There is nothing better to quench a tropical thirst than an ice cold beer at one of the many Key West bars. But why settle for a standard domestic when you can sip down a flavorful, unique handcrafted brew. From local breweries to craft beer emporiums, we’re naming the best of the best in Key West beer.
Photo by Old Town Manor
Old Town Tavern & Beer Garden | 900 Duval St. | 305-296-0637
This pet friendly spot has been many different drinking establishments over the years, but the Tavern and Beer Garden is its best reincarnation. It has an awesome range of local, national and international brews – 12 taps and 50 different bottles and cans. They often rotate to keep things fresh and interesting. There is both indoor and outdoor seating with a front porch on Duval. Food is served from 9 am to 1 am and there are two happy hours – 4-7 pm and 11 pm – 1 am.
Photo by AdmlCrunch, courtesy of Flickr
Waterfront Brewery | 201 William St. | 305-440-2270
Check out the Waterfront Brewery in the Historic Seaport for locally brewed beer and delicious lunch, happy hour, or dinner. Their large selection of taps include Key West inspiration like Key Lime White, Lazy Way IPA and Island Life Lager. The spacious interior offers plenty of seating, TVs, and arcade games. Don’t miss their Happy Hour from 4:30 – 6:00 daily for half off drinks.
Photo by Old Town Manor
Shots & Giggles | 201 Anne St. | 305-414-8272
We love this Key West bar for its intimate atmosphere and the fabulous beer selection that changes regularly. There are over 60 craft beers, premium liquors and fine wines. The draft selection includes Fat Tire, Alchemy Project Russian Imperial Stout 12, Abita Andygator and UFO Raspberry Hefeweizen. The bottled beer selection includes Anchor Steam Beer, Fox Barrell, Smutty Nose and Dead Guy Ale. There is also an interesting wine selection and a daily happy hour from 5-7 with specials on beer, wine and liquor.
Photo by Old Town Manor
Joe’s Tap Room at Sloppy Joe’s Bar | 201 Duval St. | 305-294-5717
Just behind the famous Sloppy Joe’s Bar on Greene Street is a small operation known for it’s premium well drinks and a good selection of bottled domestic and international beer, including Sloppy Joe’s Island Ale, brewed in Oak Park, Florida. Other beers include Daughters Brewing Bimini Twist IPA from Tampa, Iguana Bait from Florida Keys Brewing in Islamorada, Cigar City Lager from Tampa and Liquid Bliss from Athens, Georgia. It’s a great place to watch sports on their huge hi-def TV and food can be ordered from Sloppy Joe’s main bar.
Photo by Old Town Manor
The Cafe | 509 Southard St. | 305-296-5515
There truly is a place for everyone here in Key West. The Cafe is not only one of the only delicious vegetarian/vegan spots on the island, they also feature an excellent craft beer selection. The rotating tap may include Funky Buddha Floridian Wheat, Florida Keys Spearfish Amber and Oskar Blues Mama’s Little Yella Pils. There are some very unusual bottles and cans too, including Saltwater Sea Cow Milk Stout, New Planet Off The Grid Pale Ale and Monk in the Trunk Amber Ale.
Photo by Nomadic Lana, courtesy of Flickr
Irish Kevin’s | 211 Duval Street | 305-292-1262
Located in the heart of the famous 200 Block on Duval Street and impressively open from 10 am to 3:30 pm is the one of the most popular Key West bars: Irish Kevin’s. Established by singer/songwriter/ribald entertainer, (Irish) Kevin, it boasts of good music from early morning until late at night and 25 very interesting beers on tap. These include Mama’s Little Yella Pills, a pilsner from the Czech Republic, Big Wave Golden Ale from Kona, Hawaii, Key Lime Cider from St. Pete, Florida, Smithwick’s Red Ale from Ireland and many, many more.
From locally made Key West beer to craft beers from around the world, you certainly won’t go thirsty during your visit with this selection of Key West bars. Take a break from the heat, grab a Key Lime Witness, and watch the boats pass by. It doesn’t get any better than that in paradise.
If you want to start sampling some Key West beer, check our hotel availability at Old Town Manor & Rose Lane Villas here. Read more concierge recommendations here.
