If you’re a foodie seeking authentic casual dining experiences in the Upper Keys, you’re in luck. That’s because Upper Keys food trucks offer creatively crafted cuisine that provides a quick-serve, fun alternative to oh-so-boring fast-food joints.
Florida Keys food trucks — each with personalized freshly made specialty fare — are generally operated by hands-on locals who are owner-chefs.
One Grind specializes in breakfasts and caffeinated wake-up drinks crafted from ground-to-order whole beans.
For them, the outlets are a creative way to showcase culinary talent without the investment of a brick-and-mortar restaurant. And for foodies exploring Florida’s southernmost island chain, the venues are a convenient, inexpensive way to sample only-in-the-Keys cuisine.
Want to know more about favorite food trucks in the Upper Keys? Read on!
Craig’s Island Time Catering food trailer, currently found in Tavernier at the pool area of Ocean Pointe Suites at 500 Burton Drive, is operated by Craig Belcher — known as the creator of the Keys’ “World Famous Fish Sandwich.” Often stationed at multiday events and festivities, the roving trailer is known for its “famous super fish sandwich” with grilled or fried mahi-mahi on whole wheat bread, tomatoes, tartar sauce and melted cheese. Also popular are chicken sandwiches, cracked conch, seafood platters and hamburgers. Call 305-852-9424.
Seaside Eatery, located at 98275 Overseas Highway (mile marker 98) near Sal’s Ballyhoo’s restaurant, serves fresh all-vegan fare with house-grown herbs and fresh produce. Specialties are “sammies” including Lyndsay’s bahn mi created by owner Lyndsay Peterson — plus flavorful salads and wraps, breakfast items, Taiwanese boba oat milk teas and Key limeade. The truck is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Seaside fans will be glad to know that plans are in the works for a second truck, this one to serve vegan pizza. Visit seasideeateryflkeys.com or call 305-465-0999.
Nearby, One Grind, in the Florida Keys Overseas Highway median at mile marker 98, specializes in breakfasts and offers a caffeinated jolt along with burritos, bagels and avocado toast. Known for eye-opening coffees and espresso drinks, One Grind serves lattes, macchiatos or flat whites crafted from ground-to-order whole beans. Teas and iced raspberry, blue butterfly and coco mocha refreshers are also popular thirst-quenchers. And animal lovers have another great reason to favor One Grind: owners Rosemary Critelli and Christine Cooper donate tips to a local humane society. Additionally, part of each sale of their “Rescue Collab Coffee,” dubbed the “Foxy Brown,” is donated to Pawsitive Beginnings Fox Rescue in Key Largo. The truck is open daily (except Wednesdays) from 7 a.m. to noon and has outdoor seating. Visit onegrindkl.com 0r call 305-902-0534.
Pork tacos, anyone? This yummy favorite can be found at A Moveable Feast.
In Islamorada, A Movable Feast — positioned on Sundays and during the wonderful monthly “third Thursday” Morada Way Art Walk at 151 Morada Way — offers European pastries and elegant sweets, pierogies, jumbo pretzels and artisan breads (yummm!). Other fare includes international tacos, gourmet grilled cheese, serious sliders, flatbreads and authentic Neapolitan pizzas. Owners Tony and Maryna Corallo established the “Original Upper Keys Food Truck” in 2017 and also cater events. Plus the couple is opening a new Key Largo retail outlet, called A Movable Feast’s Bakehouse and Provisions, later this year for order-ahead, take-out specialties. Visit a-movable-feast.com/food-truck or call 305-304-0556.
Other well-regarded Islamorada food trucks include the Jalisco Taco Truck, serving tacos and burritos at Florida Keys Brewing Co.’s outdoor beer garden at mile marker 81.6; and Green Turtle Roadside BBQ, with barbecue specialties at mile marker 81.2.
Hungry yet? When you’re in Key Largo and Islamorada, sample the offerings from one (or all!) of these popular trucks — and start creating your own list of favorites to revisit.
