Finding The Best Tapas In Key West

The best tapas in Key West combine Cuban tradition with the island's laid-back spirit. At El Mesón de Pepe, our appetizer menu features classic Cuban small plates perfect for sharing — from tostones and empanadas to Yuca al Mojo. These are the dishes that make Cuban dining social, relaxed, and built for conversation.

What Makes Cuban Tapas Different

Unlike Spanish tapas, which are often served as standalone bar snacks, Cuban small plates are designed to be shared alongside a larger meal. They are the opening act — a way to settle in, order a round of mojitos, and let the evening unfold. At El Mesón de Pepe, our tapas-style starters reflect the same recipes that define our Cuban cuisine in Key West: garlic-forward, citrus-bright, and built on slow-cooked technique.

Must-Try Cuban Small Plates

Tostones

Twice-fried green plantains served with a garlic mojo dipping sauce. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and the perfect foil for a cold drink on our patio bar.

Empanadas

Hand-folded pastries filled with seasoned beef or chicken. Golden, flaky, and satisfying — a staple of Cuban street food that translates perfectly to a shared starter.

Yuca al Mojo

Boiled cassava draped in a garlic-citrus sauce. It is rustic, comforting, and one of the most authentically Cuban dishes on the menu.

Papas Rellenas

Mashed potato stuffed with seasoned ground beef, then fried until crisp. A classic Cuban comfort food that works beautifully as a shared plate.

Pairing Tapas with the Sunset Celebration

The smart move is to arrive at Mallory Square before the crowds, order a spread of small plates, and let the Sunset Celebration come to you. Our patio puts you at the center of the action without fighting for a spot on the wall. Read our guide on what to do before sunset at Mallory Square for a full evening itinerary.

Build Your Own Tapas Spread

Order three or four small plates to share, add a round of mojitos from our rum and cocktails selection, and you have a Cuban-style feast that captures the spirit of dining in Old Havana. Browse our full menu to plan your spread, and explore more must-try Cuban dishes before your visit.