The Best Grocery Stores in Key West

We know, we know. Grocery shopping isn't exactly on the top of your list when you're dreaming about your next Key West vacation. Chances are, you're thinking about strolling along the white, sandy beaches, snorkeling in the warm, turquoise ocean water, shopping along charming Duval Street, eating some delicious Cuban food, and maybe soaking up the sunshine by the pool. We don't blame you! These are all fantastic reasons to visit our tropical island oasis.

But we're going to let you in on a little secret that can take your next Key West holiday from meh to amazing - and it involves a trip to the grocery store. Hear us out!

destination duval - premier key west penthouse kitchen

At Vacation Homes of Key West, it's our firm and time-tested belief that one of the best parts about a Key West vacation is having unlimited access to a fully equipped kitchen.

Think about it. When you rent a VHKW home with a kitchen - like the one at Destination Duval - A Premier Key West Penthouse - there's no more waiting in line at 7 AM for a mediocre cup of coffee. Instead, you can brew your own while still wearing your pajamas, the way nature intended.

You also don't have to get your whole crew to agree on a spot for lunch every day when you can whip up some afternoon snacks to be served by your private pool - like the gorgeous one at Bella Grand Premier Estate. A VHKW home with a kitchen always saves you beaucoup bucks and time, since you're not forced to eat out for every meal.

So come along with us as we share with you some of our favorite spots on the island to stock your pantry. Some are obvious, and some are a bit off-the-beaten-path. Either way, you'll love a Key West vacation - even more - when you have a kitchen filled with all your favorite foods at your fingertips.

Publix

1112 Key Plaza & 3316 North Roosevelt Boulevard

We'll start with the most obvious and most beloved of Florida grocery chains - Publix. It's hard to believe but this tiny island actually has two giant Publix grocery stores to choose from. That's how popular they are! And rightfully so. These Key West staples are clean, friendly, and stocked to the rafters with everything you need, including a pharmacy, bakery, butcher, and deli.

Give them a call or check out their online ordering form, enter the zip code 33040 to choose a store, and they'll get your groceries ready for curbside pick-up or even deliver them right to your VHKW front door.

Fausto's Food Palace

522 Fleming Street & 1105 White Street

fresh seafood from local grocery store

Another popular grocery chain with two locations buzzing with happy customers is Fausto's Food Palace. This local favorite place to stock up was founded in 1926, which makes it the oldest Key West business that's still running today.

This Key West institution is a classic mom-and-pop style grocery store that has an impressive amount of standard and gourmet groceries. They have the usual departments: meat, seafood, produce, deli, and wine. Plus they can put together some very pretty party platters, too. Fausto's will also deliver right to your door!

Shorty's Market

215 Duval Street

Part souvenir shop, part deli, and part grocery store, Shorty's Market fills a needed void on Duval Street. Although we wouldn't recommend doing all of your grocery shopping here - the prices are a bit on the high side - this is a great spot to stop in if you're staying close by and just need a few things.

They have Key West vacation staples like sunscreen, cold beer, and snacks. They also have a pretty decent deli where you can get a Cuban Mix sandwich. And if you need a last - minute souvenir before heading out of town, Shorty's has your back.

Sugar Apple Organic Cafe & Market

917 Simonton Street

organic smoothy from local market

Founded in 1993, Sugar Apple Organic Cafe & Market is the place to go when eating healthy, vegan, and organic is your main priority. Committed to helping the community of Key West to achieve health through good nutrition, Sugar Apple is chock full of good food and natural remedies.

Their cafe offers up some amazing smoothies - like our favorite, the organic banana-blueberry - and yummy salads and sandwiches, too. Stop by for lunch and stock up on things like almond milk and gluten-free bread, if that's your jam.

Eaton Street Seafood Market

801 Eaton Street

Featured in The New York Times, this unbelievably fresh local seafood market and restaurant will knock your seafood-loving socks off. Stop by Eaton Street Seafood Market and stock up on plump shrimp, savory scallops, gorgeous stone crab claws, and black grouper that was swimming in the Gulf of Mexico just a few hours ago. If you don't feel like cooking, their restaurant menu is delicious too - we recommend the Crab Cake Sandwich or the Grilled Lobster Tail.

Date & Thyme Organic Cafe & Market

829 Fleming Street

Located in a former gas station, Date & Thyme Organic Cafe & Market is a "vibrant island oasis in the heart of old town Key West." Supported by a cult-like local following and an avalanche of five-star reviews online, this organic market and cafe is just so calming and lovely to browse through.

Their store offers the perfect blend of everyday essentials and unique organic items that can be difficult to find. They carry superfoods, supplements, and even organic beauty products, too. The cafe offers fresh-pressed juices, sandwiches, wraps, salads, and breakfast items. You can easily order their groceries online.

VHKW is Your Key West Vacation BFF

These are just a few of our favorite places to shop for pantry staples in Key West. Use this list to easily stock your VHKW kitchen with your favorite items, then enjoy the easy convenience and simple pleasure of having a fully stocked fridge to enjoy during your Key West vacation.

As always, if you have any questions about grocery stores or anything else Florida Keys-related, feel free to contact us anytime. We love to hear from you.

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