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Key West › Key West › Banana Cafe
Banana CafeB+Worth Trying
1215 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040
· French restaurant, Breakfast restaurant, Coffee shop
· 4.6/5 Google (4749 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Charming French-leaning cafe and creperie on Duval with standout crepes, soups, and seafood, lively but relaxed vibe, generally friendly service, and some reported waits and fee surprises.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Banana Cafe delivers reliable French cafe dining with strong food quality anchored by excellent crepes and seafood, plus appealing balcony seating overlooking Duval Street. However, quality variation in execution and frequent waits during busy periods prevent a higher grade. It's a worthwhile neighborhood destination for breakfast and crepes, though not among Key West's premier dining establishments.
Restaurant Summary
The Banana Cafe buzzes on Duval with cafe clatter and balcony breezes, a spot where crocks of onion soup and golden crepes glide past smiling servers. One diner raved, "The scallops were perfect and the balcony view made the night." The room feels charming and relaxed, more conversations than thumping music, and upstairs seating adds people-watching fun. In the kitchen, the style is classic French cafe crossed with Key West seafood. Think buttery sauces over local fish, shareable burgers with caramelized onions, and both savory and sweet crepes. Most meals impress, though busy hours can stretch ticket times and a few dishes read milder. It suits diners who enjoy comforting French flavors over high-concept theatrics. Families do well here: sweet crepes, fries, burgers, and fish and chips make easy wins, and portions can be shared. There is no explicit kids menu, but the menu has plenty kids will eat, from banana-Nutella crepes to simple burgers and fries.
At a Glance
- Broad crepe selection and classic French cafe favorites
- Balcony seating with Duval Street views
- Good portion sizes for sharing
- Expect waits at peak breakfast and occasional slow tickets
- Reported auto-gratuity and credit card fee surprise
What Sets It Apart
- upstairs_balcony_over_duval
- broad_crepe_selection
- classic_french_cafe_with_key_west_seafood
What People Love
- Warm, relaxed cafe vibe
- Savory and sweet crepes made well
- Rich French onion soup and buttery seafood
- Friendly service from standout servers
Points of Concern
- Food can be slow during rushes, with some cold plates reported
- Service quality varies from attentive to indifferent depending on server and day
- Fees can add up: reports of auto 20% tip and 3% card fee
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($28-$35 mains) which may surprise casual diners
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$45-$62 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For vegetarians, choose La Parisian Crepe or Wild Mushroom Ravioli; vegans can request the Veggie Burger without mayo; seafood lovers should target Snapper Beurre Blanc or Mahi Picatta Linguini.
Perfect For
- Leisurely brunch with balcony views
- Casual French-leaning dinner with seafood
- Crepe cravings any time of day
- Families seeking shareable comfort dishes
Location Insights
Area: Bustling tourist corridor with cafes, bars, and shops; casual beach-town energy with daytime brunch crowds.
Safety: Busy, well-trafficked main street; generally safe with typical tourist-area precautions.
Nearby: Near Southernmost Point end of Duval; close to boutiques, galleries, inns, and other breakfast hotspots.
Old TownOld Town is the historic heart of Key West, characterized by its preserved architecture, narrow streets, and a strong tourism-driven economy. The dining scene is diverse, ranging from casual cafes and seafood shacks to upscale restaurants, often catering to visitors seeking local flavors and relaxed atmospheres.
Duval StreetDuval Street is the main commercial strip in Old Town, famous for its lively bars, restaurants, and shops. It is a hub for socializing and entertainment, attracting a mix of visitors looking for vibrant dining and nightlife experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday07:30–15:30, 16:00–21:00
Tuesday07:30–15:30, 16:00–21:00
Wednesday07:30–15:30, 16:00–21:00
Thursday07:30–15:30, 16:00–21:00
Friday07:30–15:30, 16:00–21:00
Saturday07:30–15:30, 16:00–21:00
Sunday07:30–15:30, 16:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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