Not every retiree chooses to travel abroad. A good number of them stay domestic as the sheer size of this country offers a broad range of vacation experiences for travelers seeking a diverse set of enriching travel experiences. From the sun kissed beaches of Miami to the multi-hued red-rock formations of Sedona, retirees travel to all corners of the States to admire the beauty this country has to offer. While dining spots can be found at every destination, not every venue delivers a satisfying experience as much as the sights themselves. RETIRETY has partnered with food enthusiast and food trend expert Andrew Lim (me) to come up with a list of restaurants that retired travelers can go to for a satisfying dining experience without breaking the bank. There are over half a million restaurants in this country so we are emphasizing on those in five cities/places most commonly visited by retirees.
KEY WEST, FL
With consistently warm weather, great beaches, a rich historic and cultural heritage, and Caribbean style wooden homes painted with tropical pastel colors, it’s no wonder why Key West is a perfect destination for retired travelers. The rich dining choices here are what attract travelers too.
1. Santiago’s Bodega
Cuisine Type: Spanish tapas/Mediterranean
Address: 207 Petronia St., Key West FL 33040
Website: http://www.santiagosbodega.com/home.php?restaurant=1
Average spending: $25-$40 per person
2. Deuce’s Off the Hook Grill
Cuisine Type: Seafood
Address: 728 Simonton St., Key West FL 33040
Website: http://offthehookkeywest.com/
Average spending: $15-$30 per person
3. Cuban Coffee Queen
Cuisine Type: Cuban
Address: 284 Margaret St, Key West, FL 33040
Website: https://www.cubancoffeequeen.com/
Average spending: $7-$15 per person
4. Fisherman’s Cafe
Cuisine Type: American/Caribbean/Cafe
Address: 205 Elizabeth St, Unit D, Key West, FL 33040
Website: https://fishermanscafekeywest.com/
Average spending: $7-$15 per person
MIAMI, FL
The white sand beaches and scantily clad sunbathers may not encourage you to eat too much, but the restaurants here which offer a fantastic selection of cuisine from American to Cuban will sure tempt you to do so.
1. Old Lisbon Restaurant
Cuisine Type: Seafood, prepared Portuguese style
Addresses: Three locations (Carol Way — 1698 SW 22nd St, Miami, FL 33145, South Miami — 5837 Sunset Drive, South Miami, FL. 33143 and Sunny Isles — 17100 Collins AVE, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160)
Website: http://oldlisbonrestaurants.com/
Average spending: $25-$50 per person
2. Ferrero’s Kitchen Restaurant and Wine Bar
Cuisine Type: Italian/Mediterranean
Address: 1099 NE 79th St., Miami FL 33138
Website: https://www.ferraroskitchen.com/
Average spending: $25-$50 per person
3. El Mago de Las Fritas
Cuisine: Cuban
Address: 5828 SW 8th St., Miami FL 33144
Website: http://www.elmagodelasfritas.com/
Average spending: $10-$15 per person
4. Jimmy’s East Side Diner
Cuisine: American
Address: 7201 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jimmys-Eastside-Diner/113463148687221
Average spending: $10-$15 per person
SEDONA, AZ
With a multitude of hiking trails surrounded by red rocks, Sedona is a perfect getaway for retired travelers seeking an active itinerary like hiking or a romantic itinerary like hot air balloon ride. These are some dining choices here that are worth your consideration after a day of fun and unforgettable activities.
1. Red Rock Cafe (open for breakfast and lunch only)
Cuisine Type: Southwestern/American
Address: 100 Verde Valley School Rd Ste 107, Sedona, AZ 86351
Website: http://redrockcafeaz.com/
Average spending: $7-$15 per person
2. Bella Vista Ristorante
Cuisine Type: Italian
Address: 6701 W State Route 89a, Sedona Pines Resort, Sedona, AZ 86336
Website: http://www.bellavitasedona.com/
Average spending: $15-$30 per person
3. A Taste of Marrakech
Cuisine Type: International/street food
Address: 25 Bell Rock Plaza, Suite C, Sedona, AZ 86351
Website: http://atom-organic.com/
Average spending: $10-$25 per person
4. Red Chopstick
Cuisine Type: Chinese/Asian
Address: 65 Bell Rock Plz, Sedona, AZ 86351–8804
Website: http://redchopstick.mapforfood.com/
Average spending: $15-$30 per person
SANTA FE, NM
The oldest capital in the U.S. is an unforgettable city to visit with its colorful history, charming adobe architecture, wide array of art galleries and extraordinary choices of museums. The city is also home to an outstanding selection of restaurants.
1. Clafoutis (open for breakfast and lunch only)
Cuisine Type: French Bakery/Cafe
Address: 333 W. Cordova Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Website: http://restaurantwebexpert.com/Clafoutis/
Average spending: $5-$20 per person
2. The Ranch House
Cuisine Type: American/Southwestern/Barbecue
Address: 2571 Cristos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87507–3265
Website: http://theranchhousesantafe.com/
Average spending: $10-$20 per person
3. Bang Bite Filling Station
Cuisine Type: American/Grill
Address: 411 W Water St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Website: https://www.bangbitesantafe.com/
Average spending: $10-$20 per person
4. Pizza Centro
Cuisine Type: Pizza
Address: 418 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Website: http://www.pizzacentronys.com/
Average spending: $5-$20 per person
BIG SUR, CA
The rugged coastline and the popular and narrow highway 1 offer breathtaking views along the drive but provide hair-raising corners which will sure jolt your adrenaline and work up your appetite. Fortunately, there are some good dining options along the way.
1. Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn Restaurant
Cuisine Type: American
Address: 48865 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Website: http://www.deetjens.com/
Average spending: $10-$40 per person
2. Café Kevah (open for breakfast and lunch only)
Cuisine Type: American
Address: 48510 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Website: https://www.nepenthe.com/info-hours/
Average spending: $10-$30 per person
3. Ripplewood Café (open for breakfast and lunch only)
Cuisine Type: American
Address: 47047 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Website: http://www.ripplewoodresort.com/restaurant.htm
Average spending: $10-$30 per person
4. Tommy’s Wok
Cuisine Type: Chinese/Asian
Address: Mission between Ocean & 7th, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
Website: http://www.tommyswokcarmel.com/
Average spending: $10-$30 per person
If none of the proposed options above looks appealing to you, there is always a McDonald’s around the corner — and I’m being serious. Never underestimate the power of Mickey D’s. Capturing one in every ten away from home food transactions in the U.S., McDonald’s, with its consistent and standardized menu and an increasing focus on improving food quality and taste, could be a decent and convenient option for a tired and hungry traveler after a long day of sightseeing.
