View from out front of pepe's cafe & steakhouse

Pepe’s Cafe Key West: No Trip Is Complete Without It!

Walking, biking, or driving down Caroline St. in Key West, you’ll see that Pepe’s Cafe & Steakhouse doesn’t look like much from the worn and faded exterior. However, once you enter Key West’s oldest restaurant, you will be glad that you did.

Pepe’s Cafe in Key West

Pepe’s Cafe is open every day of the year, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner to hardworking locals and those visiting the keys. You’ll find a casual, laid-back atmosphere and consistently good meals. So take your time and browse over Pepe’s menus. The daily specials, along with the breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus, offer something for every appetite. Pepe’s has been slinging out delightful food since 1909. So you have to know that they are doing it right and have been for over a century.

Breakfast at Pepe's Cafe Key West.
A traditional breakfast offering at Pepe’s Cafe and Steakhouse in Key West

Come Visit Pepe’s Cafe During Happy Hour

Pepe’s offers a good deal at their daily happy hour, from 4 until 6. To quench your thirst, you can score some fantastic margaritas with freshly squeezed lime juice.

Save room for an order of magnificent raw oysters, as they are half off then. Beer, wine, and well drinks are also at a discount.

You know the seafood is fresh near the water and the historic seaport. Pepe’s Key West happy hour is one you should not miss.

Pepe’s Cafe Key West Happy Hour Menu

4 pm to 6 pm Everyday
1/2 Price Raw Oysters, Fish Dip, & Peel & Eat Shrimp
$6.00 Fresh Squeezed Margaritas
$1.50 Yuengling Draft
Discounted well drinks, select domestic bottles, and house wines

Happy hour oysters at Pepe's Cafe Key West.
Happy hour oysters

Thanksgiving Vibes at Pepe’s Cafe & Steakhouse

If you are feeling hungry and somewhat festive on a Thursday, make sure to stop by Pepe’s Cafe around dinner time for a tantalizing turkey feast. Every Thursday throughout the year, a Thanksgiving dinner is available. That’s right, they practice for the big event all year long, which is to your benefit.

If you happen to be there at lunchtime, you’ll find a Thanksgiving Sandwich on Pepe’s Key West menu.

Billy Bob taking a nap on a bench at Pepe's Cafe Key West.
How we all feel after a Thanksgiving meal!

Local Favorites on Pepe’s Key West menu

Don’t you worry; on Pepe’s menu, you can find Key West Pinks. A delicious local shrimp that you should try if you enjoy tasty seafood delights. After all, when in Key West or Rome, as they say…

If you’re still hungry after dinner, you are in luck because you can get everyone’s favorite dessert, a slice of key lime pie. You’ll soon realize that every location in Key West will tell you they serve the best, so you get to be the judge if you are up to the task. So how can you pass up sampling some of the unique local flavors?

Keep an eye out for the daily specials. I enjoyed a flavorful scallion potato pancake one morning. My dad was thrilled to have a bacon-wrapped meatloaf on another outing. Billy Bob happened to be close by that night; I think he was following the scent. Pepe’s Key West menu is casual and has all your comfort food choices.

Another perk, if applicable, listed on the menu in small print is “Free pickles for Pregnant Women.”

A plate of key west pink shrimp
Key West Pink Shrimp

Click this link for more information about another famous shrimp you can find in Key West.

Steak is on Pepe’s Menu in Key West

After all, Pepe’s Cafe is a steakhouse, so you are in the right place if you are craving one. They offer a Filet Mingon, NY Strip, and a Bone-In Ribeye. However, if you are starving or feeling a bit carnivorous, consider the Steak Smothered in Porkchops. This plate is a NY Strip smothered in 2 center-cut pork chops topped with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. You might ask to be seated in a booth so you could appropriately take a nap after.

Lunch folks, a steak sandwich is available to you on the menu.

Billy Bob the Face of Pepe’s Cafe

Update on Billy Bob for his fans – He is now in early retirement since his stroke and is joined by the previous owner. He sleeps in a real bed (although I think he’s fond of his boxes), gets shrimp every night, and has a courtyard to rule over. November 25th is his birthday.

We used to keep an eye out for the resident cat, nap enthusiast, and beloved mascot on the premises. Billy Bob began his life in a dumpster and now enjoys a life of luxury. This beloved cat was the friendly face of Pepe’s and frequently was the winner of the highly touted employee of the year award. Billy Bob loves shrimp, belly rubs, and resting in his favorite Coke box.

You can bring your well-behaved critter along with you, as Pepes Cafe Key West is a dog-friendly establishment.

Billy Bob napping in a Coke box at Pepe's.
Billy Bob napping in a box. We miss you!

Presidential History at Pepe’s Cafe Key West

You never know who you will run into at Pepe’s Cafe. Typically you will find a good mix of locals and visitors. Apparently, the buck stopped here. Past guests even include a former US President.

Harry Truman visited Pepe's Cafe in Key West
Presidential history

Pepe’s Cafe Key West – Where & When

You can find Pepe’s Cafe & Steakhouse at 806 Caroline Street in Key West, Florida. They are open seven days a week from 7:30 am until 9:30 pm. There is a parking lot directly across the street. Breakfast is served from 7:30 – Noon; Lunch is served from Noon to 5, and Dinner is served from 5:00 – 9:30 every night. Happy hour is from 4:00 – 6:00.

A Fairly Good Place, for Quite a Long While

Pepe’s Cafe has stood the test of time and is worth a visit when you are in Key West. So come and see what all the fuss is about on Caroline Street. We know you were coming to see Billy Bob, but do make sure and stay for the food!

At the end of October 2021, Pepe’s changed ownership to new local owners from Two Friends Patio Restaurant. They have vowed to keep everything the same, from the turkey tradition to the fresh-squeezed juices and staff. More info on that can be found here.

a closed entrance at pepe's cafe and steakhouse
Come on in; Pepe’s is open every day of the year.

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2 Comments

  1. Great restaurant for all casual atmosphere payed back ,we are there twice a year music festival and thanksgiving Kira is the best behind the bar. Hope her house is coming along

    1. Pepe’s has a beautiful ambiance going for it with both indoor and outdoor dining. I’m sure they will be happy to see you next month for Thanksgiving. Thanks for leaving a comment.

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