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This is where I keep track of the places that make a layover worth leaving the hotel for — from favorite restaurants and coffee shops to hidden gems, things to do, and places I’m still hoping to explore. Some are tried-and-true spots I’ve personally visited, while others are on my ever-growing list for a future layover.

Click on the pins to open Google Maps location

Local Approved

Bars & Breweries, Breakfast & Brunch, Lunch & Dinner, Snacks & Desserts

Moondog

A vibrant cafe and bakery located next to the Ernest Hemingway Home, serving elevated all-day comfort fare, craft drinks, and an extensive lineup of fresh pastries with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options.

Visited

Bars & Breweries, Nightlife, Outdoors

Irish Kevin's

A lively Irish pub on Duval Street known for live music, entertaining performances, cold drinks, and a fun, energetic atmosphere that captures the spirit of Key West nightlife.

Visited

Bars & Breweries, Lunch & Dinner, Nightlife, Snacks & Desserts

Pickles Pub

A local favorite, home to large bar menu and of pickle flavored cocktails. While my crew and I only stopped in for a spicy and regular pickle shot, we should've stopped in for dinner and snacks!

Visited

Attractions, Outdoors, Tours

Snorkel

Go on a fun boating adventure to snorkel and see the third largest coral reef in the world. Search for other water-based adventures or companies, or go with my favorite, Sunset Tours.

Crew Recommendation

Lunch & Dinner

Vinyl Taco

A vibrant, music-centric hotspot serving up creative street tacos and fresh margaritas against a backdrop of authentic vinyl records.

Visited

Lunch & Dinner

Blackbird Pizza Shop

A family-owned pizza spot serving creative Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Crew Recommendation

Lunch & Dinner, Shopping, Snacks & Desserts

All'Antico Vinaio

A globally acclaimed, high-volume counter sandwich shop famous for its massive, freshly baked Tuscan schiacciata bread creations.

Crew Recommendation

Lunch & Dinner

Tonnarello

A hyper-popular, high-energy Trastevere institution legendary for its masterfully executed, pan-served fresh egg tonnarelli cacio e pepe.

Crew Recommendation

Bars & Breweries, Lunch & Dinner, Nightlife

Schooner Wharf Bar

A laid-back waterfront bar known for live music, cold drinks, and a quintessential Key West atmosphere right along the harbor.

Visited

Shopping, Snacks & Desserts

Kermit's Key Lime Pie

A must-visit Key West treat featuring the island’s famous key lime pie with a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, plus fun tropical desserts to enjoy while exploring Old Town.

Visited

Bars & Breweries, Lunch & Dinner, Snacks & Desserts

Raw Bar

A lively waterfront seafood spot known for fresh oysters, local seafood, creative cocktails, and a casual island atmosphere perfect for enjoying the Key West vibe.

Crew Recommendation

Bars & Breweries, Lunch & Dinner, Snacks & Desserts

Blarney Stone Pub

A sprawling, lively Irish pub providing authentic comfort staples, proper pints of stout, and a high-energy community atmosphere.

Crew Recommendation

Outdoors, Shopping, Snacks & Desserts

Farmers Market on Thursdays

A massive, vibrant annual summer street festival bringing together hundreds of regional artisans, crafters, and eclectic food trucks. (Note: Contextualized the Thursday summer market).

Crew Recommendation

Lunch & Dinner

Ciao Mambo

A high-energy, family-friendly trattoria serving massive, mountain-sized platters of traditional Italian pastas and brick-oven pizzas.

Crew Recommendation

Breakfast & Brunch, Lunch & Dinner, Snacks & Desserts

Hostaria Ago e Lillo

A warm, family-run Roman taverna serving exceptional, authentic scratch-made cacio e pepe and traditional Roman artichokes.

Crew Recommendation

Lunch & Dinner

Piccolo Buco Pizza

A world-renowned, intimate pizzeria celebrated for its ultra-airy puffed-crust Neapolitan-style pizzas near the Trevi Fountain.

Visited

Bars & Breweries, Lunch & Dinner

Boat House Bar & Grill

A relaxed harborside restaurant offering fresh seafood, burgers, tropical drinks, and laid-back waterfront dining with great views and island charm.

Visited

Snacks & Desserts

Mathheessen's

A historic Key West spot offering a mix of waterfront dining, tropical cocktails, and classic island charm in the heart of Old Town.

Visited

Bars & Breweries, Nightlife

Sloppy Joe's

A legendary Key West landmark known for live music, classic bar food, cold drinks, and a lively, historic atmosphere on Duval Street.

Crew Recommendation

Lunch & Dinner

Beer & Fish Co

A modern fish house featuring a raw oyster bar, local catches, daily happy hour, and a massive craft beer library.

Crew Recommendation

Breakfast & Brunch, Coffee

Marge’s Diner

A charmingly quirky, retro-themed breakfast diner executing comforting, old-school midwestern morning classics and house-baked pastries.

Bucketlist Item

Attractions, Museums, Tours

Reggia Di Cassierta

A monumental, 18th-century royal palace boasting unparalleled Baroque architecture, vast ornamental gardens, and a spectacular cascading waterfall.

Crew Recommendation

Breakfast & Brunch, Coffee, Lunch & Dinner, Snacks & Desserts

Gruppo Di Rienzo

A historic cafe and restaurant offering prime patio seating directly overlooking the iconic ancient architectural columns of the Pantheon.

Crew Recommendation

Lunch & Dinner

Trattoria Luzzi

A bustling, no-nonsense local classic offering incredibly affordable wood-fired pizzas and comforting, authentic Roman pastas steps from the Colosseum.

About Christina's Layover List

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Hi, I’m the flight attendant behind The Layover List! I’ve always loved exploring new places, but being a flight attendant has given me a pretty unique way to do it. Between flights, I’m usually looking for a good local restaurant, a cute coffee shop, something fun to do, or a hidden gem that makes a short layover feel a little more special. I started The Layover List as a way to keep track of the places I’ve loved, the spots my fellow crew members have recommended, and all the places I’m hoping to check out someday. Think of it as my personal collection of “I only have 24 hours here, where should I go?” recommendations.

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Everything featured here is based on my own experiences and opinions and is meant to inspire your travels. Experiences, food quality, service, hours, and safety can change, so please do your own research and use your best judgment when visiting any location featured on the site.

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