Key west

Question

Coming down April 6 thru 12 will I need reservations for restaurants

Answer

Visiting Key West from April 6 through 12 is during the high season, as the weather is warm and many travelers, including spring breakers and vacationers from the mainland, are visiting. Because of this, restaurants can be quite busy, especially in popular areas like Duval Street, the Historic Seaport, and near Higgs or Smathers Beach.

Reservations:

For popular sit-down restaurants, especially seafood and well-known spots like Blue Heaven, Louie’s Backyard, or Santiago’s Bodega, reservations are strongly recommended. Walk-ins may face long waits, sometimes 30–60 minutes or more.
Casual or fast-casual places, cafes, and bars with food often do not require reservations, but peak lunch and dinner hours can still be crowded.
For group dining, even at casual spots, calling ahead or booking online is wise to guarantee seating.

Tips for Dining Without Reservations:

Try early or late dining times (before 6:00 pm or after 8:30 pm) to avoid the busiest periods.
Use online booking platforms like OpenTable, Resy, or the restaurant’s own website to secure a table in advance.
Consider exploring less tourist-heavy areas of Key West for dining; you may find excellent local cuisine with shorter wait times.
Some restaurants also offer takeout or curbside pickup, which can be a good alternative if you don’t have reservations.

In summary, while casual dining spots may be flexible, making reservations for popular Key West restaurants is highly recommended for your April trip to avoid disappointment, especially during dinner hours and on weekends.