Cayo Mexican Cantina, Key West

Peri-Peri chicken is absolutely the star of the show here.
Peri-Peri chicken is absolutely the star of the show here.

The food truck scene in Key West has recently gained some steam, despite city efforts to make things more difficult. The city loves coming up with new regulations, and often can’t decide who should have to abide by these new rules. Shockingly, they haven’t driven everyone out of business. Hey, even the Great Food Truck Race filmed the season finale in our town. So this weekend, we finally had some of the yummy food from Cayo Mexican Cantina

Originally, this started as Yebo Island Grill, with tacos and burritos as well as some South African-inspired foods. The reincarnation to Cayo holds onto a couple of South African dishes (bunny chow, a curry in a bread bowl, and a burger topped with “South African monkey gland sauce“, which as it turns out, is a fruity, chutney-style sauce, and doesn’t actually come from monkeys.) Under the guise of “research” we ordered far more food than necessary. It was not such a tragedy, as Cayo is inexpensive. Two orders of tacos and a sandwich were only $26.50.

The al pastor tacos were great, too.
The al pastor tacos were great, too.

I had the fish tacos, made with mahi mahi. They were fine, but not great. Would I get them again? I’d probably stick with something else. But

Fish tacos at Cayo.
Fish tacos at Cayo.

I will be going back, because I have it on good authority that the al pastor pork tacos were very good, although I didn’t try them, and the chicken peri-peri sandwich was truly outstanding. It is available either mild, medium or hot (of course I went for the hot), and is marinated chicken that is grilled, and served on bread with lettuce, tomato and spicy sauce. Delicious, I tell you. It is certainly worth seeking out this truck just for the Peri-Peri chicken.

There are a few stand-up tables next to the truck, and there will likely be more seating in the future, but it is helpful to note that Cayo also delivers, and is very speedy about it. Cayo is located at the corner of Duval Street and Angela and is open from 11 AM – 9 PM Monday through Saturday.