On the tiny island of Key West, there are over 350 liquor licenses. From comfy wine rooms to lively dance parties, there’s a watering hole for every taste. Check out our concierge pics of the Best Key West Bars!
Photo by Grant Goad, courtesy of Flickr
Green Parrot Bar
Location: 601 Whitehead Street, on your way to/from from Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
Price Range: Cheap
Food? No, but don’t miss the free popcorn
Must try: Root Beer Barrel Shots – Root Beer Schnapps and Bud Light. They taste much better than they sound!
Local’s note: This place is buzzing with live music almost every night. (See their website for a calendar of events.) When good music is on deck, check out the daily “sound check” performance to avoid late-night crowds.
Photo by Bobby Ford, courtesy of Flickr
Rick’s Tree Bar
Location: On Duval Street, across the street from Sloppy Joe’s.
Price Range:
Food? No, but there’s a pizza shop next door.
Must try: Fresh squeezed juices in your cocktails. Try the Bloody Mary!
General Horseplay
Location: On the corner of Caroline and Duval Street, stumbling distance from Old Town Manor & Rose Lane Villas!
Price Range: High end
Food? Small menu of snacks.
Must try: Craft cocktails, fine wines and craft beers on tap
Local’s note: A new “player” on the Key West scene. Their motto is “Have Fun. Drink Good Stuff. Why Not?” Try classic cocktails for $5 on Old Fashioned Mondays. Entertainment nightly from 9ish pm.
Photo by Cayobo, courtesy of Flickr
Schooner Wharf Bar
Location: Lazy Way Lane in the Historic Seaport
Price Range: Cheap
Food? Yes, see their menu here.
Must try: Your favorite cocktail, poured strong.
Local’s note: A key West icon, Schooner Wharf is your spot for live music, casual drinking and dining, and friendly locals.
Irish Kevin’s Bar
Location: Duval Street, between Caroline and Green
Price Range: Touristy
Food? Yes, see their menu here.
Must try: Irish car bombs, of course!
Local’s note: This busy spot is always good to liven up the crowd. Their live performances are more than just music. Don’t be surprised to see drinking contests and other mayhem happening on stage! Check out the top deck for a slightly less congested view of the festivities.
Photo by Roger W, courtesy of Flickr
Sloppy Joe’s Bar
Location: Corner of Duval Street and Greene Street
Price Range: Touristy
Food? Yes, see their menu here
Must try: The original Sloppy Joe sandwich with a fresh mint Mojito
Local’s note: Sloppy Joe’s history dates back to December 5, 1933 – the day prohibition was repealed. More than 80 years later, this Key West bar is still a great time with lively evenings of music and dancing.
Photo by Nomadic Lana, courtesy of Flickr
Captain Tony’s
Location: Greene Street, between Duval and Whitehead
Price Range: Cheap
Food? No
Must try: Pirate’s Rum Punch
Local’s note: Named for the free-thinking Key West political figure, Captain Tony, you’ll find these walls covered in left-behind business cards and ceilings spotted with dollar bills and ladies’ bras.
Photo by John Beagle, courtesy of Flickr
Hog’s Breath Saloon
Location: On Duval Street, between Greene and Front
Price Range: Touristy
Food? Yes, see their menu here
Must try: Hog Wash: a tangy orange rum drink to make you go “Hog Wild”
Local’s note: At this famous bar, you’ll find live music, dancing and an anything-goes Key West atmosphere.
Vino’s Wine Bar
Location: On Duval Street between Petronia and Olivia
Price Range: High End
Food? Snacks only, like a charcuterie board and cheeses
Must try: Any of the carefully selected wines by the glass
Local’s note: Bring your dog and sit on the Duval Street front porch. This spot is perfect for a relaxed date-night.
Speakeasy Inn Rum Bar
Location: Duval and Amelia Street, toward the Southernmost Point
Price Range: Decent
Food? No
Must try: The rum flight. Too many options to choose!
Local’s note: Sip a rum cocktail while people-watching on their dog-friendly Duval Street patio.
Photo by Steven Miller, courtesy of Flickr
Chart Room
Location: Within the Pier House Resort at the North end of Duval Street
Price Range: Decent
Food? Only snacks – complimentary popcorn, peanuts and hot dogs
Must try: Espresso martini
Local’s note: Don’t get lost trying to find this historic hole-in-the-wall! It’s worth the hunt.
Virgillio’s
Location: On Applerouth Lane, between Duval and Whitehead Streets
Price Range: Touristy
Food? Yes, a limited menu from the Italian restaurant next door, La Trattoria
Must try: Martinis – pick your flavor!
Local’s note: Monday night gets lively with a live band and $5 martinis. Thursday nights are lively with a Spanish style band and lots of dancing!
Cheers! Check out our other top concierge recommendations, including the best happy hours. Click here to start planning your getaway to Key West!
