If you're traveling to or through Marathon, Florida, do yourself a favor and stop at LJ's Café for breakfast or lunch. This family-owned gem was one of the highlights of our trip! My husband ordered the ham, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich, and it was absolutely amazing. We split it but the first thing we noticed it was huge. The sandwich was served on Cuban bread that they bake fresh themselves, and it was some of the best bread I've ever had; light, flaky, perfectly golden brown, and incredibly fresh. Every ingredient tasted fresh and homemade, including real eggs cooked to order, not the processed "fake" eggs you find in so many places. Be sure to save room for one of their homemade pastries. Like the bread, everything is baked in-house, and you can taste the care that goes into every bite. The coffee was equally impressive; rich, smooth, and full of flavor. It paired perfectly with breakfast and kept me coming back for more. What really sets LJ's Café apart, though, is the atmosphere. This is a true mom-and-pop establishment where family and friends work together. From the moment you walk into the small storefront, you're welcomed like family. The service is warm, genuine, and makes you feel right at home. And here's an added bonus for Florida travelers: the air conditioning is fantastic! After visiting several places in Marathon, we definitely appreciated being able to enjoy our meal in a cool, comfortable environment. I can't rave enough about this wonderful spot. If you're passing through Marathon, make sure your schedule allows for breakfast or lunch because those are the only hours they're open. Trust me, you won't be disappointed! read more

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I was starving but didn't want to do a full service restaurant. I searched for lunch options near me and found LJs near my hotel. It's a family run biz with a strong Cuban streak. It was so good I actually went twice. Once by myself and once with my family. We all had sandwiches which were very generously portioned. I had the Italian on one occasion and the Turkey on another. Both were fab and more than enough. With a bag of chips a single sandwich is an easy lunch for two. Clientele seemed to be a mix of locals and tourists. The family who runs it was very friendly. Service was fantastic. If you want a more hearty meal they have a daily special that includes two or three meat options, rice, beans, etc. not exactly diet food, but you won't go hungry. Seating was limited but they have tables outside as well. No one was left standing. I loved it and would return again. read more

I WISHED I would've experienced LJ's cafe first before having breakfast anywhere else while on my key west trip. Nothing , around this area, truly compares to this little spot established in 2023. As soon as you walk in you're greeting with a smile and warmth. The place's energy is very laid back, homey and unpretentious which I loved. The menu is right to the point and perfectly designed to keep things minimal and at the same time , offer variety without too much complications of choice. Something that was appreciated after making so many choices this week! We got their breakfast egg, cheese, ham + 2 croquetas sandwich and when I say this ks the softest most delicious Cuban bread I have ever had, trust me!!! Also, the sandwiches are HUGE. If you have a big appetite, totally worth it but if you're trying to save some bucks, two people can easily get full with the two halves. Highly recommend splitting one sandwich since they're HUGE or you can take the other half for later. Their coffee was also amazing alongside their pastries. They have guava, pineapple, apple and coconut pastries. read more

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Coffee was perfect The bacon egg and cheese breakfast sandwich was so good a large portion Guava pastry - yummy read more

Cuban coffee at its best. Open at 7-2/3 pm only. Service was quick. Didn't get a chance to try their pastries but egg and cheese bread on Cuban bread is good. One order is good for 2 peeps. Definitely will be back. read more

LJ’s Cafe - Menu - Cafes Near Me - Marathon, Florida

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This is a delicious, clean and efficient little Cuban restaurant on Marathon Key. We had departed Key West very early on a Monday morning in October after a few days vacation. We wanted to make some time heading back to NE FL from Key West but definitely wanted to stop for to go breakfast and coffee well before Florida City. We were looking for a good to go restaurant without having to wait too long. We also didn't want to stop at Starbucks unless we absolutely had to. We definitely didn't want gas station food or a chain restaurant. LJ's hit the spot and didn't disappoint! First, upon entry everything was clean. Second, the counter service was courteous and efficient. We ordered two breakfast sandwiches, a Cuban coffee and an American coffee; all were flavorful and excellent! Lastly, the bathroom was spotless and stocked. I would love to try more meals from this fine establishment upon a return trip to the Keys! read more

LJ’s Cafe - Exterior - Cafes Near Me - Marathon, Florida

Delicious espresso drinks made with Cuban coffee, and delicious guava pastry! Service is so warm and friendly.

The best Cuban coffee! Or if coffee isn't your thing they will make you fresh squeezed orange juice. Excellent breakfast sandwiches, pastries and welcoming service, LJ's is the best breakfast in Marathon. Family owned and operated, wonderful people! read more

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The point of this whole review: go to LJ's Cafe as often as possible! I highly recommend it and thank you, fellow Yelpers, for putting this place on my radar. We are so glad we went. The cafe is super clean and well-lit, especially the restrooms. The family clearly takes great pride in their establishment. All staff members are pleasant and happy and greet you as soon as you walk in the door. The food.... OMG it was perfect! She had a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich served on the most light and airy bread. Nothing short of amazing! The bread-to-egg-to-meat-to-cheese ratio was perfect! The sandwich was huge, enough for two easily. I had steak and eggs with toast. The platter included 3 eggs cooked to order and Lord knows how I feel about a 3-egg breakfast! The steak was tender and seasoned so well I skipped the addition of salt and pepper. My meal came with coffee and you can select any of the coffees on the menu to be part of your meal. It's Cuban coffee and I loved it. About the coffee: it's all made fresh in plain sight, right behind the counter. Again, a lot of pride goes into what they serve and sell. You can eat-in or take-out. We ate inside - there is plenty of seating and the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. There are tables outside if you like. Check my pictures for the latest menu. They serve lunch too as well as fresh made pastries. I would like to come back until I've tried one of everything! I wish LJ's Cafe many years of success and I hope my review convinces you to go there! read more

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Adorable family run spot. We went for breakfast and everything was super tasty. Friendly staff, service w smiles, makes you feel eight at home. We got the homemade apple and coconut/pineapple pastries. The pastries were all all sooo airy and flaky. I especially loved the coconut/pineapple one. Definitely don't miss it. The cuban breakfast sandwich with it's oozy cheese and soft bread was what we needed to ppwer our morning. Don't miss this awesome breakfast spot while down in marathon. read more

LJ’s Cafe - Cuban bacon, egg and cheese sandwich - Cafes Near Me - Marathon, Florida

Best coffee I'm Marathon. Very cute place. The service was awesome! Will be going again and again.

Wow! Most amazing coffee we've had all trip long. The food was amazing. The Cuban bread was fantastic. We will definitely come back here. The next time we come through.!!! We ate the bacon egg and cheese sandwich and I had a ham and cheese press and we have enough leftovers for another meal. They are huge. So good!!! read more

LJ’s Cafe - Bacon, egg and cheese sandwich and the ham and cheese press. Amazing coffee!!! - Cafes Near Me - Marathon, Florida

Please note I only give 5 stars to Michelin star restaurants. LJ's cafe is a very good home cook type of cafe. Had the cuban sandwich, coffee and home cooking chicken lunch meal with black beans. The sandwich bread was a little soft, but the meat was very good. Overall, it was good. read more

LJ’s Cafe - Chicken with rice and black beans and cuban sandwich - Cafes Near Me - Marathon, Florida

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This little cafe is absolutely perfect- Very laid back. Super relaxing. The outdoor seating is really cute, service is super fast too. ++ The owner is extremely kind and helpful- The cortadito con leche de avena is to die for! Both sweetened + unsweetened are delicious. My dad + sister tried the breakfast sandwiches- 10/10!!! They loved them! Highly recommend this restaurant! :) read more

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The best Cuban coffee in the Keys! We stopped in this cozy and friendly little place due to the great reviews I read. Friendly service with a smile our coffees were made lickity split. The breakfast sandwich was amazing. Fresh Cuban bread grilled up with ham egg and cheese. They're big so if you're not a big eater it's enough to share. My only comment is that I wish the coffees were a little bit larger or they had free refills. We wanted to come back for lunch but it never happened. The menu looks delicious however. read more

LJ’s Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Marathon, Florida

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The smell when you walk into this place is worth the trip alone! Every year we come down and before biking out to pigeon key we stop here for sandwiches, postilitos, cafe con leche and the red beans and rice!!! We love the pan con bistec and Cuban sandwich. I really want to sit down one time have one of their daily specials. This past time it was oxtail on Wednesday!!! Looked so good!!! These people are super nice! I love this place! read more

Authentic and delicious. Cortadito and Cuban sandwiches are perfect. Nothing fancy just authentic how it should be

Friendly service and delicious homemade Cuban breakfast! The best coffee! Will come back again for lunch! read more

LJ’s Cafe - Cuban sandwich with cafe con leche - Cafes Near Me - Marathon, Florida

Food was amazing, friendly service and vibe. My partner had rhe Cuban sandwich and I had the Steak Palomilla. Delicious! read more

LJ’s Cafe - Palomilla Steak - Cafes Near Me - Marathon, Florida

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One of the best cuban sandwiches I've ever had! Large sandwich so shared with my husband. We also got a side of black beans, which were so flavorful and amazing! Pastries are also really good and flaky. Cuban coffee also very delicious. Staff was very friendly and restaurant was clean and cozy. Will definitely be back multiple times! read more

LJ’s Cafe - Cuban Sandwich - Cafes Near Me - Marathon, Florida

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Cute little cafe. Super friendly owners Louis and Jackie...yummy Cuban sandwiches and cafe con leches. Happy customers. read more

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Quick and friendly service!! Food was good, coffee great! We would stop by again when we're in town.

One of the best coffee in town Temperature excellent Flavor the best Staff are so friendly and place very clean Environment is casual and perfect in voices Highly recommended to everyone in town You don't be disappointed read more

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Excellent coffee and breakfast sandwiches are amazing. Tried the Cuban sandwich for lunch and it was perfect.

Good food, Good service, Reasonable We went for brunch type food to take out. The cafe latte is definitely different and not for everyone (?sweetened milk) but I'd drink it every day if I lived there. An excellent flavor coffee if you don't favor the Starbucks latte flavor. I also found the fruit-filled turnovers quite good (several different kinds) and the egg & cheese sandwich got rave reviews from two of us. Check this one out if you're in Marathon! read more

Everything here is great! Amazing food, amazing service. So glad we stopped here on our way to Key West.

Great service. Great food. Great coffee. Cute place. Owner and staff were amazing. Need to go back to try more! read more

LJ’s Cafe - Breakfast sandwich on Cuban roll - Cafes Near Me - Marathon, Florida

We received delicious cuban coffee with milk and sugar. Then the pinapple, guayaba & cheese pastelitos. Whew! So good. We ordered another. Then the foot long Cuban sandwich with homemade bread. Cheese, bacon. and 2 eggs, in every bite until that last bite. Odalis & Yoly helped us make a decision. The fried rice looks so good read more

Came in just before closing and man are we so happy we did! Got 2 exceptional Cuban cortadito coffees and The Best Cuban sandwich for the road. The owners were lovely and personable! If you're in the area or driving along 7 mile bridge, stop in. You won't be disappointed. read more

LJ’s Cafe - Cuban sandwich - Cafes Near Me - Marathon, Florida

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Every time we travel we try to find the best coffee! This place definitely wins in Marathon. I highly recommend the breakfast sandwiches and cortaditos (pictured)! The service is exceptional too! Both times we've visited we have been greeted with the kindest people. We will definitely be back before we leave. read more

LJ’s Cafe - Breakfast sandwich and cortaditos - Cafes Near Me - Marathon, Florida

Such a great little spot we found for lunch. Family owned and operated. Food was great, we shared the Turkey Sandwich and it was huge and so delish. Service is great, all family and the place is spotless clean!! read more

Fantastic colada & guava and cheese pastry. Can't wait to try more of their menu. I usually go down to La Niña, so it's nice to have another option! read more

I wish I had taken pictures. Small mom and pop shop but the staff is so friendly, especially the woman with green/hazel eyes. Was so patient, kind, and helpful. She took such good care of us, including my active almost 2 year old. Kid friendly, pet friendly and some of the best sandwiches we ever had! We tried the breakfast sandwich with sausage, the cubano, the BLT and the steak sandwich. We all loved our sandwiches and the bread is to die for ! If we ever come back this way, LJs is definitely on our stop list ! read more

Made a random stop at LJ's Cafe, let me say I was surprised to see great a Cuban Cafe down in the Keys. 5/5 service! They made my croquetas quickly, hot & ready! The coffee was perfect. Thank you to the staff read more

LJ’s Cafe - Cortaditos - Cafes Near Me - Marathon, Florida

LJ's is a great spot if you like great Cuban coffee, sandwiches and food. Haven't tried the pizza because the specials are always the bomb. Usually stop by after the gym since it's a great little spot on the way home with great family friendly service. It's always two meals for one since I can't finish in one seating. Just another great spot for breakfast and lunch in Marathon. Miss it and you'll be sorry. read more

This is definitely a must stop if you're heading to KW. The Sausage, Egg, and Cheese is amazing, very large portion for the price. Service was great and the vibes good read more

Delicioso! Stopped in for a quick take out order on our drive home. Very nice staff and food was very good. Got a Cuban sandwich, Media Noche, pastries, croquetas, and cortadito. read more

Great little sandwich shop! We picked up Italian, BLT and Cuban sandwiches on way to our beach picnic. Everyone was happy with their choices. read more

LJ’s Cafe - BLT - Cafes Near Me - Marathon, Florida

Love the Cuban sandwiches and the people that make this family operation so special ....be back soon

Great little cafe with wonderful Cuban influenced sandwiches and dishes. The ropa vieja is to die for. You wouldn't expect it but the Italian sandwich is one of the best I've had. Family owned and run... very friendly and great service... we are there 3 times during our vacation. read more