Upper Keys Food Trucks Offer Tasty Fresh Selections

For foodies seeking authentic only-in-the-Keys dining experiences, Upper Keys food trucks offer creatively crafted cuisine that provides a quick-serve, fun alternative to oh-so-boring fast-food joints.

Keys food trucks — each with personalized freshly made specialty fare — are operated by hands-on locals who are owner-chefs. 

For owners, the outlets are a creative way to showcase a chef’s talent without the investment of a brick-and-mortar restaurant. For visitors exploring the Keys, the venues are a convenient, inexpensive way to sample Keys-crafted cuisine.

A sampling of a few food trucks in the Upper Keys:

Craig’s Island Time Catering food trailer, currently situated in Tavernier at the pool area of Ocean Pointe Suites at 500 Burton Drive, is operated by Craig Belcher, 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. Belcher is the former owner of Craig’s Restaurant, opened in 1981 in Tavernier. Call 305-852-9424.

Seaside Eatery, located at 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, flavorful salads and wraps, breakfast items, Taiwanese boba oat milk teas and Key limeade. A second truck, to offer vegan pizza, is planned. It’s located at 98275 Overseas Highway and open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. 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 popular thirst-quenchers. Owners Rosemary Critelli and Christine Cooper donate One Grind’s 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 or call 305-902-0534.

In Islamorada, A Movable Feast — positioned on Sundays and during the monthly “third Thursday” Morada Way Art Walk at 151 Morada Way — specializes in European pastries and elegant sweets, pierogies, jumbo pretzels and artisan breads. 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. The couple is opening a new retail outlet, A Movable Feast’s Bakehouse and Provisions, later this year in Key Largo 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.