The Best Bars In Key West
The best bars in Key West is a list of our favorites we send folks to. Our criteria is based on Key West charm, history and atmosphere.
Finding a bar on our island city is not hard. After all Key West is the highest number of bars per capita of any city in the USA. There are over 300 bars on our 2 x 4 island. The best bars in Key West is all a matter of preference for anyone who visits. This is a starter kit for those that are wanting to know where to begin.
Where to begin?! Key West is known for its nightlife. I have chosen ten very different bars that just about anyone could enjoy.
Sloppy Joe’s – Located on the corner of Duval and Greene Streets, this is the quintessential Key West Bar. Ernest Hemingway used to hang at the original bar long ago which just adds to the fame of this place. You can get a daiquiri or any other drink you like here along with some above average bar food. The also host several events and musical guests.
Hog’s Breath – The motto here is that Hog’s Breath is better than no breath at all. Well, I guess that point could be argued, but they do have some great entertainment here. Live music, and events such as 5K’s, fishing tournaments, and the homemade bikini contest all draw large crowds to 400 Front Street.
Green Parrot – Located on Whitehead Street, this bar has been names one of the best in the country by Playboy magazine. Probably because of the many eccentric people that tend to congregate here. On a normal day you may find some old hippies hanging out here along with some bikers, musicians, artists, fishermen, and tourists. This is also a major draw for musicians that perform here, year round and also during the Songwriters Festival.
Irish Kevin’s – When you are walking down Duval Street at night and you hear a bunch of yelling and music, it is probably coming from this place. There is usually someone on stage strumming a guitar, and they don’t miss a beat. As soon as someone does something funny in the crowd, they take note and yell it out to everyone in the bar. The customers here basically become part of the entertainment.
Berlin’s Cocktail and Cigar Bar – Located in the A&B Lobster House, this is an upscale bar where you can enjoy a drink before or after an amazing meal at the A&B Lobster house or the fabulous Bel Mare right next door. The dark wood decor is definitely any man’s ideal idea of a bar. But even a girl like me can enjoy a martini or after dinner aperitif.
Captain Tony’s Saloon – This is the original building for the original Sloppy Joe’s where Ernest Hemingway actually did hang out. And you can actually check out he bar stool that Papa occupied. Back then, the bar was owned by Joe Russel. The building changed hands a few times until Tony Tarracino purchased the building in the late 1950’s and Captain Tony’s Saloon was born. Tony was a local celebrity: bar owner, captain, mayor, gambler, gunrunner, and actor. He died in 2008 at the age of 92 but the bar is a reminder of the this interesting man as well as the rich history of Key West.
Virgilio’s – This martini bar and jazz club is one of the more sophisticated bars in Key West. Adjacent to La Trattoria, you can get a fabulous Italian dinner and enjoy a signature martini too.
Southernmost Beach Bar and Cafe – Located at the Southernmost Resort on the Beach, everyone wants to hang out at the beach with a frozen drink while vacationing on a tropical island, right? Well, this is the place to do it!
Pro Tip – Many of the best bars in Key West are going to be discovered by you on your visit. Often we find that our visitors enjoy the bars that are themed to the Key West event that is happening that week, a favorite bar tender or entertainment. The night life of Key West is all about how you make it from our fantastic restaurants to the late night cocktails. Don’t forget, some of the best bars can be found on our Key West sandbar Charters where you can have a drink in your hand and toes in the sand.
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