| Key West Travel Guide - Visitor Information for Key West, FL in the Florida Keys

Green Parrot

David Dlugitch — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:59:30 +0000

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

A local’s favorite, the Green Parrot features excellent live music, an unpretentious atmosphere, and a unique collection of artwork and signs.

On the corner of Whitehead and Southard St., this drinking house is a real classic that has been serving the working men & women of Key West for over one hundred years.

The Green Parrot bring in some of the finest musicians from all over the country, and there is never a cover charge. If you are looking to see some good, live music in Key West, then this funky bar has to be at the top of your list.

Their motto is “no sniveling” and the friendly bartenders faithfully enforce it. Reasonably priced w/ full bar but beer rules!

Features two pool tables and darts for daytime play and free popcorn.

Location: Corner of Southard Street and Whitehead Street (one block south of Duval Street)

Hours: open every day, 10am – 4am

Margaritaville

David Dlugitch — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:55:45 +0000

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

The famous Margaritaville, where many people are still losing their shaker of salt.

What discussion of Key West bars would be complete without acknowledging Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville?

Owned by the famous, trop-rock musician who once called Key West home, Margaritaville is an homage to all things Buffett and “wasting away” here is almost a right of passage.

With its continuous Buffett music playing, blenders whirring, and parrot-suffused decor, for many a trip here is the definition of island partying.

Full menu offers everything from cheeseburgers to fish cakes.

Live music is performed nightly (very rarely is it the man himself, but nonetheless, good bar-type acts).

Attached souvenir shop sells t-shirts and all manner of Jimmy Buffett memorabilia.

Location: 500 Duval Street

Hours: Open every day, 11am-1am

The Bull & The Whistle

David Dlugitch — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:44:54 +0000

Old-time bar offering three different experiences.

On the corner of Duval Street and Caroline Street, the Bull & Whistle is no-frills bar with a classic feel.

The Bull & Whistle is really like three bars – each with their own unique personality.

In a building overlooking Duval Street this bar would be at home on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street, with it’s iron balcony and open-air feel. On the side of the building is a large sculpture of a bull with eyes glowing red. Hang out here long enough, and you’ll be doing the same.

On the first floor is The Bull – a large space with a big bar, tables and chairs, and a small stage where local musicians perform. The Bull has a carousing feel, and it is easy to pop in and grab a drink.

On the second floor is The Whistle, which features a large bar, pool tables, and a balcony overlooking Duval Street. The balcony offers some of the best people watching and is a popular place to get some fresh air and warm breeze. Though a bit hidden away, The Whistle is a longtime darling of the local party crowd, and its honkytonk feel welcomes anyone.

On the roof is another bar that has made more than a few people blush. Known as the Garden of Eden, this rooftop bar is “clothing optional” – and they mean it. If you go, expect to see lots of skin from all walks of life.

Anyone doing the “Duval Street crawl” – meaning barhopping along Key West’s party street – will usually stop in one of these bars.

Location: 224 Duval Street

Hours: Open every day until 4am (or until they decide they’ve had enough)

Hog’s Breath

David Dlugitch — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:05:38 +0000

Famous Key West bar still serves up a good time.

The famous Hog’s Breath features three bars, two bathrooms, and one stage.

The famous Hog’s Breath features three bars, two bathrooms, and one stage. Once the site of The Monster, a famous Key West disco in the 1970’s, the Hog’s Breath is an open-air bar that serves up cold, strong drinks and live music.

Famous for its slogan: “Hog’s breath is better than no breath at all”, this laid back bar is located on lower Duval Street and is home to many a hangover in the making.

For those on the Duval Street Crawl (wandering bar to bar), this is a good beginning or end point – being near the foot of Duval Street.

Visit their t-shirt shop in the back to get one of their famous shirts with the Hog’s Breath logo – a classic Key West souvenir.

Location: 400 Front Street (another entrance is on Duval Street in the 100 block)

Hours: Open every day, 11am – 11pm.

Captain Tony’s Saloon

David Dlugitch — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:46:01 +0000

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

The bright yellow building with the big grouper is Captain Tony’s – the original Sloppy Joe’s.

Everyone knows the Ernest Hemingway drank at Sloppy Joe’s. But not everyone realizes that Sloppy Joe’s was originally located down the street from its present location, from 1933-1937.

The original location for Sloppy Joe’s is nearly as beloved of a local institution and is called Captain Tony’s – named for a local legend with a huge personality.

This bar is far from fancy, but is an authentic bar with a decidedly Key West feel. Pool tables are available, along with live music by solo musicians.

The large collection of brassieres hanging from the ceilings attests to Captain Tony’s famous bawdiness.

Location: 428 Greene Street

Hours: Open every day until 4am.

Sloppy Joe’s

David Dlugitch — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:14:00 +0000

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

Sloppy Joe’s on Duval Street during the Fantasy Fest week.

For many, a trip to Key West would not be complete without a visit to it’s most famous watering hole, Sloppy Joe’s. It is on most people’s “bucket list” of things to do in Key West.

And why not?! The first time you walk in, with its high ceilings, mounted fish on the walls, and large bar, you’ll think you’ve walked into an island party.

Ernest Hemingway drank here, and his presence continues to imbue the place with a raucous, carousing attitude.

Located in the heart of the Historic District on Duval Street, this bar is easy to find, with it’s large logo painted on the side.

Live music is usually playing, while large crowds party away the day and night.

Location: 201 Duval Street

Hours: Open Monday – Saturday 9:00am – 4am, Sundays 11am – 4am.

The Afterdeck at Louie’s Backyard

David Dlugitch — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:58:00 +0000

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

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Afterdeck is a beloved outdoor bar where you never know who you’ll meet.

Built on an expansive deck overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this is a beautiful place to see and be seen.

Open from mid-day until late at night, you can sit at teak cocktail tables and stare out to sea while sipping on well prepared drinks, or one of the fine wines from the by-the-glass menu.

You may see Jimmy Buffett, who once lived next door, or the visiting celebrity du jour – as they all make their way to Louie’s on the corner of Waddell and Vernon St.

This outdoor bar is attached to Louie’s Backyard, among the finest restaurants on the island.

Location: 700 Waddell Ave.

Hours: Open every day, 11:30am – 1am

El Meson de Pepe’s

David Dlugitch — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:45:21 +0000

Authentic Cuban cuisine and drinks in Mallory Square. Lively music nightly.

Cuban restaurant and bar located on Mallory Square serves authentic cuisine and an excellent mojito cocktail.

Before or after sunset visit this legendary Cuban eatery & bar to listen to the live salsa band.

Located on Wall St. right at Mallory Square, El Meson de Pepe’s will make you the definitive Mojito cocktail. Raw sugar syrup, lime and fresh mint leaves are muddled together and then shaken with Bacardi rum and splashed on ice with a dash of sparkling soda water.

Local color comes to life at this festive hacienda!

Outdoor bar and proximity to Mallory Square make this a great people watching spot.

Location: 410 Wall Street

Hours: Open every day, 11am – 10pm

Virgilio’s at La Trattoria

David Dlugitch — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:40:03 +0000

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

This charming full-service bar is hidden behind one of the best Italian restaurants in Key West.

They have a fine rotating roster of musicians and a great late-night menu is available.

Best known for their awesome chocolate martini – Ketel One with Crème de Cocoa and Godiva liquer, shaken and served straight-up in chilled glass w/ dark chocolate rim.

This is a cool hide-away, and well worth a visit for those seeking good music and cocktails.

Small dance floor is often grooving to the talented musicians that play late into the night.

Location: Appelrouth Lane (behind La Trattoria Restaurant at 524 Duval Street)

Hours: Open every day until 4am.

Schooner Wharf

David Dlugitch — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:56:24 +0000

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

The Schooner Wharf is an outdoor bar known for patrons who, according to their t-shirts, are o.k. “growing old disgracefully”.

Located right on the docks at the Historic Seaport at the end of Williams St, the Schooner Wharf Bar is next to the island’s fleet of tall-ship schooners.

This is a real slice of old Key West and is always bustling with locals and tourists alike.

Run by a most charming and beautiful Swedish woman, this laid-back bar welcomes well-behaved dogs and has live music night and day.

Their grill offers reasonably priced food to enjoy while watching the fleet of tall-sail ships make their way in and out of port.

Don’t miss this terrific watering-hole.

| Key West Travel Guide - Visitor Information for Key West, FL in the Florida Keys

Green Parrot

Drink Menu

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

Margaritaville

Drink Menu

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

The Bull & The Whistle

Drink Menu

Old-time bar offering three different experiences.

Hog’s Breath

Drink Menu

Famous Key West bar still serves up a good time.

Captain Tony’s Saloon

Drink Menu

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

Sloppy Joe’s

Drink Menu

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

The Afterdeck at Louie’s Backyard

Drink Menu

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

El Meson de Pepe’s

Drink Menu

Authentic Cuban cuisine and drinks in Mallory Square. Lively music nightly.

Virgilio’s at La Trattoria

Drink Menu

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

Schooner Wharf

Drink Menu

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