7 Must-Try Bars in Key West

There’s so much to love about Key West, Florida, the beautiful beaches, the tropical vacation villas, and the copious amounts of Key lime pie there are to try, but one of the best things about Key West is the island’s bar scene.

Beloved by locals and visitors alike, Key West is home to numerous bars, some being world-famous party spots, while others are more off the beaten path, clothing-optional, or even haunted.

Ready to grab a cocktail and check out the quirky, fun bar culture of Key West? Here are 7 of the best bars in Key West to visit on your vacation — bottoms up!

 

1. Sloppy Joe’s

• 201 Duval Street, Key West, FL


• sloppyjoes.com


• Historic landmark for rum runners, live music, and Ernest Hemingway lookalikes

Perhaps the most famous bar in Key West, Sloppy Joe’s is not only a favorite among locals, but it’s known worldwide as a must-stop when visiting Key West. It’s always a party at Sloppy Joe’s with live music, special events, and contests, like the famous Ernest Hemingway Lookalike Contest.

Sloppy Joe’s has been a local landmark since the 1930s. It served as a speakeasy during prohibition and was frequented by famous patrons like Ernest Hemingway, now it’s even on the National Register of Historic Places. This bar is full of history!

Stop by Sloppy Joe’s and try one of their famous frozen cocktails like rum runners, daiquiris, margaritas, and much more. When hunger hits, grab a bite from the bar menu, which includes island favorites like conch fritters and Cuban sandwiches.

 

2. Green Parrot Bar

• 601 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL


• greenparrot.com


• Historic dive bar with craft cocktails, live music, and tropical vibes

A Key West icon for over 100 years, the Green Parrot Bar is another famous spot in the lineup of historic bars in Key West. From its humble beginnings as a grocery store and local watering hole for Navy sailors to the popular dive bar that it is today, the Green Parrot is no–frills and all fun!

The Green Parrot Bar is the perfect spot to grab a drink, meet some friendly locals, enjoy the breezy, tropical vibes, and hear some great local bands.

The Green Parrot features an impressive lineup of local musicians almost nightly and has even been voted Key West's “Best Live Music Venue” by the Keys Weekly People's Choice Awards.

 

3. Captain Tony’s Saloon

• 428 Greene Street, Key West, FL


• capttonyssaloon.com


• Historic haunt with live music, a full bar, and fascinating stories to tell

Key West’s oldest bar, Captain Tony’s Saloon, got its start all the way back in 1851 and has so many stories to tell. The building has worn many hats over the years, including a morgue, bordello, cigar factory, and gambling hall, and has entertained famous patrons like Truman Capote, Ernest Hemingway, and Tennessee Williams.

While the historic charm and lively cocktails are more than enough to keep this bar full on the regular, one of the most fascinating things about it is its alleged paranormal presence. Captain Tony’s Saloon is said to be haunted and is a frequent stop on local ghost tours.

Whether you want to see a piece of history, hunt for ghosts, or just grab a cold beer or refreshing mojito on a hot Key West day — Captain Tony’s Saloon is the place to be!

4. Hog’s Breath Saloon

• 400 Front Street, Key West, FL


• hogsbreath.com


• Laid-back bar famous for its quirky hog-themed decor, food, and drink

With fun hog-themed food and cocktails like the “Hogarita” and “Hog Tacos,” Hog’s Breath Saloon always serves up a good time.

Hog’s Breath Saloon offers a quirky, fun atmosphere with open-air seating, live entertainment, dancing, great cocktails, and tasty food that is a favorite among locals.

It’s also a great spot to shop for souvenirs; the Hog Shop sells one-of-a-kind gifts, t-shirts, and a collection of their famous Hog hot sauces and seasonings, so you can bring a taste of the Hog home!

5. Fat Tuesday

• 431 Front Street & 305 Duval Street, Key West, FL


• fattuesday.com


• Mardi Gras-themed spot famous for frozen drinks

Offering a bit of Mardi Gras fun right in the heart of Key West, Fat Tuesday is THE place to go when you’re in the mood for a frozen cocktail. Choose your cup, choose your drink, and refill it all day for a discount.

The best thing about Fat Tuesday is standing in front of the famous wall of colorful frozen cocktails featuring everything from margaritas and pina coladas to electric lemonades and “Cat 5” hurricanes — the combinations are endless!

And with two locations in Key West, one on the world-famous Duval Street and another in Mallory Square, you’re never far from some frosty fun.

6. The Bull

• 224 Duval Street, Key West, FL


• bullkeywest.com


• A classic Key West bar with cocktails, games, and a scandalous secret

Guaranteed to be like no bar you’ve been in before, The Bull is actually three bars in one, each holding its own set of secrets, some more scandalous than others.

The first floor is home to The Bull, a classic, open-air bar featuring live music, sports games on the TVs, and friendly bartenders. The second floor, known as The Whistle Bar, features pool tables, games, and a breezy balcony overlooking Duval Street. The third floor, aptly called “The Garden of Eden,” is a rooftop, clothing-optional bar with a strict no cell phone policy, so those looking to strip down and sunbathe can do so comfortably.

Whether you’re looking to grab a beer, play some pool, or bare-it-all, The Bull has something for everyone, and we do mean everyone!

7. Old Town Tavern & Beer Garden

• 900 Duval Street, Key West, FL


• oldtowntavernkw.com


• Breezy patio bar and restaurant featuring craft beer and gourmet pub-style food

While you can find a great pint at any bar in Key West when you’re in the mood for craft beer and gourmet-style pub-grub, Old Town Tavern & Beer Garden never disappoints.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights and sounds of bustling Duval Street (and the occasional rooster) while you sip on a Belgian ale, berry sour, or IPA and chow down on chicken wings, flatbreads, and fish-and-chips.

Old Town Tavern caters to all tastes, so if not everyone in your party is a beer lover, you’ll also find wines, seltzers, specialty drinks, and much more.

Which Key West Bar Are You Most Excited About?

While we have no doubt you’ll have a good time in any of the bars we’ve listed, if you’re looking for more fun, rest assured you’ll find a cozy bar with friendly bartenders on nearly every corner. It’s all part of the Key West culture!

Key West is all about having a good time, but it’s important to do so safely. Enjoy all the fun of Key West bars without ever having to worry about driving by booking your stay with Vacation Homes of Key West. 

Enjoy fully furnished vacation homes with private pools, hot tubs, and more while being within walking distance of some of the best bars, restaurants, and attractions in Key West. You can even use our concierge service to book private transportation, so you’ll always have a ride to the bar or wherever you want to go!