Key West Restaurant & Bar Scene

While the island may be little, the Bar and Restaurant scene in Key West is larger than life.  Most of these eateries and watering holes are historic landmarks that are well-known to tourists both on Spring Break and just on regular vacations.  You'll find most of the action directly on Duval Street, as seen here.  The good news is, though, that regardless of your reasons for being there, Key West restaurants and bars set a mood and atmosphere that's made to party.  Bar hopping is commonplace here, so don't expect to limit yourself to just one establishment per night.  Most of the major Key West restaurant and bar scene is contained within a few blocks of Duval Street- an easy walk.

The Green Parrot

Like its website says, the Green Parrot Bar is the first and last bar on U.S. Highway 1.  You won't find much to eat here, but the drinks are always ice cold and taste great.  We especially appreciated the daily happy hour from 4-7 p.m.  The music is mostly blues or funk, and there is live music here on weekends.  A great place to take in the local color.

Sloppy Joe's

Arguably, Sloppy Joe's Bar is one of the most well-known spots on the island.  This famous haunt of author Ernest Hemingway has a long history that goes all the way back to Prohibition, when the spot was known as The Blind Pig.  Today, this Key West restaurant and bar is home to a live music stage, generous drink pours, and a traditional bar menu with several 'island' additions.  Right on Duval street, this place caters to Spring Break with plenty of special events- you won't want to miss this Key West tradition.

Hog's Breath Saloon

While not native to the island, Hog's Breath Saloon has nonetheless become a major attraction as a Key West restaurant and bar.  With a raw bar, grill, music stage, and wet bar, this Key establishment is another major draw for tourists and Spring Breakers.  Did we mention their home-made bikini contest? 

Fat Tuesday's

Strictly a bar here folks- but one with plenty of frozen concoctions on the menu to cool down those hot, sunny days.  Did we mention the Jell-O shooters?  Plenty of different containers in various sizes are available for your drinking pleasure.  Save your cup for cheaper refills.  Check their webbie for a Tuesday coupon!  You can't miss this joint on Duval Street, next to the Hard Rock Cafe.

Rick's Key West

Rick's is really an entertainment megaplex, comprised of several different themed bars and clubs, such as Durty Harry's.  Whether you want a dance floor, traditional bar scene, live music, or VIP bar scene- Rick's can accommodate you.  During Spring Break, you will find the traditional bikini and wet t-shirt contest along with live music and bar specials just for the college crowd.

The Lazy Gecko

This Key West Restaurant and Bar gets our vote for the best college crowd hangout.  With traditional offerings like pizza and subs, alongside a menu of frozen daiquiris and beer (and all at reasonable prices) this place is nourishment for the soul, especially once you tire of the $9 hamburger elsewhere.   Find it right next to Sloppy Joe's on Duval Street.  It's nice to see not every place need be so commercial.

Margaritaville

Well, this place is about as commercial as they come.  But this is the home of the original, opened by the man who elevated Key West to becoming a major tourist attraction.  They have a full menu of sandwiches, salads, and full entrees with a full bar menu to help you "wash it all down."

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