Chico’s Cantina | Review

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.

A picture of Capt. Steven of Dream Catcher Charters about to go get lunch at Chico's Cantina in Key West. — Chicos Cantina

The Food

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:

Cayo Hueso Salad with the ranch dressing – this salad has a crispy flour bowl filled with fresh veggies and meat of your choice. And while I typically do not like ranch dressing, this one of special, with a hint of spice mixed in. They will not share the secret ingredient with me!
Chicken and Shrimp Fajitas – impressively served on a sizzling platter, the fresh grilled veggies and meats come with beans, cheese, sour cream, and heated tortillas so that you can create your own perfect fajita. This is a favorite dish for my husband and I to share on a date night. Be prepared, it is a lot of food!
Seafood Enchiladas – delicately cooked fresh catch, scallops and shrimp mixed together with melted jack cheese and topped with your choice of enchilada sauce. So yummy and a perfect Key West dinner.
Chicken Enchiladas with green chili sauce – I love the chunky green chili sauce paired with the shredded chicken and jack cheese. Silky and delicious.
Spinach and Portabella Mushroom Quesadillas – The veggies and sautéed with garlic and jack cheese is melted into this delicious grilled tortilla.
Deluxe Beef and Bean Tacos (hard shell) – this just brings me back to my childhood taco night. Perfectly seasoned beef with refried beans and all the toppings in a crispy taco shell!

Chico’s also serves delicious sangria, margaritas, and beers. The margaritas are made with a wine based tequila, and they are delicious.

More About Key West

On top of the great food, the service is very good as well. The Tomita family makes sure of that. Someone is always there to refill and empty drink or get another basket of chips and salsa for you when you run out. And the staff seems like they are having fun while taking care of you.

If you are looking for a casual dining experience with good 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!!