The best bars in Key West are a love letter to the Florida Keys’ relaxed, lived-in vibe. People come here to drink among friends and family, or even solo—usually dressed down in shorts, T-shirts, and flip-flops (though nobody’s judging if you dress up a little). The Keys’ intoxicating, IDGAF attitude makes its bar scene of no-frills dives and live-music joints feel effortless. While a handful of watering holes do serve up polished, handcrafted cocktails, most bars keep it simple with strong pours, draft beers, and sweet frozen drinks designed to get you buzzed and happy.
Day drinking is practically a sport here, with some venues hitting their stride in the afternoon and others coming alive after dark: While waterfront bars fill up at sunset, Old Town’s Duval Street pulses along as the heart of the action with live music and flowing drinks. From Sloppy Joe’s, the legendary watering hole that’s been drawing crowds since the 1930s, to Hogfish Bar & Grill, where weathered license plates and vintage photos overlook shrimp docks and ocean blues—the southernmost stretch of the continental US knows how to have a good time. These are the 10 best bars in Key West, Florida.
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How we choose the best bars in Key West
Every bar on this list has been selected independently by Condé Nast Traveler editors and reviewed by a local contributor who has visited that restaurant. Our editors consider both high-end and affordable eateries, and weigh stand-out dishes, location, and service—as well as inclusivity and sustainability credentials. We update this list as new bars open and existing ones evolve.
