10 Best Restaurants in Cedar Key
The 10 best restaurants in Cedar Key are Steamers Clam Bar & Grill, Annie's Cafe, 1842 Daily Grind & Mercantile, 83 West, Big Deck Bar & Grill, Robinson's Seafood, 2nd Street Cafe, Tony's Restaurant, FishBonz on Third, and Duncan's on the Gulf. Cedar Key's food culture centers on farm-raised clams, fresh mullet, and Southern comfort food. Popular menu items include parmesan-crusted fish, shrimp and grits, and loaded oatmeal.
Steamers Clam Bar & Grill is a well-regarded restaurant known for fresh seafood and classic American dishes while Annie's Cafe is a highly recommended destination for breakfast favorites and mullet sandwiches. The average cost of dining at popular restaurants in Cedar Key, Florida is $25 per person.
The best restaurants in Cedar Key are listed below.
10 Best Restaurants in Cedar Key are listed below.
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1
Annie's CaféSandwiches American Breakfast & BrunchAnnie's Cafe prepares fresh mullet sandwiches and hearty biscuits and gravy. A cottage-style diner offers outdoor seating for a relaxed morning meal.- Item Prices 1305
- Average Item Price $10.22
Type of Restaurant:Diner
Type of Food:American, Seafood
Signature Dishes:Mullet Sandwich
Flounder Sandwich
Biscuit and Gravy
Location:FL-24 &, 609 6th St, Cedar Key, FL 32625, United States
Special Feature:A charming cottage-style exterior with a relaxed outdoor seating area
What Makes It Special:Chefs fry fresh local fish and bake hearty breakfast biscuits from scratch.
What Sets It Apart:The diner provides a highly reliable and unpretentious morning stop for locals and tourists.
Operating Hours:Thursday - Monday: 8:00 AM - 3:30 PMTuesday - Wednesday: Closed
Price:$10 to $20 per person
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2
Tony's RestaurantAmerican Seafood SouthernTony's Restaurant served award-winning clam chowder and fried oyster sandwiches before closing. The unfussy spot featured a welcoming outdoor patio.- Item Prices 320
- Average Item Price $10.60
Type of Restaurant:Casual Restaurant (Permanently Closed)
Type of Food:Seafood, American
Signature Dishes:Garden Salad With Grilled Shrimp Skewer
Tony's Chowder House Platter
Fried Chicken Strips
Location:597 2nd St, Cedar Key, FL 32625, United States
Special Feature:A relaxed outdoor patio perfect for enjoying warm coastal breezes
What Makes It Special:Cooks simmered rich clam chowder that won numerous regional awards.
What Sets It Apart:The restaurant offered a highly famous and globally recognized chowder recipe.
Operating Hours:Permanently Closed
Price:Closed
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3
Steamers Clam Bar & GrillSteamers Clam Bar & Grill serves fresh seafood and classic American dishes. This restaurant features a pet-friendly deck right on the water.Type of Restaurant:Casual Restaurant
Type of Food:Seafood, American
Signature Dishes:Fish and Chips
Back Bayou Burger
Parmesan Crusted Fish And Shrimp
Location:434 2nd St, Cedar Key, FL 32625, United States
Special Feature:A large outdoor deck offering direct views of the Gulf of Mexico
What Makes It Special:Cooks prepare fresh local clams and shrimp using traditional coastal recipes.
What Sets It Apart:The restaurant delivers a highly famous and high-volume seafood feast right on the water.
Operating Hours:Tuesday - Saturday, Monday: 6:30 AM - 9:00 PMSunday: 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
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4
1842 Daily Grind & Mercantile1842 Daily Grind & Mercantile pours locally roasted and single-origin specialty coffee. The downtown coffee shop serves breakfast sandwiches and loaded oatmeal.Type of Restaurant:Cafe
Type of Food:Cafe, Breakfast
Signature Dishes:Cedar Key Club Sandwich
World's Greatest Sandwich
Loaded Oatmeal
Location:598 2nd St, Cedar Key, FL 32625, United States
Special Feature:A welcoming and community-focused interior offering free WiFi
What Makes It Special:Baristas brew high-quality specialty coffee to accompany fresh breakfast sandwiches.
What Sets It Apart:The cafe delivers a highly polished and modern coffee shop experience in the historic downtown district.
Operating Hours:Wednesday - Sunday: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PMMonday - Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Price:$10 to $20 per person
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5
83 West83 West cooks fresh shrimp and grits on the waterfront. The downstairs bar provides a laid-back atmosphere with great views of the Gulf of Mexico.Type of Restaurant:Casual Restaurant
Type of Food:Seafood, Southern
Signature Dishes:Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp Salad Croissant
Chef's Choice Oysters
Location:310 Dock St, Cedar Key, FL 32625, United States
Special Feature:A pet-friendly outside dining deck overlooking the water
What Makes It Special:Cooks prepare fresh oysters and shrimp salads using locally sourced ingredients.
What Sets It Apart:The restaurant offers a fun and fast-paced counter service format right on the docks.
Operating Hours:Friday - Sunday, Monday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Friday - Sunday until 9:00 PM)Tuesday - Thursday: Closed
Price:$20 to $30 per person
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6
Big Deck Bar & GrillBig Deck Bar & Grill fries simple seafood baskets and hosts local bands. The relaxed bar delivers a fun environment with live music.Type of Restaurant:Casual Restaurant, Bar
Type of Food:American, Pub Fare
Signature Dishes:Fried Shrimp
Fish Sandwich
Cold Draft Beer
Location:331 Dock St, Cedar Key, FL 32625-5167
Special Feature:A massive outdoor deck hosting live music performances
What Makes It Special:Bartenders pour cold drinks to accompany simple and satisfying fried seafood.
What Sets It Apart:The bar provides a highly social and unpretentious entertainment venue on the waterfront.
Operating Hours:Sunday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PMFriday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 12:30 AM
Price:$10 to $20 per person
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7
Robinson's SeafoodRobinson's Seafood offered an all-you-can-eat menu before permanently closing. The down-home seafood restaurant featured a connecting shop for takeout fish.Type of Food:Seafood
Signature Dishes:All-You-Can-Eat Seafood
Fried Mullet
Hushpuppies
Location:6991 FL-24, Cedar Key, FL 32625, United States
Special Feature:An attached seafood market selling fresh catches directly to customers
What Makes It Special:Cooks fried massive portions of local fish and shellfish for hungry families.
What Sets It Apart:The restaurant delivered a highly nostalgic and budget-friendly seafood feast.
Operating Hours:Permanently Closed
Price:Closed
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8
2nd Street Cafe2nd Street Cafe cooks country fried steak and fluffy waffles. The laid-back diner serves classic American breakfast fare.Type of Restaurant:Diner
Type of Food:American, Breakfast
Signature Dishes:Country Fried Steak With Sausage Gravy And Two Eggs
Breakfast Skillet
Florentine Benny
Location:434 2nd St, Cedar Key, FL 32625, United States
Special Feature:A welcoming and unpretentious interior designed for family gatherings
What Makes It Special:Chefs prepare hearty breakfast skillets and rich sausage gravy from scratch.
What Sets It Apart:The diner provides a highly reliable and comforting morning meal right on 2nd Street.
Operating Hours:Monday - Sunday: 6:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Price:$10 to $20 per person
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9
FishBonz on ThirdFishBonz on Third presses hot Cuban sandwiches and Philly cheesesteaks. The family-owned deli offers outdoor seating.Type of Restaurant:Deli
Type of Food:Sandwiches, American
Signature Dishes:Cuban Sandwich
Philly Cheesesteak
Rueben
Location:509 3rd St, Cedar Key, FL 32625, United States
Special Feature:A small and welcoming outdoor seating area for quick lunches
What Makes It Special:Deli workers slice premium meats and assemble massive hot sandwiches to order.
What Sets It Apart:The deli delivers a highly reliable and fast-paced lunch option away from the main seafood spots.
Operating Hours:Monday - Friday: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Closed Tuesday)Saturday - Sunday: Closed
Price:$10 to $20 per person
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10
Duncan's on the GulfDuncan's on the Gulf fries fresh oysters and fish sandwiches right on the Gulf of Mexico. The waterfront restaurant features a pet-friendly patio and a full bar.Type of Restaurant:Casual Restaurant
Type of Food:Seafood, American
Signature Dishes:Fish and Chips
Fried Oysters
Fish Sandwich
Location:434 2nd St, Cedar Key, FL 32625, United States
Special Feature:A relaxed and open atmosphere offering clear views of the Gulf of Mexico
What Makes It Special:Chefs fry fresh oysters and fish in light batters using traditional coastal recipes.
What Sets It Apart:The restaurant merges a fun and pet-friendly environment with excellent waterfront views.
Operating Hours:Tuesday - Saturday, Monday: 6:30 AM - 9:00 PMSunday: 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
What Makes Restaurants in Cedar Key Famous?
Restaurants in Cedar Key, Florida are famous for farm-raised hard-shell clams, fresh mullet sandwiches, old-Florida coastal backdrops, and unpretentious mom-and-pop hospitality. The tiny island produces a massive share of the state's total clam harvest. Local chefs source ultra-fresh shellfish straight from the surrounding waters to cook in garlic and white wine. Waterfront restaurants on Dock Street provide direct views of the Gulf of Mexico for sunset watching. Independent and family-owned bistros keep the focus on friendly service rather than commercial chains.
What Types of Restaurants are Commonly Found in Cedar Key?
The most common categories of Cedar Key restaurants include waterfront seafood grills, cottage-style diners, casual sandwich delis, and lively outdoor bars. The following section introduces the different styles of restaurants in Cedar Key.
- Waterfront Seafood Grills: Restaurants serving fresh farm-raised clams and fried oysters directly on the Gulf.
- Lively Outdoor Bars: Relaxed pubs hosting local bands and frying simple seafood baskets.
- Cottage-Style Diners: Laid-back breakfast spots cooking biscuits and gravy and pouring hot coffee.
- Casual Sandwich Delis: Family-owned shops pressing Cuban sandwiches and Philly cheesesteaks.
Does Cedar Key Have an Authentic Restaurant?
Yes, Cedar Key provides authentic coastal flavors including farm-raised clams, fresh-caught mullet, homemade clam chowder, and classic Southern breakfasts. Annie's Cafe prepares true-to-roots Florida seafood by serving fresh flounder sandwiches and hearty biscuits and gravy inside a traditional cottage. Steamers Clam Bar & Grill honors local aquaculture by cooking fresh regional shellfish and classic American burgers on a nautical waterfront deck.
Do Restaurants in Cedar Key Offer Easy Online Reservations?
Yes, easy online reservations help visitors secure tables at popular restaurants like Steamers Clam Bar & Grill, 83 West, Duncan's on the Gulf, and 1842 Daily Grind & Mercantile. Unpretentious spots like Big Deck Bar & Grill and FishBonz on Third run strictly on a walk-in basis.
What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Restaurants in Cedar Key?
The signature dishes of the best restaurants in Cedar Key include farm-raised clams, mullet sandwiches, shrimp and grits, and loaded oatmeal. The list below presents famous food in Cedar Key.
- Farm-Raised Clams: Ultra-fresh local clams cooked in butter and white wine.
- Mullet Sandwich: Freshly caught local mullet fried or grilled and served on a soft bun.
- Shrimp and Grits: Plump Gulf shrimp served over creamy stone-ground grits.
- Oysters Rockefeller: Fresh oysters baked on the half shell with spinach and a rich butter sauce.
- Cuban Sandwich: Roasted pork and ham pressed tightly with Swiss cheese and mustard.
Does Cedar Key Enjoy Restaurant Food?
Yes, residents of Cedar Key appreciate local coastal dishes and unpretentious seafood. Locals frequently gather at waterfront bars along Dock Street to share fried fish baskets and listen to live music. Boaters returning from the Gulf of Mexico dock near the main restaurants to order fresh clams and cold drinks. Families regularly visit cottage-style diners to consume hearty breakfast skillets and country fried steak. The community strongly supports independent mom-and-pop businesses over commercial chains.
What is the Average Meal Price at Restaurants in Cedar Key?
The price of a meal at popular restaurants in Cedar Key averages $25 per person. Visitors gladly pay between $20 and $30 for fresh Gulf seafood because local chefs source farm-raised clams and oysters directly from the surrounding waters. Diners seeking a budget-friendly option spend $10 to $20 at local delis and coffee shops for hearty sandwiches and loaded oatmeal. High-end waterfront dinners demand a slightly higher budget due to the spectacular Gulf views and premium seafood ingredients.
Are There Vegan Options at Restaurants in Cedar Key?
Yes, customers can find vegan options at Cedar Key restaurants including 1842 Daily Grind & Mercantile, 2nd Street Cafe, 83 West, Steamers Clam Bar & Grill, FishBonz on Third, and Duncan's on the Gulf.
Do Restaurants in Cedar Key Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, Cedar Key restaurants deliver gluten-free options including 83 West, Steamers Clam Bar & Grill, Duncan's on the Gulf, Annie's Cafe, and 2nd Street Cafe.
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