Key West is a fantastic place to bar hop due to its lively, eclectic mix of bars, each with a unique vibe. The island’s compact size makes it easy to walk from one to another, ensuring you can experience a variety of atmospheres in a short amount of time.
The classic Duval Crawl is one good way to find a bunch of bars in Key West, FL. Walking down Duval, it seems like every other door leads to a new and different drinking establishment. Live music pours out on the street, and the scents of liquor waft across the island. Some have distracting neon lights or pushy barkers throwing flyers in your face. Some are packed, some are empty, and some are known for having the best happy hour in Key West. Some look like a tropical oasis, with umbrella drinks and dense tropical foliage, and some just look seedy and gross.
But some of the best bars in Key West aren’t even on Duval! That’s right, stepping off the main drag allows you to find some local spots, some with waterfront views or special treats you didn’t even know to ask for. For bar hoppers, Key West is a paradise of possibilities.
Here’s a look at some famous and best bars in Key West, FL. So pull up a bar stool, warm up that credit card, and answer that all-important question, “What’ll it be?”
7 Must-See Key West Bars
How many bars are there in Key West? That’s a great question that warrants further scientific study. It may be one of those things in life that are unknowable, like what existed before the Big Bang or whether the light goes off in the fridge when you close the door. Google, which knows even more than your average teenager, says there are “over 300 bars in Key West.” What a cop-out.
Inspired by this weak answer, I asked, “How many fish are in the sea?” It says there are “3.5 trillion.” The specificity here worries me, and I think perhaps the answers are reversed. The bottom line is this: Even Google doesn’t know. It’s a lot, possibly trillions.
If you’ve been in one bar all day, and you’ve only just realized that you have approximately 3.49 trillion more to try, you may wonder, What time do bars close in Key West? Well, good news! The bars in Key West, Florida, are basically always open. They’re like relay runners, passing the baton: One stays open until 4 am, just in time for another to welcome you to their morning happy hour.
Legally, the last call is at 4 am in Key West, a special law passed for the city (the state sets it at 2 am). And you’re not supposed to be served again until 7 am, which is just enough time for a quick nap.
Sloppy Joes Bar Key West Florida
Sloppy Joe’s Bar in Key West, Florida, is probably the best-known of the Key West watering holes. It is an iconic and lively spot that has been serving since 1933. With a casual atmosphere and vibrant history, it’s legendary because Ernest Hemingway frequented it.
Visitors flock to the spot for its history, bar scene, and frequent live music. They have a full menu, but their food is generally rated as average and overpriced — TripAdvisor rates it 79 out of 348 restaurants on the island. As you might expect from an establishment that’s been around for nearly a century, the walls are covered in historic memorabilia and art. But, if we’re being honest, it’s basically a tourist trap — you won’t often catch the locals coming here. It’s the sort of place you come to have a drink to say you’ve done it, and then you move on to somewhere better. Sorry, Sloppy Joe, but you know it’s true.
Nonetheless, the bar is a landmark in Key West, the ultimate combination of fantastic location, local legend, and nostalgia. It hosts famous events, like dropping the conch shell on New Year’s Eve and the annual Hemingway Lookalike Contest. Enjoying a cold beer or a one-of-a-kind event is an obligatory part of the Key West experience.
Sloppy Joes is located in the heart of Old Town on the corner of Duval and Greene.
Green Parrot Bar Key West
The motto of the Green Parrot Bar in Key West is “A sunny place for shady people.” You cannot beat that as an introduction to the place: a slightly off-Duval hotspot for drinks and music. It’s been in business since 1890, making it one of the island’s oldest bars. It remains authentic and offers an undoubtedly “dive bar” experience.
The famous open-air patio and live music are the main attractions here. Both locals and visitors hang out, offering a genuine taste of Key West. Talented musicians perform there, making it an excellent spot for anyone seeking music, cold drinks, and authentic island nightlife.
The Green Parrot is located at the corner of Whitehead and Southard, one block west of Duval.
Garden of Eden Bar Key West
The original Key West naked bar, the Garden of Eden, is probably more famous off-island than on-island. It’s located at the top of the Bull & Whistle, and the Garden of Eden on the third floor is where you’ll find the clothing-optional part. The other two levels, the Bull and The Whistle, are just regular bars.
This open-air rooftop venue attracts folks seeking an unconventional relaxing spot; it’s one of the most unique things to do in Key West. For some folks, it’s a bucket list item to go to Key West, sit naked in a bar, and have a drink or two. During the day, they set up loungers for sunbathing, and at night, they have a DJ for dancing under the stars. It’s right in the heart of Old Town and has gained fame for its welcoming vibe. Still, mixed reviews for the place abound, with complaints about it being a letdown (what were they expecting?) with rude employees and bouncers. Of course, it’s sort of a polarizing place.
The Garden of Eden Bar Key West is located on the third floor of the Bull & Whistle at 224 Duval. To protect patrons’ privacy, the Garden has a strict no-camera, no-cell-phone policy.
Dantes Pool Bar Key West
Dantes Pool Bar Key West is one of the best places to cool off on a hot summer afternoon. The harborside pool has a bar and restaurant and often features DJs or live music, and they welcome all “aquaholics.” You can dine or drink poolside or hop in to cool off. As a party spot, it’s pretty legendary; it’s the perfect spot for things like an epic Key West bachelorette party.
The bar offers an array of tropical cocktails, cold beers, and delicious bites while guests lounge around the pool. Dante’s is a quintessential Key West experience known for its relaxed vibe and friendly service. Lunch is every day from 11 to 6, dinner is from 5:30 to 10, and Saturdays are for 21 and overs only unless they’re with an adult.
Dantes is located on the corner of Caroline and Grinnell, in the Conch Harbor Plaza (behind Prime Steakhouse), next to the ferry terminal. It’s a little ways off Duval, but that only adds to its appeal—it’s right on the water.
Schooner Wharf Bar Key West
The Schooner Wharf Bar in Key West has been featured in many movies and TV shows, including “The Beach Bum” and “Bad Monkey” with Vince Vaughn.
Schooner Wharf is a historic waterfront bar known for its casual, island-style ambiance and fantastic harbor views. It’s mostly outdoors, with a tiki-like vibe, perfect for enjoying a cold drink or fresh seafood. The bar hosts live music daily, featuring local talent and classic tunes. You can relax on the deck, watch boats pass by, and soak in a little Old Key West experience. With its friendly service and unbeatable location, Schooner Wharf is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the island.
The Schooner Wharf Bar Key West is located at the end of William Street, right on the harbor walk.
Half Shell Raw Bar Key West
The Half Shell Raw Bar in Key West, Florida, is a popular, no-frills seafood spot known for its fresh oysters and laid-back atmosphere. Located on the waterfront, it offers stunning views of the marina while guests enjoy a variety of seafood dishes, from raw oysters and clams to seafood platters and some of the best conch fritters in Key West.
It has a casual vibe and indoor and outdoor seating and is the perfect place to enjoy the day’s catch.
The Half Shell is located on the waterfront at the end of Margaret Street. It’s halfway between Dante’s and Schooner Wharf.
Irish Kevin's Bar Key West
Irish Kevin’s in Key West, Florida, is a pub-themed spot known for its spirited entertainment. It offers a variety of beers on tap and an American pub menu, which means it serves the same burgers, tacos, and sandwiches as everyone else. If you were hoping for bangers and mash or a good steak and ale pie, you’d best catch the next plane to Dublin. Sorry.
But they try to mix in some Irish charm with an island flair. Live music is played daily, and energetic performances encourage dancing and socializing. Irish Kevin’s is also famous for its extensive drink menu, which includes specialty cocktails, draft beers, and shots.
Irish Kevin’s is located right on Duval, just south of Sloppy Joes in the heart of Old Town.
Bars in Key West Florida Are Like Fish in the Sea
There are trillions of them, each with different stripes, and they all get a little flaky when overcooked!
Of course, you know where the best bars in Key West really are, right? They’re at the sandbars! So pack up your best killer cocktails for the sandbar, book your sandbar charter, and let’s head out.
