Lorelei Restaurant &amp; Cabana Bar

The Best Restaurants to Know in the Florida Keys

"This rustic outdoor restaurant and bar, open since 1962, hosts a daily sunset party complete with live music (from 6 to 10 p.m.), casual fare, and views of the sunset over the ocean. Dine on bites like cracked conch, tuna nachos, and stone crab chowder while the sun sinks below the horizon. And word to the wise, this perpetually busy spot offers seating on a first-come, first-served basis, so get there early to snag a table. The Lorelei mermaid, a larger-than-life roadside attraction that calls those on the street to stop in for a bite or a drink, received a colorful refresh recently by local artist Jul Jankowski." - Allison Ramirez

Where to Eat in the Florida Keys

"Come for the nightly sunset celebrations overlooking idyllic Florida Bay and listen to local bands while sampling favorites like Stone crab chowder, Key lime peppercorn snapper, and twin lobster tails. Don’t pass on Lorelei’s “Frozen” key lime pie for dessert, which is less tart than standard key lime pie and comes topped with mango sauce and whipped cream." - Alona Martinez

3 Best Day Trips from Miami | Condé Nast Traveler

"You came to the Florida Keys for the water views and the sunsets, and Lorelei Restaurant has both, plus the freshest seafood around. The Florida Bay views are pristine and the menu is a perfect mix of tropical dishes (try the conch chowder and smoked fish dip). If colorful cocktails lure you, the rum punch (coconut and dark rums, grenadine, pineapple juice, and orange juice) and Bahama mama (silver, gold, coconut, and 151 rums with pineapple, orange, and Key lime juices) are solid choices." - Jennifer M. Wood

3 Day Trips from Key West: Islamorada, Dry Tortugas & Key Largo | Condé Nast Traveler

Katie Gallob

Google

I must say, the food here is average, not bad but not amazing for the price point; however the impeccable and attentive service, beautiful views and evening entertainment are truly what make this place a must visit! Our server was very busy but he somehow made sure to check on all his tables often and was so kind and personable to each of his tables! He even introduced his nephew who was helping to bring out water and soft drinks! We happened to come on a night where Michael Trixx was performing, he was amazing and so accomplished at his craft! We came knowing from other reviews that we would get an incredible sunset, but the awesome magic show was a pleasant surprise and made the night practically perfect! While I won’t be coming back for the pulled pork sliders, I can’t wait to make it back down here for beautiful views and good company!

Astrida McFarland

Google

What a fun place to go to!! Great ambiance, beautiful sunsets, great food, great service, great outdoor seating, live music, and waterfront dining! What more could you ask for? Oh yea, and their prices aren't sky high! My new favorite restaurant to go to in the Keys. Our server was Shaggy, who took good care of us all evening! He has worked there for 20+ years, knows his stuff, and has a good sense of humor. I ordered the Filet Mignon Sliders with fries. Yummy! The best sliders I have ever had. Perfectly made to my expectations. My daughter ordered the Double Shrimp Quesadillas and loved them. The food was hot and brought to our table immediately. Really good service. I had a classic Margarita, and she had a Casamigos Margarita. Both were made perfectly. We had a great time here! Thank you, Shaggy, for your attentiveness! The Lorelei has a huge parking lot with wheelchair accessability. They are also dog friendly (leashes on). They do not accept reservations, so be ready to wait for up to 40 minutes, depending on the time of day or evening. There are some seats available to sit and wait, but not many. We waited about 25 minutes. You are given one of those buzzing timers that let you know you are being called. The wait was worth it! Almost every seat has a view of the sunset.

DJ AJ Falcon

Google

This has long been a favorite for Islamorada locals and visitors alike! I came for lunch before a wedding in Islamorada where I was the DJ&MC, and I really enjoyed it! The best thing about it is the "Keysey" vibe! It's soooo relaxing and Bohemian! The Bavarian Pretzel logs I had were the best I can remember ever having! Ya gotta try 'em!! Had the Grouper sandwich, which was just ok except for the brioche bun, which was really tasty. I sat at the bar, and the service was indifferent. The above notwithstanding, I would highly recommend you visit! Heard that it gets really busy for sunset, so plan accordingly to find seating and parking. I love live entertainment, which I've heard is great here. Enjoy!!

patricia schneider

Google

Very nice casual place right on the water in Islamorada. Great for boaters . Covered seating at high tables and plenty of outdoor seating with umbrellas providing shade. Friendly service. Good menu. Reasonably priced.

Mark Reiter

Google

Lorelei sits right out over the water and there are almost always sharks, rays, jellyfish and other fish to watch while eating some of the freshest seafood in the Keys. We love their smoked fish dip with the added touch of capers and sweet red onion. Their frozen Key Lime Pie is famous for good reason.

David A

Google

We had lunch, great outside keys atmosphere, we had the cracked couch appetizer, good (4) small pieces for $18…, we had the lobster sliders and the fish sandwich, the (2) sliders were some other type of lobster, perhaps a rock lobster, very crabbie, and the sauce overpowered…, decent, but I would not recommended the lobster sliders, the fish sandwich on the other hand, large piece, very fresh, I would recommend the fish sandwich. The service was great. Smoking is allowed at the bar, can be annoying for non-smokers. Overall, if you can get past the smoking, I would say an OK place. A bit pricey for the portion size. Due to the smoking policy and price, I probably won’t come back. For an out—of-town tourist, that smokes, a great keys vibe,

Scott Andrews

Google

Casual style and live entertainment by local bands, the Lorelei Cabana bar is a staple in Islamorada. The atmosphere is pure beach with plastic chairs, plastic tables and plastic cups. We started with the smoked fish dip, which was buried under some toll house crackers. Luckily we’re were able to improve the dip with the exceptional Bear and Burton hot sauce that’s on the table. Our snapper and grouper tacos, which were both blackened were unremarkable. The fish did not taste fresh. It tasted more like Sysco food delivery from that afternoon. The fish to taco ratio was poor. Such a small portion each. The fries and onion rings we ordered were fair. Our food came out so quickly after the order was placed. It’s evident that these items are being prepared in mass and just delivered to the tables. Even our server was amazed at how quickly the food came out. My suggestion is to enjoy your meal elsewhere for better food and then come here for a nightcap and enjoy the music and the sunset. Come on Lorelei, you can do better.

Taufiq Habib

Google

Well, this place scores on every Front amazing place to stop on the way to Key West from Miami. Enjoy the gentle breezes and the good music. I ordered the tuna nachos and love them except I could do without that sweet sauce maybe get it on the side next time ..

Michelle P.

Yelp

Amazing views and friendly staff. My husband and grandkids liked the food. I wasn't real happy with the pork. Wee bit on the dry side for me but we had a great time. If I could change anything would be the umbrellas outside. They are to small. We all couldn't sit in the shade. With our skin problems we need the shade. I still highly recommend the place. Go visit and have a great time.

Jim T.

Yelp

We LOVED this place. The service was great, our server (I forget her name sorry) was outstanding and gave recommendations and also samples of a few drinks we were considering. I ended up with a candycane (daquiri + pina colada) and my wife with their signature key lime colada, with a graham cracker crust. Both drinks were excellent. For food we had chicken nachos and blackened snapper tacos. Both were excellent. The setting was very quaint with all outdoor seating, including a covered bar area with fans. I can't say enough good things about our experience. This was our favorite stop on a week trip in the northern Keys, Miami and Tampa. We hope to be back in the future!

Mike I.

Yelp

Went there with a local and friend. Great location and atmosphere. The food was fresh and came out fast. All the staff seem to work together and that was nice. And great view. Will be back on the next time down.

Tiffaney C.

Yelp

Hey fellow sunset chasers! This is THE spot! Best place on the island! Service was amazing, our server shared with us her favorite apps and entrees which is what we ordered. We had the peppercorn crusted tuna and bacon wrapped shrimp as an appetizer both were great, but I loved the tuna the most! So yummy! We shared the pulled pork sliders with Carolina bbq for dinner and they were also awesome! I would order all three again! They had a live band while we dined, making it a fun upbeat experience. They have a patio for dining as well as tables in the sand right by the water. No matter where you sit it's ocean view and the sunset can be seen. Totally love this place. Can't wait to go back!

Holly K.

Yelp

Stopped by at night for a drink, and sat at the back bar on the sand. Views were great, nice ocean breeze, and friendly bartender. They had a live band playing- nice to listen to them and relax, just needed a few more speakers to hear it well! Place seems to get very packed.

Patrick S.

Yelp

Spent the weekend in Islamorada and hit several bars/restaurants... Lorelei definitely has the best drinks! I had the Rum Runner mixed with Key Lime Colada! Wish I would have come here first! lol

Jake N.

Yelp

Awesome atmosphere, affordable libations and great seafood. Tried the grouper sandwich and stone crab chowder, both outstanding. Such a great spot en route through the Keys

Joseph S.

Yelp

Had a great early dinner the other day. Went with the local fish dip and the conch fritters for appetizers. I highly recommend the conch fritters some of the best I've had. Also the fish dip was fresh but nothing exciting. Grabbed the snapper sandwich! Blackened. The fish itself was light and delicate and the blackened seasoning had just enough kick and smokiness. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the bread it came on. It was too doughy and thick for that light fish. The sides were also pleasing to the pallet. I grab some sweet potato fries and fresh made chopped coleslaw. Our server was great.She put up with my friends, dad jokes, and was very attentive to our needs. The place is very casual. You can sit inside or outside and if you get there early enough you can watch the sunset. Go check it out.

AL S.

Yelp

Love the food. Great service and atmosphere. Bushwackers, Rum Runners, Coladas frozen. Well priced and delicious food. Great view. And places to pull up the boat. Small marina next door as well. Good people and local presence.

Veronica L.

Yelp

We had such a great time here! We tried the shrimp tacos, peel n eat shrimp, & the conch balls. Everything was so delicious! Not to mention our cocktails were tropical! The patio itself it worth the trip over there! I loved the bar and the service was great! Highly recommend :)

Annie B.

Yelp

The decline in service, coupled with servers acting as if they're doing you a favor, diminishes the overall dining experience. This establishment isn't worth the wait, enduring the heat, and suffering through watered-down, sweating drinks and beers. With so many nearby restaurants offering excellent food and superior service, I cannot in good conscience recommend this place.

Tim R.

Yelp

Good food great service Kaylie's service was outstanding she knew the menu and took great care of us at dinner The fish dip was tasty ppp

Emilce R.

Yelp

Not the best place to go for cocktails because they're watered down. But the price is reasonable and the appetizers are great. The real reason to go is for the sunset view. The must have is the bacon wrapped shrimp. The Loralie sunset is very watered down.

Foster R.

Yelp

Do NOT visit this restaurant when raining. You probably should not visit this restaurant at all. We were seated at a table and then the manager that sat us down proceeded to complain and yell at us for where we were sat. Our waitress was very kind and understanding, but we were disgusted with the way we were treated and we left.

Em S.

Yelp

You've got to try their Key Lime Colada! On a hot day, that frozen colada cools you right down! Went for lunch and everyone had something different. Portions were huge. My burger was really juicy and also huge. Service was attentive and good, always checking to see if we needed or wanted anything else. We sat at what we used to call the "back bar" part along the water. It was fun to watch people attempting to dock boats. There were mostly locals at this time of day. Even with drinks, it's about $25 pp. That's a bargain for what they have and their location!

Dana G.

Yelp

Loved this, we only had drinks and the fish dip, but it was great. The key lime colada here is the best we had on our vacation. The location is great, you sit outside and are on the water. If I recall, service was pretty good. There's a small beach area with tables where you can sit, which is probably the best spot if you want something more secluded. You can still hear the live music if a band is there. I'm surprised this has lower than 4 stars, but to be fair we didn't have a meal here so maybe it's best to relax with an app and a couple drinks like we did.

Rick H.

Yelp

Live music , great atmosphere. Sunset was beautiful. Blackened mahi sandwich was ok. Fish tacos were a 4 1/2 would have been 5 if they offered jalapeño. French fries were mush. Tuna nachos were fishy.

Angela C.

Yelp

My favorite place by far in the US. Sit in the sand and watch the sunset. Get the cabana madness and share with friends.

Krista J.

Yelp

While staying on Islamorada for a few days, we really lucked out with a perfect table at Lorelei for some afternoon drinks. Their unique bar area right over the water allows for awesome views in almost every direction, and particularly great sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. While we didn't get anything to eat, service was really friendly and the cocktails were delicious. I would definitely go back! I hope you get a chance to see the fun mascot cat that belongs to the bar...and that cat is totally unfazed by the many dogs who were with their owners for a lazy afternoon in the sunshine. Also, the mermaid logo is super cool and we did have to buy a T-shirt in the store across from the bar to remember our time at Lorelei.

Donna R.

Yelp

Nice halfway stop if you're driving down to key west. Usual bar fare, great ambience, and the staff are super great! Definitely try their key lime colada!

Bitty C.

Yelp

We came back again for breakfast and got the breakfast quesadilla --- so good! Cool laid back atmosphere.

Lee B.

Yelp

Oh yes, Lorelei's! This is a place you don't want to miss! Right on the water and the vibe is incredible! We sat at the bar and the service was excellent. The bartender suggested the mahi tacos out of the four fish offered! Thee best we have had ever! And the salad was really fresh and crisp! if you want good food, you need to go to Lorelei's!

Lauren G.

Yelp

Had such a lovely day at the beach followed by a delicious lunch here! We loved the atmosphere on the patio and the food was all delicious! The service was great our waiter was really funny and nice.

Janice K.

Yelp

Nothing better than Sunday School at Lorelei's. With beautiful views, drink specials, and tasty breakfast options- how can you pass on "Sunday School"? Our party of three was seated quickly and got waters delivered as we decided on what drinks we wanted for SS. We decided on Bloody Mary's and a Screwdriver as we reviewed the breakfast menu. The Bloody Mary's weren't spicy but tasty but with a touch of hot sauce and pepper, I jazzed mine up to perfection. The screwdrivers were good. We ordered three different breakfast items. I got the breakfast burrito with home fries and we also ordered shrimp and grits and an omelette. All came to us hot and way more than we could eat at once. We ordered our second drinks - enjoyed the view- and kept eating. Finally we flew the white flag and got a to- go box. It was a great morning. You gotta try Loreleis for breakfast especially on Sunday. It's a fun way to start your Sunday.

Elsie A.

Yelp

We came here twice: once for brunch and once for dinner. The brunch was so good and we enjoyed the setting, thus the reason for our trying the dinner. Dinner was not good. Brunch/breakfast gets five stars, dinner probably deserves none, food wise. My catch of the day was so not good. The sides were even worse -- hard cold rice and vinegary slaw that was advertised on the menu as "creamy." We wanted to like this on our second visit, but it was not to be. We assume they have a different cook in the evening.

Jeffrey F.

Yelp

Beautiful scenic spot to come have a drink or eat. If I was to come back, I would just come here to have a drink and skip the food for the most part. The service is slow and if you don't get there early, there's a long wait for tables. I did not believe my fish was fresh and it was a little fishy and not the best fillet I've ever seen or had. We had a second fish plate and it was the same so I don't think it was a one time thing the salad was the clear winner here as it was huge and delicious and fresh. The comforters were OK. There was not that much conch and it was a little chewy the view is a five star view and the food is three star food so if you're coming here for the food, it's three stars if you're coming for the view it's five stars. As mentioned above, I would come back here and just get a table to get a few drinks and watch the sunset.

Corey C.

Yelp

Great spot for some drinks, good view and live music! We only had apps which were average, but after a long day on the water Lorelei worked just fine!!!

Joseph G.

Yelp

Fantastic food and wait staff. Chris and Anne are the best, keep things moving and are always pleasant and helpful. Cook your catch is the BEST in the keys. This is our "go to" place for late night munchies. DON'T forget to mention the secret code word "TURTLE".

Pierce L.

Yelp

The food is good the tuna nachos Need lemon but you can just add that. It's good everyone is nice and doesn't take very long. Try to find a spot with shade because if you Sit outside you will get burned.

Nolan O.

Yelp

Went here for sunset drinks with the entire family. Ended up just going to the tiki bar section on the beach. Beautiful location but the bartender had such a pompous unbearable attitude. Tall guy with tattoos. He was so irritable to every customer I saw him interact with and is the sole reason we won't be returning

Kirt V.

Yelp

We went here for dinner last night. Had the blackened snapper entree and fries others had the blackened mahi mahi sandwich and fries. The only problem was that they sat us at the bar with a five year old and a lot of swearing and drunk people.

Juliette A.

Yelp

I'll start this off by saying if your server is CAMILA do not walk, RUN to another table. She is extremely rude. My mother had a question for the manager, as a professional adult, she went up to talk to him and Camila, as a spoiled 20 yr old, ran to her and followed her around the whole restaurant like a puppy who thought she was in trouble. She decided to have an attitude and put her hand in my mother's face when the anticipated convo with the manager wasn't even about her. I have been coming to Lorelei for years! And after this, I will never be back, thanks to miss.Camila who, unfortunately, was never taught to respect her elders. Food is mid. Utensils are dirty, drinks arrive with melted ice. Only good thing about this place is the live music. SKIP Lorelei GO TO SQUARE GROUPER!!!!

Vania T.

Yelp

The views are great and they have live music. The key lime colada is an absolute must!!! The service is great but the food wasn't so great except for the crab bisque, that was good. The fish sandwich was not good at all.

Anthony M.

Yelp

Great atmosphere and setting,beautiful sunset views, food was good, appetizers were a bit on the cold side, service was not great

Jeffrey S.

Yelp

We came here for Thanksgiving dinner. We sat outside near the water. It was amazing atmosphere but bright and 87 degrees in November. They had a Thanksgiving dinner ( Turkey, mash potatoes, stuffing) much more for $15.99 per person. It was so darn good. They had Landshark which was so damn good. The service was great. The food was delicious especially the key lime pie. Overall great place to spend thanksgiving dinner

Rawa A.

Yelp

It was ok..nothing special. The drinks were so sweet and the food was greasy. Not bad but not good.

Sergio F.

Yelp

The main course is the Sunset Celebration! Considering "someone" like mermaids, finding this location for a quick day trip to the Keys looked meant to be. Located right near the entrance to Marathon in the Upper Keys, Lorelei is perfect for a day trip dinner date especially around sunset! We arrived with a few hours to spare before sunset and we're able to take pictures around the mermaid sculpture up front before getting a table on the sand right in view of the water. While they don't charge a cover per se, you can't just sit nursing a drink. Thus, we started with a run punch and daiquiri. While yummy in flavor, they did taste a little watered down and which is why I'm taking away one star. Next up was our fry appetizer with ketchup. The fries had a pretty good crisp and were great to hold us over until our main courses. She ordered a grilled grouper sandwich (which I didn't try) and mine was their cheeseburger with Swiss cheese, fresh greens and a nice Smokey flavor. I had to remind them to bring me Bbq sauce, and they did. The key lime pie (they serve both frozen and classic; we had the latter) which had the near perfect tart sweetness and whipped cream garnish. Service was pretty attentive, and the crowd was really friendly whether you chat up or help take pictures. There's also a live cover band, mostly late 90s early 2000/ rock and the string lights on the patio, and the lights of the afternoon sun on the bay make it a great and romantic dinner spot.

Mark S.

Yelp

Used to be a great place for dinner and sunset but we only go for breakfast or lunch, hostess is hateful and staff at night are rude! They obviously have too much business and cannot handle it. By contrast the morning and lunch staff are awesome

Kay S.

Yelp

Loved, loved this place! The food was very good. Loved the dockside dining. Great frozen daiquiri.

Ann M.

Yelp

Wonderful place to watch the sunset while you enjoy dinner on the beach. Dinner was not fancy and very good. I enjoyed my grouper sandwich. Prices were reasonable.

Jenn W.

Yelp

Great outdoor seating and service but my purse was taken I think right off the table and the credit card was used so we had to cancel and redo everything. Mixed feelings now about this place we have always enjoyed.

Jami W.

Yelp

Delicious food. Today we ate coconut shrimp with delicious horseradish orange marmalade, conch, and blackened fish sandwich. Our server was attentive and fast, even for busy happy hour. Happy Hour prices are good deals

Garrett A.

Yelp

Come here for the Key Lime Colada at a minimum. It was fun and delicious. Our server, Thomas, was friendly and energetic. The views of the water are must see. Food was average but you're here for the sun, drinks, and atmosphere.

Donovan R.

Yelp

Great service. Great views. Great food. Can't ask for a better time to spend dinner with family, listening to music and watching a beautiful sunset. Thier Sampler is huge and delicious. Wings, Crab, Fish dip, conch fritters, and shrimp. What else can you ask for?

David C.

Yelp

We had great service or waiter was super prompt and attentive which you don't get a lot of this in the keys's. Sadly they did not have any for lobster only Brazilian and northeastern lobsters and ultra season had already started but besides on plenty of outdoor seating on the water and sandy areas for kids to play in while you're eating. The smoked fish dip was delicious as was the hog fish and Adaway variety of children's options

Marqus R.

Yelp

Though I've only had breakfast at the Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar, I'm more than thrilled with the place. My service was top-notch. I had their Spanish Omelet which was made with sautéed ham, onions, peppers, pico de gallo, and Cheddar/Jack cheese. Which at $8.75 s a delicious bargain. But the real WOW is the stunning on-the-water views. Both sunrises and sunsets from here are totally awesome. Plus, you have the bay with its anchored and harbored boats to enjoy, and to add to the charm there is a visible but sunken sailboat. Yes, it's the views and location that go to make it a Yelp Five Stars for me.

Karen T.

Yelp

On the water and popular for watching sunsets. There is a huge parking lot here. Depending on where you park, it could be a bit of a walk. Only about 1/3 of the tables are under the tiki roof. The other 2/3 are tables with umbrellas that do not tilt or adjust, which I imagine works well around lunch time when the sun is high in the sky. However, in the late afternoon the sun slants at angles causing everyone at the tables to be in full sunshine. It got overly warm quickly. The live entertainment wasn't to our taste. It was a rambly, somewhat mumbly, folksinger type thing. The lyrics seemed to be whatever came to the mind of the entertainer in that moment. This is our opinion only, of course. I ordered a quesadilla with steak, onions and cheese. The tortilla was nicely crisp and it was good, if on the oily side. They stacked one half on top of the other half. By the time I ate most of the top half, I was getting full and the lower half was unappealing from having the top half drain on it. My husband had a bacon cheeseburger and said it was pretty good. The staff working here are constantly moving. Our server was moving so quickly, she got a few things wrong. First our drink order, which was replaced, and later she brought me a regular key lime pie instead of the frozen key lime pie I ordered. By that time, I was uncomfortable in the sun and ready to just leave, which we did. I do not doubt they would have replaced the pie, if I had asked. Had the seating been a bit more comfortable, we may have extended our stay and waited for sunset.

Minnie L.

Yelp

You can seat yourself so we snagged a dockside view and got to watch the sunset. Service was very fast and friendly and food and drinks were all amazing and quite well priced for the area. Live music was also great, perfect way to end the day!

Joanna H.

Yelp

We always come here when in the Keys. Partly because our daughter's name is Lorelai, partly because food is good and it's a pretty view. We enjoy the seafood. Fun cocktails. Open restaurant so you can appreciate the outdoors like you should in the Keys.

Tanya A.

Yelp

I am giving the Lorelei 3 stars because as I remember the restaurant pre Covid the food was good. I ate there this past week and the food was horrible. The view is exceptional! Get a drink and the bar and relax. We stopped into the t shirt shop & purchased t shirts and more. The lady working was so cranky!! Honestly a huge disappointment. There are wonderful views all over Islamorada.

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