Jose's Cantina

Jose's Cantina is a wonderful little hole in the wall. Don't go expecting anything fancy, as you will not find it here. What you will find is delicious, succulent Cuban food, just like abuela used to make. We ordered the ropa vieja (shredded beef) and it was simply amazing. We also had the fried pork chunks; decadent, yes, but oh so good. The side dishes included maduros (fried ripe plantains), yellow rice and black beans, and all were uniformly tasty.\r \r Service is good, if curt. The staff's English is by no means perfect, but easy enough to understand. Portions were large enough to fill those of with a hefty appetite, and the prices are competitive for Key West (~$30 for two entrees, an appetizer and beverages). All in all, you can't find better (or more authentic) Cuban food in the Keys. Pros: Great food, good prices. Cons: On-street parking only. more

Go hungry and order the breaded steak. It will cover your plate and it is ummm, ummm bueno!!! more

Jose's is cheap cheap cheap and good good good. All the typical Cuban favorites, served in an atmosphere both clean & charming, at good prices. Jose serves you, and is more or less pleasant to Anglos. It's fun to watch him light up when other Cuban expats come in for dinner...shows he's not mean, just not the best communicator in English. Anyway, it's every bit as good as El Ciboney, and a little lower in price. Well worth making this your first or second stop for Cuban in KW. Pros: inexpensive, authentic, charming more

Two words for you: ropa vieja. Get the standards here. They're perfect. Pros: great food, great little diner, cheap! more