with every meal.
Black Beans and Rice: The rice pairs beautifully with the black beans, especially when you spoon the beans and their rich broth over the fluffy yellow rice.
Atmosphere & Décor
Local Neighborhood Feel: El Siboney serves mostly locals in a cool, clean eatery that’s far from Duval Street commotion. You’ll love the mix of locals and tourists, creating an authentic community dining experience where you’ll often see longtime Key West residents enjoying their regular lunch spots.
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Keep Exploring →Unpretentious Setting: The restaurant is unassuming but the food is exceptional, with walls covered with pictures and plaques of Latino Native Americans. The décor keeps things simple and traditional, letting the incredible aromas and flavors take center stage.
Bustling Energy: The atmosphere is convivial but can get noisy when busy, reflecting the restaurant’s popularity among those in-the-know. You’ll often find every table utilized with lines forming outside during peak hours.
Bilingual Environment: The staff and clientele speak both Spanish and English fluently, creating an immersive cultural experience that adds to the restaurant’s authentic charm.
Other Considerations
Incredible Value: A full plate of food and two beers costs around $18 – unheard of in Key West! The prices are about half what you’d pay at other Key West restaurants, making this spot exceptional value for money without sacrificing quality.
Generous Portions: You’ll get large portions that provide excellent value. The servings are so big that some diners have to take their food away to stop themselves from overeating.
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Discover MoreLocation Benefits: Located at the corner of Catherine Street and Margaret Street, it’s a pleasant walk from the hustle and bustle of Duval Street. The off-the-beaten-path location means you’ll avoid tourist crowds while still being conveniently located in Old Town.
Timing Tips: Come early or be prepared to wait, especially during busy periods. There are a couple of stools at the back bar that are first-come, first-served if you don’t mind counter seating.
Family-Friendly: This family-friendly Cuban restaurant welcomes all ages and provides a comfortable environment for everyone from solo diners to large family groups.
Quick Service: You’ll appreciate how quickly the food is delivered and how consistent it remains visit after visit, making it perfect for lunch breaks or when you’re genuinely hungry.
El Siboney Restaurant
📍 900 Catherine Street, Key West, FL 33040
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