When it comes to finding the best bars in Key West, the options can seem endless. It can be tough to narrow down the choices from the beach to rooftop bars, sports bars to dive bars.
But don’t worry – we’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up the best bars in Key West for your drinking pleasure.
Whether you’re in the mood for a tropical cocktail by the ocean or a cold beer in a lively atmosphere, these bars have you covered.
So come down to the southernmost point of the United States and experience the best bars Key West offers.
From laid-back vibes to energetic nightlife, these bars are sure to make your trip to the island a memorable one. Cheers!
Table of Contents
My Top 3 Picks of the Best Bars In Key West
| Restaurant | Top Pick | Our Rating |
| Green Parrot Bar | Parrot Punch | 5/5 |
| Shots & Giggles | Mermaid Water | 4/5 |
| Sloppy Joe’s | Sloppy Rita | 4/5 |
The 10 Best Bars in Key West, Florida
Green Parrot Bar
601 Whitehead St., Key West, FL 33040, United States // +13052946133
The Green Parrot is well-known in Key West for being the last bar on US Highway 1.
While The Green Parrot’s nightly happy hour discounts draw a diverse population, it is mostly a locals’ hangout. But it’s full of natives who aren’t bothered by your presence.
The Green Parrot should undoubtedly be on your Key West bar tour list, with their 125 years of fantastic drinks and entertainment.
The bar is constructed of wood, as are the stools, and the décor is classic Americana, with flags and tons of musical memorabilia.
I loved their “Parrot Punch” with Spiced Rum with OJ, pineapple, and a splash of grenadine. It was delicious; give it a try!
My breath was taken away when I saw all the guitars on the wall. It is a historic tavern that was founded in 1890. This Key West bar has a lot of history. A must-see attraction in Key West!
Smallest Bar
124 Duval St., Key West, FL 33040, United States // +13052400860
One of the most well-known locations is almost impossible to overlook. That’s because it’s the smallest bar in Key West, if not the entire country.
The overall area of this teeny-tiny bar is 72 square feet. It’s cheesy and strange, but it’s a lot of fun to do while in Key West. This establishment is well-known for its tropical beverages created with fresh rum and juice.
This is my favorite bar in “the touristic part” of Duval, with only four or five bar chairs, hand-painted walls, and excellent bartenders.
This is one of the most fantastic spots you’ll ever find. Not only was the bartender warm and polite, but he was also knowledgeable.
We enjoyed their “Rum Runner” cocktail, which was delicious and refreshing!
If you cram yourself into this small Key West bar, you just might attract a tourist or two! It’s probably obvious, but get there early, or they’ll be full.
The Rum Bar
1115 Duval St., Key West, FL 33040, United States // +13052962680
If you’re visiting Key West and enjoying rum, this is the place to be. The Rum Bar, part of The Speakeasy Inn, is quite relaxed and welcoming.
The historic speakeasy is noted for its expert bartenders and powerful drinks.
They have over 350 rums – yep, you read it correctly! There’s a lot of rum to pick from there. If you can’t decide, go for their rum flight. In addition to rum runners, they serve tropical drinks and mojitos.
Sit at the little bar and learn about the history of rum or what makes a good rum-based drink while sipping on an expertly crafted painkiller or mojito from a bartender dressed in a tropical shirt. Oh, heaven.
Shots & Giggles
201 Ann St., Key West, FL 33040, United States // +13053048562
Located on Ann Street, this lively Key West bar is the perfect spot for a night out with friends.
Upon arriving, we were greeted by friendly staff and immediately drawn in by the chill atmosphere.
We decided to grab a seat at the bar and ordered a round of drinks. The bartenders were fast and efficient, and the drinks were delicious.
I particularly enjoyed their “Mermaid Water,” a tasty blend of tropical flavors that was both sweet and strong.
Overall, I had a fantastic time at Shots & Giggles Bar and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a lively, entertaining night out in a Key West bar.
The staff was friendly, the drinks were tasty, and the atmosphere was unbeatable. I can’t wait to go back!
Tiki House
430 Greene St., Key West, FL 33040, United States
Tiki House is one of the trendiest bars in Key West with a great vibe. For a real tiki experience, they serve lovely fresh-squeezed tropical cocktails.
We really enjoyed the Jungle Bird and the Zombie, which came with a little fun in the form of cinnamon set on fire on top!
Every day, the Tiki House prepares new cocktails that are served in adorable Tiki glasses. You also get an umbrella in your drinks.
Live music is played at night, and a DJ cranks up the volume to get the dance floor moving later in the night.
So don’t miss out on Tiki House’s great beverages and music.
General Horseplay
423 Caroline St., Key West, FL 33040, United States // +13057417599
Located just off Duval Street, this charming Key West bar is the perfect spot for a laid-back afternoon with friends.
Upon arriving, we were greeted by the friendly staff and immediately drawn in by the cozy atmosphere.
The bar was decorated with an array of vintage horse racing memorabilia, which added to its unique charm.
We decided to grab a seat at the bar and ordered a round of drinks. The bartenders were knowledgeable and attentive, and the drinks were delicious.
I particularly enjoyed the “Thai Chi-Chi,” a refreshing blend of Bombora Vodka, Coconut Cream, Pineapple, Lime, and Basil.
As the afternoon went on, we took advantage of the bar’s ample seating and spent some time chatting and catching up with friends. The music was just the right volume, and the bar had a relaxed, friendly vibe.
Overall, I had a wonderful time at General Horseplay Bar and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a laid-back, casual spot to grab a drink in Key West.
Rick’s Bar
202 Duval St., Key West, FL 33040, United States // +13052964890
Rick’s is one of Key West’s all-time favorite nightlife establishments. This pub is surrounded by some of Key West’s most well-known nightlife destinations.
That’s because Rick’s boasts eight legendary Key West bars all in one place.
Rick’s eight-in-one concept is more of an entertainment complex than a pub.
The flagship, Rick’s, is a traditional tavern with late-night karaoke; Durty Harry’s is a live rock music venue with a sports-pub ambiance.
Rick’s Loft is a posh cocktail club, whereas Rick’s Tree Bar, a Key West rooftop bar location, serves fruity cocktails with views of Duval Street below. Every night of the week, you may have a completely different experience.
The bartender was quite nice and chatty, which added to an already enjoyable evening. We were quite impressed with her drink knowledge, and she continued coming up with fresh, inventive shots.
We enjoyed the atmosphere and had never been to a venue like this, but I know I’ll be back next time!
Heroes Bar and Liberty Lounge
506 Southard St., Key West, FL 33040, United States // +13052044991
The Heroes Bar in Key West is unquestionably the place to be, day or night, with plenty of entertainment and delicious drinks!
As the night progressed, we took advantage of the bar’s many photo opportunities and posed for some incredible photos in front of the patriotic murals.
The bartender was fantastic; he expertly looked after our table by giving us great beverages and a great atmosphere.
As a result of his suggestions, we were able to taste the perfect rum punch that became our drink of the day.
But the real highlight of the night was when we met the owner, a retired veteran who stopped by to chat and share some stories with us. It was such a special moment and added to the unique charm of the bar.
Overall, I had an unforgettable time at Heroes Bar and Liberty Lounge and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a lively, entertaining night out in Key West.
Little Room Jazz Club
821 Duval St., Key West, FL 33040, United States // +13057417515
The blue-lit stairs that lead you inside the Little Room Jazz Club will let you know you’ve arrived.
This music club has it all: excellent artists, an above-average cocktail menu, stylish seating, and a sensual, candlelit atmosphere that complements the sultry sounds onstage.
If you’d rather listen to your music in the background, there are a few small nooks farther from the stage and some outside seating if you can find it.
Their full bar finally allowed my friend to have a solid bourbon selection on the island, and I had one of the best chocolate martinis I’d ever tasted.
We enjoyed seeing folks dance along to the live music. We happened to be seated next to some “regulars” by chance, which added to our enjoyment.
If you’re in Key West and adore jazz, you must visit the Little Room Jazz Club!
Sloppy Joe’s
201 Duval St., Key West, FL 33040, United States // +13052945717
Sloppy Joe’s is one of Key West’s most well-known bars. It is best recognized as Ernest Hemingway’s favorite drinking establishment.
Hemingway even came up with the name Sloppy Joe’s. Joe Russell, the owner, was a boat skipper and Hemingway’s acquaintance.
Hemingway proposed that Joe rename the establishment Sloppy Joe’s after a Havana tavern.
Even on a random Monday night, it is always busy. It’s one of the best bars in Key West, with live music until 2 a.m.
Sloppy Joe’s is the place to go if you want to dance. The dance floor opens at 9:30 p.m. and quickly fills up with locals and visitors alike.
Their sandwich is a must-order; it’s meaty, a tad spicy, and offers the right coating in your stomach for drinking your way down Duval Street.
They claim to pour 20% more into their drinks, which I found to be mostly true. Excellent service and friendly bartenders.
I loved their specialty drink, “Sloppy Rita,” with tequila, gran gala, orange juice, and club soda; it was amazing!
When it’s packed, it can be tough to find a seat. The “old-time” wooden bar ambiance was fantastic. If you’re in town, don’t miss it!
FAQs
Does Key West have nightlife?
Key West is known for its world-famous nightlife. And yes, they stay up late with the crowd. In fact, most of the best bars on Duval Street close at 2 AM during the week, including on Sundays.
On Fridays and Saturdays, the party goes on even longer. Party animals have until 4 AM for some wild fun at all of the cool bars in Key West.
Which bars in Key West offer live music?
Some of the top Key West bars for live music include Green Parrot Bar, Schooner Wharf Bar, and Hog’s Breath Saloon.
Key West’s best sunset bars: what are they?
Some of the best bars in Key West for sunset views include Roof Top Cafe, The Porch, and Sunset Pier.
Are there any bars in Key West that are dog-friendly?
Yes, there are a few Key West bars that are dog-friendly, such as The Waterfront Brewery and The Green Parrot Bar.
Conclusion: Best Bars in Key West
In conclusion, Key West is a paradise for those looking to enjoy a cold drink in a beautiful setting.
From laid-back beach bars to lively nightlife spots, the island has something for every drinker.
Whether you’re in the mood for a tropical cocktail by the ocean or a cold beer in a lively atmosphere, these bars have you covered.
Don’t miss some of the best bars in Key West the next time you’re there.
Your trip to the southernmost point of the United States will be memorable thanks to these bars’ stunning views, delicious drinks, and fun vibes.
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Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever