You could say we are slightly addicted to the Keys. Every time we go, we fall more and more in love with the Florida Keys. On every trip, we like to try new restaurants and, of course, visit more of the best Florida Keys bars, both our favorites and new to us bars.
Picture yourself in paradise. There you are, sun-kissed, looking out over the glorious water and enjoying every minute of it.
But isn’t this image complete with a cold drink in hand? How do you picture it? Is it a well-crafted cocktail in a delicate glass? Or a frozen colada in a fresh pineapple cup? Maybe just a good ol’ cold beer? Pick your fancy! It’s your dream.
Well, when it comes to paradise in the real world, the Florida Keys will make your dream a reality. That’s right. There are tons of bars throughout the Keys.
Our list of best Florida Key bars has the lowdown on the best of the best in the islands. Here, you’ll find ones that are cocktail craft makers, some that are die-hard dives, and others that have the island vibe down.
No matter what, if it’s on this list, you must know it’s a great place to grab a drink. Here are our top 10 Florida Keys bars, from Key Largo to Key West!
Map of the Best Florida Keys Bars
1. Green Parrot Bar – Key West
Since 1890, the Green Parrot has been a steadfast bar in Key West. Called the Brown Derby Bar back in the day, it was known to be a favorite among WWII submarine sailors.
Today, the Green Parrot has everything to love in a classic dive bar: It’s open until the early morning hours. It gets to the point with good drinks, a great atmosphere, and a fun bar scene. Just about every surface is covered in a fun sign or poster. It’s also a great place for live music.
- Address: 601 Whitehead Street, Key West
2. Lorelei Cabana Bar – Islamorada
Lorelei Cabana Bar is just about the best bar in the Florida Keys to experience the sunset. Perfectly positioned on the water, it’s like every seat at Lorelei’s has a great view of the sunset. Sit back and watch it happen.
The best plan is to arrive in time for happy hour and set yourself up for sunset. Lorelei has perfect cocktails, good food, relatively cheap drinks, and live music to complete the experience.
If you are looking for the best bars in Islamorada, this is one of our favorites!
We suggest arriving at least an hour before sunset to ensure getting a seat. Expect a wait if you arrive right around sunset. Not only is it the best place to watch the sunset in Islamorada, but it is also one of the best restaurants in Islamorada.
Our kids loved the live entertainment and the fresh seafood, I think they ate half of my grouper sandwich! So grab a drink and some appetizers. The smoked fish dip and coconut shrimp are good appetizers to share!
- Menu
- Address: Mile Marker 82 Bayside, Islamorada
Things to do in Islamorada
3. No Name Pub – Big Pine Key
A Florida Keys icon without a name? Oh yeah, it is. Instead, the No Name Pub has built a reputation by word of mouth since it opened in the 1930s. It’s so good, that’s all it needs.
For decades, the No Name Pub has been serving up great drinks, yummy food, and an atmosphere you just have to tell your friends about. Before smartphones, it was hard to find, as it was off the main road US 1. So word got around that it’s a “good place if you can find it!” Now, just throw the address into your phone and let GPS guide you there.
In the 70s and 80s, folks started to pin dollar bills to the walls. Today, if you have a dollar to spare, sign it and take it up. Servers will even lend you a marker to do it.
If you love a good dive bar, this is the best dive bar in the Lower Keys.
- Menu
- Address: 30813 Watson Blvd, Big Pine Key
4. Sloppy Joe’s – Key West
Of all the most famous Key West Bars, you will always see Sloppy Joes at the top of the list. You cannot visit Key West without visiting!
The bar is ALWAYS packed. On our last visit, we had both of our kids and two single strollers, and we still found a seat. The waitresses were great—no need to try and go to the bar and grab a drink. We suggest just ordering at the table. It is a great place to spend several hours or just a quick drink and enjoy the live bands.
If you’re looking to connect with the legend that was Ernest Hemingway, then head to Sloppy Joe’s. This classic Key West bar was not only a favorite place of the author. It’s said that Hemingway even named it.
Beyond the namesake, a number of Hemingway’s personal items are displayed in the bar. Even the huge sailfish hanging on the wall in the bar was caught by Hemingway himself.
Since Hemingway’s time, Sloppy Joe’s has given folks a great reason to call it one of the best bars in the Florida Keys. Great drinks, food, and a laid-back, chill island vibe.
- Address: 201 Duval Street, Key West
5. Sunset Pier – Key West
After a killer day enjoying the Keys, head to Sunset Pier for a drink and a bite to eat. This waterfront spot is one of the best places for sunset in Key West! You will not be disappointed by any of their refreshing cold drinks or delicious food options.
Specializing in the end-of-the-day wind down, you’ll find the food menu has great things to pair with cocktails, wines, or beers. There are great apps like island grouper ceviche followed by easy-going main dishes like a lobster roll. You won’t find extravagantly heavy or complicated dishes here. Instead, it’s all about being laid back, chill, and lite.
The bright colors on the pier match the vibe of the Keys. If that doesn’t put you in the island mood, the live music will. One of the best things to do in Key West is to sit back and watch the sunset, and Sunset Pier is the place to be.
If you want to grab a seat on the outside walls facing the sunset, we suggest getting there at least an hour before sunset. This is one of the most famous bars for sunset in Key West, and it fills up. Find the perfect spot, grab a seat, and wait for one of the waiters to come over. No need to go to the bar!
- Menu
- Located in the Ocean Key Resort & Spa, 0 Duval Street, Key West
Best Restaurants on the Water in Key West
6. Holiday Isle Tiki Bar – Islamorada
Holiday Isle Tiki Bar has been one of the best bars in the Florida Keys since the 1960s. Over the years, it has perfected the island bar experience. From waterfront views and thatched roofs to fire pits and live music, you’ll feel like you’re in paradise. If you are looking for one of the best tiki bars in Key Largo, make sure to visit.
Most importantly, Holiday Isle Tiki Bar has seriously good cocktails. Actually, it’s the home of the original Rum Runner. That’s right, other places may say they have the “original” on the menu, but now you know the truth. It was created here about 40 years ago to honor Islamorada’s role in liquor smuggling in the early 1900s.
- Menu
- Located at Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina, 84001 Overseas Highway, Islamorada
7. Hogfish Bar & Grill – Stock Island
If you want to get the true Florida Key feel, then definitely go to Hogfish Bar & Grill. Why is it a true Florida Key feel?
First, the name hogfish is specific to the Keys. This delicious fish is on most menus in the Keys, but this place is named after it. And man, do they make some seriously good Hogfish.
Next, the atmosphere. Hogfish Bar is on the dock in the middle of Safe Harbor Marina on Stock Island, right in the middle of working life on the water. The open-air bar and restaurant feel at the bar makes you feel like you’re in the middle of it all. Because you are.
If you ask us, this is one of the best restaurants in all of Key West, Florida! This is not a fancy restaurant. This is a very casual atmosphere kind of place.
Think flip-flops and shorts. It is just really good food and, if you ask us, one of the best Florida Keys bars! Try and grab a table outside, and make sure to get the seared tuna nachos (pictured above).
Finally, Hogfish Bar is not there just to delight the tourists; they are a local favorite as well. Instead, they are a true Florida Key bar, serving up quality seafood and drinks to everyone.
- Menu
- Address: 6810 Front Street, Stock Island
8. Snappers Oceanfront Restaurant & Bar – Key Largo
Snappers is more than just a great bar. It’s 3! The Tiki Bar is a perfect setup outside. But with the things you love about indoor bars too (think TV to watch the game).
Sit inside at the second bar, Reef Bar. So, if the weather outside is just too much, you’ll be safe and sound inside while you enjoy a tasty drink. Or you can grab a seat at a picnic table at the chill Turtle Club, another outdoor bar, and the third bar.
Snappers has a chill, laid-back island vibe located right on the water in Key Largo. Live music is rocking at Snappers nearly every day of the week. There’s even Jazz Brunch on Sunday mornings.
- Menu
- Address: 139 Seaside Avenue, Key Largo
9. Sunset Grille & Raw Bar – Marathon
You can’t really go wrong with a bar that has a beach, a pool, and a perfect view of the sunset. Seriously, you can’t, right?! That’s what Sunset Grille & Raw Bar offers up to all of its customers.
Sunset Grille will also get you set up with all the food and drink you’ll need to relax and chill out by the water. Choose from crazy good cocktails, beer, or wine. Fun, specialty drinks are served in a souvenir mug so you can always remember the great time you had.
They have a pretty good happy hour too. It is the perfect place for sunset in Marathon, with its great ocean views. This is where we like to end our day when exploring Marathon.
If you are looking for classic tiki bars, make sure to head out by the pool bar and grab a seat. I suggest getting one of their tropical cocktails and some conch fritters! We always have a good time at Sunset Grille; it even made our best restaurant in Marathon article.
- Menu
- Address: 7 Knights Key Blvd, Marathon
10. Alabama Jacks – Key Largo
Alabama Jacks is a fish shack that serves up exactly what you’re looking for: Killer fried seafood, a cold drink, and a relaxed vibe.
Set within the mangroves, Alabama Jacks seats you right over the water. Shaded by a roof over head, but virtually no walls, the open-air feel is just perfect.
Lots of people like to escape to Alabama Jacks when the traffic on Overseas Highway gets to be too much. But in its own right, this place is a favorite destination in itself.
- Menu
- Address: 58000 Card Sound Road, Key Largo
11. Marker 88 – Islamorada
If you find yourself on a road trip driving from Miami to Key West, you’ll start to notice all the mile markers. The mile markers help you understand where you are in your drive and how many miles to Key West.
At Mile Marker 88, you can sit on the beach and enjoy a drink, a meal, and a gorgeous view. That’s right, unique to Marker 88, tables are on the beach and in the sand. Isn’t that what paradise is supposed to be?
As for drinks, Marker 88 specializes in craft cocktails and has a bunch of local craft beers. Don’t worry, they’ve also got a ton of wine opinions, including chilled reds.
An awesome feature is that Marker 88 is dog friendly. So you can bring your best furry friend along to enjoy Mile Marker 88.
We suggest coming to this beach bar for drinks or a craft beer and skipping the food. We found the food overpriced for what it was.
- Menu
- Address: 88000 Overseas Highway, Islamorada
12. Cruisin’ Tikis – Key Largo & Key West
Imagine heading out on the water, but instead of a traditional boat, you’re on a floating tiki bar in the Atlantic Ocean. Sounds like a fantasy, right?
Well, it’s a reality on Cruisin’ Tikis. No joke. These tiki bar boats have a circular bar complete with a thatched roof. But they sail around the Keys.
Cruisin’ Tikis is all about the experience. But they don’t have a stocked bar on the boat. Instead, it’s BYO. So bring anything you’d like to eat or drink.
- Key Largo Location: Snook’s Bayside, 99470 Overseas Highway, Key Largo
- Key West Locations:
- Mellow Ventures Dock, 1605 N. Roosevelt Blvd. Key West
- Schooner Wharf Dock, William St, Key West
- Hurricane Hole Marina, 5110 Overseas Highway, Key West
Related: Things to Do in Key Largo
Best Bars within walking Distance from the Key West Cruise Ship Docks
If you are on one of the cruise ships that are in for the day, it is an easy walk from the cruise ship port to the following bars. All these bars are under a ten-minute walk from the cruise ship docks.
- Sloppy Joe’s
- Irish Kevins
- Captain Tony’s Saloon
- Fogarty’s
- Durty Harry
- Smallest Bar Inn, home of the World’s Smallest Bar – look for the super small yellow awning
- Whistle Bar
- Sunset Pier
- Hog’s Breath Saloon
- Green Parrot – it might be a little more than ten minutes, depending on how fast you walk.
- Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville – is also around the ten-minute mark, but it is close to the mile marker 0 sign if you want a picture with that. I personally would skip going here and go to the above bars. I am not a chain bar kind of person.
Bob
Wednesday 27th of September 2023
"Hank's", on the 400 block of Caroline St. Quaint little conch house with a nice patio with some pretty good music. Out back is a great food truck, "Garbo's", consistently voted the best food truck in Key West.