Welcome to First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery
First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery is a charming dining destination nestled in the heart of Key West, offering a delightful retreat under the shade of banyan trees. Known for its vibrant outdoor courtyard, this establishment seamlessly blends a relaxed atmosphere with delicious culinary offerings, including standout dishes like Mahi tacos and Bavarian pretzels. Guests rave about the attentive service that complements the experience of enjoying locally crafted beers and refreshing cocktails. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual lunch, First Flight promises an inviting ambiance where exceptional food and drink come together, making it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.
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301 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040, United States Hotline: +1 305-293-8484
If you find yourself wandering the picturesque streets of Key West, a culinary gem awaits you at First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery. Nestled at 301 Whitehead St, this establishment captures the island spirit in a beautifully shaded outdoor courtyard, perfect for a leisurely meal or an afternoon of local brews.
Your visit to First Flight begins with an intoxicating blend of enticing aromas wafting through the warm, tropical air. The ambiance is vibrant yet relaxed, highlighted by the rustic charm of the brick courtyard surrounded by lush banyan trees. Patrons can savor the island’s essence while enjoying generous portions of local seafood dishes, topped with refreshing tropical flares.
Imagine indulging in their renowned Mahi tacos adorned with a tropical mango salsa or savoring the freshly baked Bavarian pretzel, served warm and inviting. With reviews praising the excellent service and the delightful vibe, it becomes clear why First Flight is a must-stop for both tourists and locals alike. You’ll hear echoes of satisfaction from visitors like Mark Savoca, who comments on the attentive service and comfortable outdoor seating, and Ed Wetzel, who highlights the quality of the food—especially the smoked fish dip and tuna poke appetizers.
But it’s not just the food that draws guests in; the locally crafted beers offer a refreshing complement to every meal. As Julie Long suggested, trying a flight of their signature beers while basking in the lively atmosphere makes for an unforgettable experience. Each sip tells its own story, weaving a tapestry of flavors that resonate with the tropical backdrop.
First Flight is not just a dining establishment; it’s an experience. The charm of the courtyard is only rivaled by the warm, accommodating staff who prioritize your culinary journey. Special occasions are celebrated here with a flair that makes any banquet feel bespoke, as noted in the glowing review from Garnet Gordon. The meticulous attention to detail, even for larger events, showcases their commitment to excellence.
With a bountiful menu, an array of craft beers, and a setting that encourages both relaxation and revelry, First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery warmly invites you to savor the best of Key West. Whether you're seeking a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or a vibrant gathering with friends, this restaurant is an essential stop on your culinary adventure.
Stopped in for a light lunch in this delightful, shaded outdoor courtyard. We shared a few appetizers which were all excellent. The outdoor seating was very shady and comfortable. The service was excellent, attentive but not rushed. Highly recommend.
If you’re looking at this review don’t hesitate to go to this great restaurant! Everything was great! Bathrooms were clean and atmosphere was perfect!
Came here on a family trip and celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary. Relaxing but lively brick open courtyard, refreshing drinks and beers, great service, food and vibes. Highly recommend!
A quintessential Key West go-to. We’re frequenters on the Island and this is a place we stop nearly every time. Located a few blocks off Duval, it’s worth the walk. There’s semi-indoor seating for when the heat is too much, and a beautiful courtyard under the trees when it’s cooler. The service is always great and the food delicious. They have some of the best Mahi tacos with a tropical mango salsa flair. Of course you’ve got to try a flight of beer. Highly recommend.
Great vibes and super easy going. We sat in the courtyard on a beautiful day and enjoyed several of their locally crafted beers. The Bavarian pretzel was fresh and warm and the breaded jerk wings were delicious. We will definitely come back the next time we are visiting Key West.
Loved the outdoor seating, Sitting under banyon trees. We opted for appetizers for a light lunch. Smoked fish dip was so good, and was the tuna poke. Great service, not rushed
We really enjoyed our recent dinner at First Flight while on vacation. We started with their DI PARMA flatbread which was phenomenal. I chose their fish tacos for main dish. They were a little spicy but tasted great. My husband had their swordfish & was very happy with his choice. The atmosphere is so enjoyable & they have a beautiful outdoor seating area. Service was a little slow off the start, but I didn't have to cook or wash dishes! There was a wedding taking place upstairs which was neat to watch. Definitely recommend a visit.
First Flight in Key West delivered an exceptional experience for our banquet of thirty attorneys. From the planning stage through the end of the evening, everything was handled with professionalism, warmth, and incredible attention to detail. Justin and Brittanie were fantastic to work with—responsive, organized, and truly invested in making our event a success. The service throughout the night was top-notch. The staff was plentiful, attentive, and well-coordinated, which made the entire evening feel seamless. It’s rare to see that level of care and staffing at a group event of this size. The space was beautiful and one of the only venues in town with optional covered outdoor seating—an essential backup in case of weather issues. One of the most impressive aspects was the dinner service. Rather than the typical buffet or pre-selected meals, we were able to offer our guests a menu with full table service—no advance orders required. For a group of thirty, that kind of flexibility and execution is nearly unheard of. The food arrived quickly, was beautifully prepared, and consistently delicious across the board. Guests raved about the quality. The drinks were also excellent—creative cocktails and a well-stocked bar that kept everyone happy throughout the evening. While there are plenty of beautiful venues in Key West, First Flight stood out not just for its charm, but for how smoothly everything was handled. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it for anyone planning a large group event. The team made it feel effortless—and that’s the mark of a truly well-run operation.