Key West has over 200 bars, clubs, and live music venues in just 4 square miles. This island paradise is a hotspot for night owls. Here, you’ll find a nightlife scene that stands out from the rest of the U.S. With the famous “Duval Crawl,” stunning sunset views, and great live music, Key West is legendary for its night adventures.
The nightlife is a top reason to explore Key West. Its unique vibe keeps going from morning until after sunset. You can enjoy happy hours or watch the sun go down while sipping a frozen drink. This guide will help you experience the best of Key West nightlife.
Key Takeaways
- Key West is renowned for its vibrant and diverse nightlife scene, with over 200 bars, clubs, and live music venues in just 4 square miles.
- The nightlife in Key West extends beyond just the late-night hours, with popular happy hours and sunset celebrations attracting crowds throughout the day.
- From the iconic “Duval Crawl” to frozen drinks by the marina, Key West offers a wide range of nightlife experiences for visitors to enjoy.
- The nightlife in Key West is a major draw for tourists, with the island’s party atmosphere and entertainment options being a key reason to visit.
- This guide will provide an in-depth look at the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and other nightlife hotspots in Key West.
Sunset Celebrations and Happy Hours
In Key West, the fun doesn’t end when the sun sets. Here, many waterfront places offer great sunset views and good deals during happy hours. Popular spots like Sunset Pier and Galleon Tiki Bar let you enjoy a laid-back time with tasty drinks and fresh seafood.
Sunset Pier
The Sunset Pier at Ocean Key Resort is perfect for watching the sunset. You can have a piña colada and a lobster roll while the sun sets. This scene, with bright colors over the water, is a must-see.
Galleon Tiki Bar
The Galleon Tiki Bar is a local favorite for sunset. It’s open to everyone, not just hotel guests, and has great deals at happy hour. Here, you can enjoy the best of Key West’s evenings.
Conch Republic Seafood Company
Visit the Conch Republic Seafood Company for a lively experience. Sit outside near the water with live music and enjoy a special happy hour. They offer 2-for-1 drinks and even give tokens for your next visit.
Alonzo’s Oyster Bar
Alonzo’s Oyster Bar, near the sea, is another great choice. Get half off appetizers and drinks between 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. This includes favorites like buffalo shrimp and oysters Rockefeller.
Lazy Gecko
For a cool break, check out the Lazy Gecko on Duval Street. They offer 2-for-1 drinks until 8 p.m., plus a discount on frozen drinks. The atmosphere gets livelier as the night goes on, with live music and a DJ.
Live Music Venues
Key West has a lively live music scene. It offers a wide range of bars and venues to suit everyone’s music taste. Places like Sloppy Joe’s and the Green Parrot Bar bring a lot of fun and music to enjoy.
Sloppy Joe’s
Sloppy Joe’s is the top bar in Key West. It sits right at Duval Street’s heart. The music never stops here, playing everything from country to blues. The place is always full of people dancing and singing, caught by the music’s energy.
Green Parrot Bar
The Green Parrot Bar is a local favorite. It’s famous in the community for its live music on weekends. Whether it’s a jam band or jazz, the music is always great. And when there’s no band, its jukebox offers awesome tunes too.
Irish Kevin’s Bar
Irish Kevin’s Bar is for those who love to have a good time. Every night, it features amazing singers and bands. They play popular songs and really know how to involve the crowd. This makes for an exciting evening of fun for everyone.
Smokin’ Tuna Saloon
The Smokin’ Tuna Saloon is a gem just off Duval Street. It’s outdoors and offers a great setting for live music. The place is a big supporter of the Key West Songwriters Festival. This means you can catch top artists performing there all year round.
Key West Nightlife: Dive Bars
Key West’s nightlife is lively, but its dive bars stand out. They offer an authentic feel from Old Key West. Places like the Chart Room at Pier House and Captain Tony’s Saloon are full of Key West’s unique charm.
Chart Room at Pier House
The Chart Room at Pier House is a top dive bar in Key West. It’s in a resort but feels like a local spot. The bar is dim, with nautical decor, free snacks, and model ships. It’s a chill place for both locals and tourists.
Don’s Place
Don’s Place is on Truman Avenue near Old Town. It’s known for being open early and late. This dive bar has a strong local vibe, perfect for a drinks with regulars.
Captain Tony’s Saloon
Captain Tony’s Saloon is a historic dive bar with a rich past. It was the original Sloppy Joe’s, a spot loved by Ernest Hemingway. It offers a dark, nostalgic vibe and strong rum punch, a real step back into the island’s history.
Schooner Wharf Bar
Schooner Wharf, on the Historic Seaport, is the diviest of dive bars. It’s a glimpse into Old Key West. This is where local boat crews and fishermen relax with a beer. It’s lively and true to the island’s maritime roots.
Buzzy Restaurants and Bars
Key West has more than just lively bars and clubs. It has a diverse food and drink scene that everyone loves. This includes restaurants with creative dishes and iconic places to grab a drink. Both locals and tourists enjoy these spots.
2 Cents Restaurant & Pub
2 Cents is known for its creative food and strong local support. It’s also a happening Key West bar spot. Here, top mixologists create amazing drinks.
Fisherman’s Cafe
For a quick meal between enjoying drinks, head to Fisherman’s Cafe. It’s at a Key West historic seaport and serves local favorites. Try their fresh fish sandwiches and tacos.
Hog’s Breath Saloon
Hog’s Breath is a classic Key West bar famous for its live music. It’s well-known for its Hog Dog topped with chili and cheese.
Willy T’s
In the heart of Key West Duval Street, Willy T’s is a popular spot. It’s both an open air bar and a restaurant. Enjoy live music with a menu that includes everything from fresh fish to pasta.
Virgilio’s
At the rear patio of La Trattoria, Virgilio’s serves as a special spot. It’s a Key West martini bar known for its live music. Monday nights, they offer $5 martinis.
Dance Clubs and Late Night Spots
Key West comes alive at night with its dance clubs and late-night hangouts. These places welcome everyone and offer fun like live music and drag shows.
Irish Kevin’s
At Irish Kevin’s, the funny staff, especially Pauly from New York, invites everyone in. They get people singing, dancing, and joining contests all day. Music plays from early until late, keeping the fun going.
Sloppy Joe’s
Sloppy Joe’s stands out as Key West’s top bar. Situated on Duval Street, it boasts live music day and night. Once night arrives, it turns into a dance floor with the music still going strong.
801 Bourbon Bar
This spot on Duval Street is known for its show with female impersonators. Sushi, a local star, has been performing there for over 25 years. It’s a night of songs, dance, and sometimes cheeky jokes with the crowd’s involvement.
Green Parrot Bar
The Green Parrot is more than a dive bar; it’s Key West’s oldest. They focus on good, strong drinks and live music. Bands play a mix of blues, rock, and funk to make the nights memorable.
Bourbon Street Pub
Key West’s Bourbon Street Pub is a hit with the LGBTQ+ community. It offers drinks, dance shows, and a men’s only garden area. It’s the town’s place for video music, featuring the biggest screen on the island.
Latin Rhythms and Salsa Nights
Cuban culture deeply influences Key West. At
El Meson de Pepe
, you’ll find a hotspot for salsa dancing. As the sun sets, Caribe of Key West band kicks off. People sway to the music and enjoy drinks at the patio bar. This happen at a historic spot near Mallory Square, known for its Cuban delights in a red brick building.
Key West Nightlife: Party Complexes
Key West’s nightlife is lively with bustling party scenes for everyone. Two top spots are Rick’s Key West and Aqua Nightclub. They both offer a mix of fun and entertainment for visitors to enjoy.
Rick’s Key West
Rick’s Key West has eight bars on Duval Street, perfect for an all-night party. Guests can join in on late-night karaoke, listen to live cover bands, and dance to the DJs late into the night.
Aqua Nightclub
Aqua Nightclub in Key West is welcoming to all. They host special events every day. You can join in on poker games, karaoke inspired by American Idol, and watch bartenders who sing while making drinks.
The club’s famous drag shows, performed by the Aquanettes, get amazing reviews. This makes Aqua Nightclub a top spot for anyone looking for fun LGBTQ+ nightlife in Key West.
LGBTQ+ Nightlife
Key West is famous for its lively LGBTQ+ nightlife scene. You can dance the night away at places like Aqua Nightclub and Bourbon Street Pub. These clubs have drag shows, go-go dancers, and karaoke. Plus, you might find areas where you can wear what you want.
If you’re looking for a fun time, check out the 801 Bourbon Bar. For many years, this place has been at the heart of the island’s LGBTQ+ life. It’s known for its cabaret shows, especially performances by Sushi and other top female impersonators. They sing, tell jokes, and even include the audience in their acts.
| Venue | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Aqua Nightclub | Drag shows, go-go dancers, karaoke, clothing-optional areas |
| Bourbon Street Pub | Lively dance floor, drag performances, video music bar |
| 801 Bourbon Bar | Cabaret-style entertainment, female impersonators, sassy shows |
Conclusion
Key West is alive at night, with sunset celebrations and happy hours. You’ll find everything from lively bars and pubs to dance clubs. This makes for a varied and unforgettable nightlife experience. Are you into live music, dancing, or exploring the LGBTQ+ culture? Then, this guide is for you, showcasing the best of Key West’s vibrant nightlife scene.
Are you more into historic bars or energetic clubs? Maybe you love the beautiful waterfront scenes. Key West’s nightlife has it all. From the famous Sloppy Joe’s to the cool Green Parrot Bar, there’s something for everyone’s taste and mood.
Maybe you want to enjoy a frozen cocktail at sunset. Or listen to live music and dance. Perhaps, you’re interested in the fun LGBTQ+ scene. Key West is your place. It’s an island paradise where you can experience a legendary nightlife. This experience draws travelers from all over the world, and you should see why.
