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Dockside Tropical Cafe

3.5 (101 reviews)

Dockside Tropical Cafe Photos

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DOCKSIDE TROPICAL CAFE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Live music
Casual
Moderate noise
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - Dockside Tropical Cafe

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Perfect view
Paty D.

I happened to come here by accident because Keys Fisheries was closed for their annual cleaning, and I'm quite glad it was because I discovered a new place to add to my faves for when I travel south. We went for a late lunch and had the place almost to ourselves. It sits right on the water as most places in the keys, with picturesque views of sailboats just sitting posing for you to take a shot. The menu has a Jamaican influence with some jerk items and some keys style fair as well. Make sure to look over the specials they have also. We weren't too hungry so we opted to order 3 dishes and just share everything so we could taste a variety of dishes. We went with the hog handles, Mahi tacos, and jerk chicken sandwich. I must say they were all superb! The hog handles as you've seen in every other review is totally a must! The meat just falls off the bone and has the perfect blend of sweet yet smoky sauce. The side of mango chutney they give you gives it the perfect Caribbean touch. The Mahi tacos were also a winner with a generous portion of Mahi perfectly fried to a golden crisp and topped with some crunchy slaw. The jerk chicken was very flavorful but I don't do too much spice and this was quite hot. It was very good however and if you love spice then try it out. Our Server was great and was constantly refilling our glasses but the food did take a little bit to come out considering the place was empty. We didn't mind because we were on keys time and were enjoying the view. I definitely plan on keeping this place on my list of must eats when in the keys!

Blackened mahi sandwich.
Skye L.

Little restaurant right on the water. Boats can literally dock and people can climb onto the restaurant floor. Kind of cool. Very, very slow service most likely due to the laid back attitude. Appetizers are delicious. Dirty chips had just enough toppings. The pork handles had so much flavor and were so tender. Fried pickles were sliced kind of thin. Ordered blackened grouper fish tacos with jalapeño slaw. Extremely salty so couldn't finish. Boyfriend ordered blackened mahi sandwich. It was not as salty. Decent. If visited again would only order appetizers. Plan on being here for a while.

Elizabeth R.

Being a lover of the Florida Keys, I find myself traveling down US-1 toward mile marker 0 more than I'd like to admit. Being a lover of fried foods and cold beer, I am always looking for stops along my four hour commute to Duval Street to wet my whistle and partake in some pub grub. Rocco's Dockside (as it used to be called) was one of my favorite dive bar pit stops on the way down. I was sad to hear it closed at some point last year. A friend of mine, a cruiser and former Dockside fan, told me the establishment was reopening under a new name with new management - now known as Dockside Tropical Café. I knew I had to stop and check it out. First thing I notice is the new marquis sign with the parrot - COOL. I pull up in the dirt parking lot just outside. I can already notice the new wood deck and the paint job. The kitchen is bustling with a small army of waitstaff in tie dyed shirts who are cleaning, prepping and running food and drinks. I bellied up to the new shiny wood bar with the new Dockside logo and start investigating the beer options on tap. Displayed for all to see is a shrine dedicated to tequila that would make any margarita or on-the-rocks sipper weep for joy. I opt for a Negra Modelo which is served up from the bartender (Brian was his name I think) with a massive ear-to-ear smile. He keeps cracking jokes (without being creepy or annoying) while I sip my beer. The layout of the place looks pretty much the same, but I notice right away that the stage is lined with hand-carved wooden tiki god statues, a tiki hut awning and a surfboard marquis. Even the bathroom doors are hand painted by a local artist with the mascots of the New Dockside - two macaws Harley and Marley (so cute). OK, so with a cold Negra Modelo in front of me, I'm itching for something fried. I order the "whole nine yards" sampler platter which includes something called Hog Handles (more on these in a moment), chicken wings, coconut shrimp, cracked conch and fries. I watch the Eric Stone Band set up, drink my beer and continue to chat up the bartenders. The bar is full of what seem like local folk (some even brought their own "redneck" drinking cups LOL - think red solo cup mounted on a glass stem) with a good amount of tourists (like myself) mixed in. My platter arrives and I immediately snag a hog handle and sink my teeth in. Whoa. Talk about finger-lickin, fall-off-the-bone GOOD. I've never seen these things on any menu anywhere else in my travels up and down the Keys. Three of these things were on the platter and they were almost enough for a meal (ask for them HOT). The other items on the platter where tasty too, but the hog handles stole the show for me. Speaking of stealing the show, the Eric Stone band starts to play some of his original island music with some covers from Jimmy Buffett and Merle Haggard. I even got up to dance after trying some Riazul 100% blue agave tequila on the rocks. I'm telling you - I don't drink tequila often. Normally I just throw some Jose Cuervo and sour mix in a glass with some ice and call it a day. This tequila is in another league (and it's only one of the many top shelf varieties on the display with schnazzy LED lights). Jose Cuervo should be ashamed of himself for not making a tequila this good. Order it on the rocks with some Hog Handles. You're welcome. All-in-all, I had a lovely experience here. A few minor suggestions/observations - maybe offer up a free draft beer for us Yelp folks upon check in? I noticed free garlic fries pop up, but a free draft beer would be SWEET (for those of us who aren't fans of garlic fries and don't want to sport garlic dragon breath all the way down to Key West LOL). Seemed like the kitchen got backed up here and there, but the owners were out talking to folks and kept things moving along. The sound system is great but I could tell they were still making adjustments to levels etc. But, with a new place to get off the ground, there's bound to be some hiccups and tweaks to be made and you can tell the folks there take pride in what they do and are meticulous about making everything just right from the sound system to the food to the booze. Even though I'm a "land lover", I felt right at home with the boaters, the sailors and dreamers at Dockside Tropical Cafe. The days of the old Dockside dive bar are gone and that's OK with me. This place has gotten a serious upgrade with an improved Florida Keys island atmosphere, great music, food, beer and everyone is welcome. I love it and in the words of the Terminator, I'LL BE BACK!

Happy hour... Dockside punch $3.00!
Lynda M.

Dockside punch... yum! The Hog handles are succulent perfection... the staff is fun and friendly... great live band... We only wish we had found it sooner! Only one more day to enjoy it before we head home :(

Best jerk chicken ever!  Delicious.
Michele F.

Incredible jerk chicken. Love the owners. They love the keys and are great people. Locals supporting locals. Great venue, music and food.

Eric Stone with some of his favorite beers.
Jessica H.

What an improvement! New owners have a great dream here turning this dockside establishment into a reality! Staff is friendly, food is good, and drinks are cold! The beer selection is awesome. They should look into Bier Brewery to add to list. And last but not least, the entertainment is the best. Great work here guys! Good luck and keep it rolling.

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Dockside Tropical Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Dockside Tropical Cafe

Bongos Botanical Beer Garden - Pressed breakfast sandwich

Bongos Botanical Beer Garden

(110 reviews)

EASILY some of the BEST food I've ever had in my life -- no exaggeration…read more We went all in: shrimp tacos, chicken tacos, carne tacos, the shrimp po' boy, and the fried pork... and EVERY. SINGLE. THING. was unreal. Like, not one weak item on the table. But let me be clear -- that shrimp po' boy??? ABSOLUTELY STOLE THE SHOW. I'd go back for that alone. The whole place has that perfect outdoor Keys vibe -- laid back, great energy, just straight-up good times. And the service?? Top tier. Olivia and Mikey were on point the entire time -- super friendly, nailed the order, and made the experience even better. Huge respect to the kitchen too -- Marcus and Chapel are putting out some seriously special food. You can TASTE the effort and care in every bite. This place isn't just good... it's the kind of spot you think about after you leave. A spot you talk about until you go back. We'll 1000% be back. Probably way too soon

Love, love, love this place! Arrived with my family on St. Patrick's Day after 4 p.m. Parked with…read moreease in the gravel lot. Upon approaching the bar we looked over the menu and promptly ordered. A stationary food truck doled out scrumptious grub, delivered in a timely fashion. We really enjoyed all items and the beer was refreshing. It wasn't very busy when we first arrived, but it started to fill in more so during our visit. The surfer/hippie vibe throughout the grounds heightened my vacation mode. It's exactly the chill setting I was craving. Walking around the garden, hopping on the standing swing, sitting in hammock chairs, playing the hook and ring game, and checking out the shop were all leisure bliss.

Blue Heaven - Key Lime Pie

Blue Heaven

(5.4k reviews)

$$

Stopped in here for lunch after visiting the oldest house in Key West, Thursday February 5, 2026…read more Indoor & outdoor seating. Serving food 8am-2:30pm and 5-10pm daily. We sat at the outdoor bar. Distinct Caribbean vibe located in the historic Bahama Village. Daria brought us drinks & menus. Lots of breakfast & lunch choices here. We started with a Bloody Maria ($13) & a Hot Irishman coffee ($12) - both were excellent. Lot's of breakfast choices from fancy pancakes to various eggs Benedict breakfast dishes. Shrimp & Grits - Key West Shrimp Sautéed in White Wine. Butter and Scallions over Grits and White Cheddar w/ fresh fruit ($19) & Andy's Grilled Sharp Cheddar Cheese & Tomato Sandwich w/ potatoes ($13) - again both were excellent. Very relaxing atmosphere on a somewhat busy lunch time. There is also a gift shop featuring their baked desserts and the usual tourist souveniers & clothing. Thank you again to Daria for excellent service & to Andy and his kitchen staff. p.s. metered street parking is limited in ths busy area. Reservations highly recommened for dinner 5-10pm daily. Nick & Liz, Albany, NY, USA

We went to Blue Heaven after hearing about indulgent brunch and some of the best key lime pie in…read moreKey West. One out of two was correct. The brunch was delicious. Both Husband and I ordered the special omelette, with lobster, bacon, and tomato. The dish was rich and delicious, with an entire lobster tail and plenty of bacon. To top it off, the omelette was accompanied by a slice of banana bread. We were not impressed by the key lime pie. Although the pie looks impressive, topped by a huge mound of meringue, it tasted a bit stale. Its consistency was heavy, and the meringue flavorless. Don't let the pie, however, stop you from going to Blue Heaven. The brunch is great service is friendly, and you can't beat the atmosphere, eating outdoors with the chickens and artwork. Tip: arrive early to avoid a long wait.

The Jerk - Jerk pork with jasmine rice & steamed cabbage and sweet plantain.

The Jerk

(93 reviews)

$$

I was told by one of the locals to try the jerk. I was off and decided to try the jerk. I decided…read moreto try the jerk chicken wings with rice the service was awesome and I would definitely return. The ambiance was nice and the music was very eclectic and the live band was great. When you're in Key West, FL make your way to The Jerk. To all my Yelpers let's continue to eat our way through the world #foodie4life.

I stumbled across this spot earlier in the day after breakfast nearby and was intrigued by the sign…read moreadvertising Caribbean food and jerk chicken, one of my favorites. While I was checking it out, the bouncer at the bar next door told me it was worth a visit, which sealed the deal. Later that evening, I convinced my friends to go with me. They were expecting a full sit-down dinner, but this is more of a counter-service spot with 6-7 bar stools inside. The setup is simple: place your order at the counter, then either grab a stool or head to the bar next door, where they'll bring your food when it's ready. We chose the bar's patio, which gave us a clear view of the restaurant. It was reassuring to see other groups having their meals delivered over too--it felt like we had discovered the right local gem. The wait was about 25-30 minutes, but that only confirmed everything was being made fresh. And let me tell you, it was absolutely worth it. Our group ordered two jerk chicken plates with plantains, mac n' cheese, and slaw; one oxtail with black beans, rice, and mac n' cheese; and one jerk burger with fries. Every single dish was a hit. The jerk chicken had that perfect smoky spice and heat from the scotch bonnet peppers, balanced with bold Caribbean flavors. The oxtail was tender and flavorful, and even the sides like mac n' cheese and plantains stood out. All in all, this was easily one of the best Caribbean meals I've had anywhere. A true must try when in Key West.

Dockside Tropical Cafe - caribbean - Updated May 2026

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