El Siboney

This is by far one of the best family-friendly Cuban restaurants in Key West.  It’s one of our favorites too.  What is our go-to food on the menu at El Siboney Key West?  Well, of course, it’s #1, the roasted pork.

Located in the heart of Old Town, it is conveniently located to most of the Island.  A short walk from the hustle and bustle of Duval.  El Siboney is found at the corner of Catherine and Margaret Streets.

El Siboney Key West

The staff speaks both Spanish and English and is very helpful in guiding you through the large menu.  They are friendly and will answer all of your questions, so don’t be afraid to ask if you are unfamiliar with Cuban food.

I am a recent convert to Cuban food.  This was our first stop on the Key West Food Tour and we learned so much about the history of Cuban food in Key West.  Not only did we learn a lot, but we also became huge fans of Cuban roasted pork, black beans and, of course, the Bucci.  The Bucci is a small coffee that is generally equal parts coffee and sugar… a staple of the Cuban breakfast.

El Siboney Key West

As you can see the portions are large… plan on bringing a really big appetite, or sharing with friends….There is plenty!

But who could not love a place that serves warm Cuban bread when you sit down?  Exactly….they had my heart, and stomach, at warm Cuban bread.

El Siboney Key West

How sad… the plate is empty…

El Siboney Key West has been serving South Florida since 1984.  In 2004, the restaurant changed owners, but the food, service, and atmosphere didn’t change.  The restaurant is now owned by the de la Cruz family.  El Siboney has been named the best Cuban restaurant every year since 1993.  But this, not a tourist trap.  Locals enjoy this place too.  During any lunchtime, you can see locals enjoying a quick, yet very filling, lunch.  That is one of the appeals of this place…. we love the mix of locals and tourists.  We also love how quickly the food is delivered and how consistent the food is visit to visit.  We are never disappointed.

History of Siboney

So where does “Siboney” come from?  According to the restaurant’s website, before 1492 Cuba was populated with two distinct indigenous peoples:  Taino and Siboney.  Bartolomeo de las Casa estimated 200,000 natives, belonging to these two nations, inhabited Cuba before colonization.  These nations were forced onto reservations during the Spanish occupation of Cuba.

Today Siboney is a town in Cuba east of Santiago.  In 1898, Siboney and Daiquiri were locations where American forces came ashore in the Spanish-American war.  Siboney was also the location were Fidel Castro and his men gathered before the attack on the Moncada Barracks, which was the start of the Cuban revolution

I found this youtube video and thought it captured the essence of El Siboney…

(credit:  elsiboneyrestaurant.com)

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