Alright, foodies! If your culinary GPS is tuned to “authentic” and “spectacular,” then pay attention. We’re talking about a recent pilgrimage that took us way down to the Florida Keys, where we uncovered a hidden spot that has redefined our expectations for Cuban cuisine. Folks, get ready to add Habanos On The Creek in Tavernier to your must-visit list—it’s that good.
Located discreetly within the Tavernier Creek Marina, Habanos isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a destination. The vibe is fascinatingly unique: picture the cozy, no-nonsense efficiency of an old-style corner coffee shop that’s been dropped right into a marina setting. It has a genuine, slightly gritty charm you can’t fake. There is no pretense, no flash, and certainly no formal elegance here. What you will find is something far better: sincere service and truly spectacular food.
This is the kind of spot true food enthusiasts seek out—a quintessential, dockside gem that delivers complex, heartfelt flavors against the backdrop of glittering water and passing boats, making it a perfect respite for the discerning palate seeking an authentic escape.
🍽️ The Dishes Worth the Two-Hour Drive
While the entire menu is a masterclass in generous, authentic Cuban cooking, there are three non-negotiable dishes that ensure your trip is not just a vacation, but a necessary culinary endeavor.
- The Land and Sea Rice (Arroz con Mariscos y Carne): This is the dish that has sparked real, existential questions about commitment. A magnificent convergence of tender seafood and perfectly seasoned meat folded into savory saffron rice, this platter is pure decadence. Seriously, the moment we finished the last spoonful, we found ourselves calculating the exact two-hour travel time back up the Turnpike just to secure an encore. If you miss this, you are missing the definitive flavor of the Upper Keys.
- The Midnight (Media Noche) Sandwich: An iconic Cuban staple, Habanos’ version elevates the form. The combination of sweet bread, slow-roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles is pressed to perfection, yielding a sandwich that is simultaneously satisfying, comforting, and flawlessly executed. It’s pure culinary artistry in sandwich form.
- The Essential Lobster Sandwich: You’re in the Keys; act like it. Do not, under any circumstances, leave Habanos without indulging in their Lobster Sandwich. It’s fresh, luxurious, and the perfect marriage of island bounty and Cuban flair.
🔑 Your Culinary Mission (Don’t Miss Out!)
The experience at Habanos On The Creek is a testament to the fact that the best food often comes from the most genuine, unpretentious places. Our only regret is that we didn’t discover this gem sooner. We are already counting the minutes until our next return visit.
The ultimate FOMO moment comes from delaying your visit and missing out on that incredibly addictive Land and Sea Rice, which is worth every single mile of the two-hour drive for seconds.
When you visit, be sure to capture every element of this incredible experience. Take lots of gorgeous pictures of your food, your drinks, and the stunning surroundings. Share your journey with your fellow Foodies and tag us @SoFloDining.
Most importantly, let the wonderful staff know that you saw them on soflodining—because great culinary finds deserve to be celebrated!
📋 Essential Details
| Cuisine | Cuban, Seafood, Dockside Cafe, Keys Classics |
| Address | Tavernier Creek Marina, 90800 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL 33070 |
| Contact | Phone: (305) 916-5350 |
| The Hook | The legendary Land and Sea Rice (Arroz con Mariscos y Carne), the perfectly pressed Midnight Sandwich, and the fresh Essential Lobster Sandwich in a genuine marina setting. |
| Tip | This spot has that cozy, genuine, old-style corner coffee shop charm but is set right on the water. |
Author: Chef Diaz
With over 40 years of hands-on experience in the hospitality industry—beginning his journey shucking clams on the Jersey Shore boardwalk—Chef Dan has built a career dedicated to culinary authenticity and independent food journalism. As the Co-Founder, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Editor of SoFloDining, he champions an uncompromised reviewing standard. Under his direction, the publication relies entirely on unannounced visits, self-funded meals, and multi-year municipal health inspection records, rejecting paid endorsements and staged influencer promotions in favor of true culinary craftsmanship. Beyond editing and publishing the brand's digital magazine editions, Chef Dan expands SoFloDining's reach across multiple media channels. He hosts the weekly video interview series "Who's at The Chef's Table," produces syndicated podcasts, and manages an extensive network of regional community dining groups across South Florida and the Florida Keys. Whether he is scouting roadside gems along the Overseas Highway, advocating for independent restaurant operators, or collaborating with his wife and business partner Doris, Chef Dan remains a passionate, trusted voice celebrating the diverse food culture of South Florida.
