Dress up, dress down, do whatever moves you–in Key West any time is always a good time to party. The Southernmost city is known for its laid-back, party as you please atmosphere and is home to some of the best bars and places to eat, drink and make memories.
On Duval Street
Known around the world for its famous bars, pubs and restaurants, Duval Street is where everyone comes to party. The main drag through downtown Key West boasts everything from dive bars and local hangouts to sports bars, those that feature live music and dancing and much more.
1. Sloppy Joe’s
A Key West bar tradition for nearly a century, Sloppy Joe’s is located in the heart of Duval and where the world comes to party. Grab your friends and get the party started with one of their signature drinks (a Sloppy-rita is sure to hit the spot) and some of their delicious food and great live music.
2. 801 Bourbon Bar
Take your Key West partying up a notch and experience a wildly good time at 801 Bourbon Bar. Home of world-famous, nightly drag shows featuring some of the island’s hottest drag queens, this Duval Street bar is always hopping!
3. Durty Harry’s
Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be dancing–Durty Harry’s is known for its party atmosphere and its rockin’ house band The Durtbags. This live music sports bar, located within the Rick’s Bar complex, is pulsating with action all night long!
4. Fat Tuesday
Famed for their frozen daiquiris and other delicious libations, Fat Tuesday brings the Key West party to a whole new level. One of the best Key West bars to meet up with friends and make some new ones (it’s named after one of the biggest parties on the planet, after all), Fat Tuesdays will go down as one of your favorite destinations.
Hot Spots (Not on Duval)
Not so far off the beaten path–steps away from all the hustle bustling of Duval, several Key West bars & hot spots offer non-stop partying. Whether you’re down for fruity cocktails and live music or just hanging with friends with a beer and a shot (or two or three) these local favs are just what you’re looking for.
1. Captain Tony’s Saloon
Pull up a bar stool and start your Key West party where many legendary folks have partied over the years. Captain Tony’s, is famed for being a favorite watering hole of iconic Key West characters Tennessee Williams, Jimmy Buffett, Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote and many more.
2. Hank’s Hair of the Dog Saloon
Party with your pup (it’s dog friendly) at this popular outdoor Key West bar. Kick back to live music by local and nationally touring artists and grab some grub from the award-winning food truck Garbos (featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives).
3. The Green Parrot
Anyone who’s looking for an authentic Key West party experience, here’s the place. A well kept-secret-conch clubhouse, the Green Parrot is where the locals come to hang, commiserate and just party. They’ve earned their reputation as the one of the best bars on the island by serving up cold drinks, excellent live music with a come-as-you-are attitude.
4. Smoking Tuna
If you’re in the mood for live music, good food and a great vibe, Smoking Tuna is the place for you! This bustling open-air hotspot is a local favorite with some of the freshest seafood in paradise. The menu has all your Key West favorites: conch fritters, peel and eat shrimp, fish sandwiches, burgers, a raw bar, and of course, tuna melts and smoked tuna dip. Discover this hidden gem where their motto is “We’re Smoking Tuna… and it’s legal”.
5. Island Dogs Bar
Expand your drinking experience by sipping a Key Lime Pie Martini or any of the other delicious cocktails mixed up fresh for you at Island Dogs Bar. It’s casual here, so feel free to wander in after a day of partying around the island. There’s live music Wednesdays through Saturdays featuring their house band (local fav) and visiting local and nationally touring artists.
6. General Horseplay
Forget the rules your mother taught you about horseplay! Let your hair down and free your inner child at this fun-fueled bar in Old Town. Here, you’ll be drinking crazy-good cocktails like a Unicorn’s Heart (Beefeater Pink Gin, Blueberry Mint Kombucha, Rhubarb Bitters, Strawberry and Glitter), The Velveteen Rabbit (Flor de Caña 4yr Rum, Carrot, Lime, Pepperoncini Brine and Basil Oil) and other mixology masterpieces while dancing the night away to live music.
Party on the Water
Sun, sea and libations are the perfect ingredients for an unforgettable good time. Some of the best Key West parties happen out at sea–where you’ll play the day away in the warm crystal waters, drink frosty cocktails (or wine, beer & champagne) and have the kind of epic fun that you’ll remember forever.
1. Ultimate Adventure H2.0
There’s a reason it’s called the Ultimate Adventure H2.0–because it’s an all-inclusive day of non-stop action–including the most adrenaline-fueling activities you can experience in Key West. Parasail, Jet Ski–slide down a giant inflatable water slide, ride on a banana boat and play your heart out in a one-of-a-kind waterpark in the sea. Drink and eat to your heart’s content and soak in the sun–it’s the ultimate fun you can have in one perfect Key West day.
2. Snorkel the Reef
In Key West, we’re known for our colorful locals and you can meet many of them face-to-face just by climbing onboard a Fury snorkeling trip! As you float above the only living coral reef in the USA, you’ll get up close with some of the island’s wildest, most fascinating residents, hundreds of marine animals that are as curious about you as you are about them. Fury has many to choose from and each one includes complimentary drinks after snorkeling. It’s an adventure and a party! Whether you choose Rum & Reggae (which includes delicious rum punch and of course, Reggae tunes to dance to), Reef & Ritas (margaritas, oh yeah!), the Morning (mimosas anyone?) or Double Dip (which takes you to 2 different spots to snorkel), you’ll swim, snorkel, sun and sip refreshing cocktails all while out on the sea.
3. Dante’s Pool Party
Pool parties are the best and at Dante’s Key West, well, they’re legendary. Throw on your bikini or your board shorts and head to Dante’s for a wet and wild good time. Make a splash to the backdrop of live and DJ music, order your favorite cocktail and become one of the Aquaholics that Dante’s is notorious for!
Catch Live Music
Live music flows out onto the sidewalks and even out at sea in Key West where many musicians and legendary artists have performed on stages throughout the city. Whether it’s rock-n-roll, hip-hop, calypso, country, jazz or retro that moves you, you’ll find your rhythm right here.
1. Fury’s Commotion on the Ocean
There’s always a Key West party onboard Fury’s famous Commotion on the Ocean live music sunset cruise. Grab your friends and get down to live music by top local musicians, cold drinks, delicious food and the most amazing sunset in the world. The music only stops to give everyone a chance to toast the dramatic light show as the sun melts into the sea.
2. Schooner Wharf
Located on Key West’s historic seaport harbor walk, this local’s favorite is where the best musicians come to do what they do best. Get your groove on and party to rock, pop, country, blues and jazz. Be sure to order some of their irresistible seafood and wash it down with an original island cocktail.
3. Smokin’ Tuna
Just steps away from Duval Street, Smokin’ Tuna is like an oasis in the rough–surrounded by three historical Key West buildings, a towering tree providing a tropical canopy and an elevated stage where top musicians perform. Bring your Key West party here, or join the party that’s already underway. Either way, you’ll be elevated by the music, drinks and delicious food.
4. Irish Kevins
With 26 beers on tap, an array of unique cocktails, a full menu of tasty food (try the Reuben sandwich) and live music by awe-inspiring musicians from morning to close, you’ll be partying your heart out at Irish Kevins. Their slogan, “I came, I drank, I don’t remember” pretty much says it all.
5. Green Parrot
What started more than a 100 years ago became a Key West icon and as far as live music is concerned, Green Parrot sings! It’s a hole-in-the-wall where locals come to hang, talk about what’s going on, drink their drinks and listen to some of the best musical talent around. Tourists are welcome, just as long as you stick to their no sniveling rule.
Drink Local
In Key West, every hour is happy hour–after all, the city has its roots in raucous pirates, rum runners, and all around revelers. So it’s not surprising that partying from morning to the wee hours is a celebrated tradition that locals and tourists alike partake in.
1. Rum Distillery
Take a tour, learn about how rum is made and taste some of the delicious rums that are made with locally sourced ingredients. Key West First Legal Rum Distillery creates rum masterpieces, delicious recipes that are made in salt cured barrels, flavors that will soon become your latest libation obsession.
2. Joe’s Tap Room
Located within Sloppy Joe’s, Joe’s Tap Room is the ideal hideaway–offering cold crafted beers on tap, bottled beers and cocktails. Be sure to taste the restaurant’s own label, Sloppy Joe’s Island Ale and enjoy some of their awesome eats.
3. First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery
Step inside the Crash Bar, located inside First Flight Island Restaurant and Brewery, and taste their refreshing brews crafted right onsite. Try their Havana Red, Maverick IPA and Main Squeeze served atop an airplane wing–the only Key West bar of its kind.
4. Old Town Tavern & Beer Garden
With their extensive selection of international and domestic beers on tap and a full array of bottles and cans, the Old Town Tavern & Beer garden is a favorite stop among visitors (and the locals, too) in Key West. Grab a table in the garden for great views of the partying on Duval or hang in the bar where there’s always something happening.
5. Retro Room
It’s a Key West bar, it’s a game room and it’s home to 23 different craft beers on tap-need we say more? Stop in to Retro Room to get your trivia on while tasting some of their beers. They have wine too!
6. Rams Head Southernmost
Their slogan–Food, Fun and Beer says it all. Make your own Bloody Mary all day long, enjoy live music and really good food that goes perfectly with their numerous house drafts. Be sure to taste their Key Lime Lager, a featured beer on Fury’s trips!
Dining with a Group
Grab your girls, guys, family or whoever you’re hanging with and head out to some of Key West’s best spots for groups to gather. Doesn’t matter if you’re in the mood for dressing up or t-shirts and sandals, there’s all kinds of food and fun to be had.
1. 2 Friends Patio
Famous for their Bloody Mary (2016 Key West People’s Choice Award for Best Bloody Mary Key West), this casual restaurant and bar has a rich history in the city. This is where groups of all sizes can relax and enjoy fresh seafood, steaks, pasta and their beloved Basin Street broiled oysters. There’s live music all day long, karaoke nights and more to ensure a good time will be had by all!
2. Conch Republic Seafood Company
Million Dollar Conch-A-Ritas will get you started at this local dock-to-dish restaurant. Whether it’s happy hour (everyday 4-7pm) or any other time of the day, Conch Republic Seafood ensures everyone in your group will have a good time. Eat, drink and get in a Key West state of mind!
3. Rams Head Southernmost
Conch fritters, Ahi Tuna Tartar, Killer Wings and Guava BBQ Baby Back Ribs are just a few of the menu items at Rams Head you’re gonna want to devour. Happy to accommodate all your crew, this popular restaurant and bar is where people go when they’re looking for a diverse menu, a wide array of drinks and live music to keep the party going.
4. Hard Rock Cafe
Dig into classic American favorites, they’ll even serve them up in family-style bundles like the burger bundle, fajitas or wings and fries–enough to feed your entire army of friends. Here, amongst some of the coolest rock-n-roll memorabilia in the world, you and your group will have a memory-making Key West story to tell the folks back home.
The Party Starts Now
Soiree, shindig, epic bash–Key West is the place where the partiers of the universe come to play. Whether it’s a spontaneous get together or a long-awaited celebration, there’s an abundance of good-times and unforgettable fun to be had. Grab your compadres and get going, the Key West party starts now!
