305-292-7212 [email protected]
Chico’s Cantina, located at 5230 US HWY 1 on Stock Island serves traditional Mexican fare at reasonable rates. It is a regular spot for Key West locals to gather for lunch or dinner. The casual setting offers both indoor and outdoor seating. I myself eat here often, usually for a quick and delicious lunch. Chico’s Cantina has been family owned and operated since 1984. With indoor and outdoor seating space, you can enjoy eating al fresco on the back patio or inside and enjoy the air conditioning.
Reservations are not required nor do I think they even take them. Parking is super easy and free a great place for couples groups, families or anyone looking for a quick bite to a full dinner. As of this update they are only serving dinner Monday through Friday 4 – 9 closed on Sunday.
Pricing
$ $ $ $ $
Service
10/10
Atmosphere
10/10
The Food
10/10
5230 US HWY 1 FL 33040
Chicos Cantina or “Chico’s” as we locals call it, is a Mexican Restaurant. Serves all of the traditional Mexican style dishes mixing it up with a Key West flare, adding seafood to the mix. A limited beer and wine menu with a few specialty drinks. Traditional, Mexican desserts, and of course, Keylime pie.
Part of our ethnic foods category Chico’s is definitely Mexican food and atmosphere. Due to consistency in menu, excellent, friendly expedient service and constantly prepared food. This is our most frequently visited restaurant in Key West. In over 20 years I have never had a bad experience here. The people are extremely inviting..
The atmosphere is campy Mexican. Nicely decorated and well kept inside and out on the porch. The outdoor seating is accommodated with lots of fans in the summer and patio heaters in the Key West winter and the whole place has “not to loud” 70’s to 80’s music playing. Makes a great spot for us to bring clients after a great day of Key West fishing.
By far, Chico’s has the best chips and salsa anywhere on the island, both prepared fresh each day. The first basket is free of charge, but, you may want to get a second and maybe a third basket and also order the delicious, chunky guacamole or one of the decadent cheese dips that they serve. But, there is a danger with filling up on these before your food arrives.
Diners can choose from a dynamic menu with tons of options such as steaks, seafood specials, tacos, burritos, fajitas, enchiladas, chimichangas, quesadillas, eggs, soups, and salads. Plus, there are several sauces to choose from as well such as verde, chili, melted cheese, and green chili. In addition, they also have gringo foods like hamburgers (one of the few items that I’ve never eaten here) on the menu for those with less adventurous tastebuds.
I have had just about everything on the menu here and I have never had a bad meal. But, as with anything, I do have my favorites. Here are my top picks:
If you are looking for a casual dining experience with great Mexican food and service to match, you have to give Chico’s a try.
Before deciding where you are going to eat while visiting Key West, be sure to read my other restaurant reviews too; check out our restaurant review section of this blog as well as our previous restaurant reviews.
And, to see what is happening on Key West during your visit, check out our Key West Events Calendar to see other upcoming special events. For more information about the fun side of Key West… things to do and see in our island city, go to our Key West Web Site.
Feel free to Email Me if you have any questions about Key West!!
Key West Concierge
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