Key West: A small drinking village with a big fishing problem.

Key West’s most famous drinker, Ernest Hemingway, made Sloppy Joe’s an institution on this little island.
Key West’s most famous drinker, Ernest Hemingway, made Sloppy Joe’s an institution on this little island.

The margarita.  The Cuba libre (rum and coke). The pina colada. The daiquiri. The mojito.  The rum runner.  

There are so many island drinks.  And so little time.

Key West is famous for its bars, with some of them known the world over. And its patrons are even more famous, with Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, and a world of other notables having planted themselves at local bar-stools for years on end.

Sloppy Joe’s, Hog’s Breath, Margaritaville, the Green Parrot – all of these bars have been voted to be among the best in the United States.

And for every visitor to Key West, there is a bar to suit each personality, from the genteel to the rowdy.

You will know doubt run into many of these drinking establishments, and one is likely to become a favorite of yours.

To get you started, here are a few that stand-out in Key West Travel Guide’s mind:

Green Parrot

An institution for live music and the laid back Key West attitude. On the corner

Margaritaville

The original Margaritaville, founded by Key West’s most known musician Jimmy Buffett. What discussion of

The Bull & The Whistle

Old-time bar offering three different experiences. On the corner of Duval Street and Caroline Street,

Hog’s Breath

Famous Key West bar still serves up a good time. The famous Hog’s Breath features

Captain Tony’s Saloon

The original Sloppy Joe’s still packs in the crowd at the honkytonk saloon. Everyone knows

Sloppy Joe’s

The famous Key West bar where Ernest Hemingway drank is still popular as ever. For

The Afterdeck at Louie’s Backyard

Part of Louie’s Backyard, the Afterdeck offer excellent cocktails and a beautiful view. Built on

El Meson de Pepe’s

Authentic Cuban cuisine and drinks in Mallory Square. Lively music nightly. Before or after sunset

Virgilio’s at La Trattoria

Hidden martini bar and music cabaret with dancing and cozy, dimly lit ambiance. This charming

Schooner Wharf

Classic Key West bar popular with sailors, pirates, and all manner of island celebrants. Located

Ricks & Rumrunners

Raucous bar complex with large dance floor. This large bar complex features one of the