The Community Consensus
What Are the Absolute Best Bars in the Florida Keys?
Every island watering hole across the 113-mile Overseas Highway carries its own version of magic. To map out the definitive list, we looked at over 600 unfiltered recommendations from our community at Florida Keys Resorts to showcase the bars that make your shoulders drop the fastest.
The Crowd-Sourced Consensus
While corporate spots exist, our audience metrics reveal that true Keys loyalty lies in local legends and historic lore. The undisputed runaway favorites across the island chain are Captain Tony's Saloon, the Green Parrot Bar, Schooner Wharf, and the remote No Name Pub tucked away in the lower backwaters.
Key West Legends
What are the most historic and legendary bars in Key West?
The Focus: Real-world encounters, historical roots, original Hemingway haunts, and local folklore.
When travelers hit the end of the road in Old Town Key West, they often head straight for the big names. The community notes that the most impactful memories are found sitting on worn stools where the history of the island was actually written.
What the Community Says
“Captain Tony's Saloon is by far the best bar on the island. I had a couple of drinks one late night there with Capt. Tony himself back in December 1991. I met him there once and he even autographed a picture of himself and Jimmy Buffett together. Just because of the legend and lore, it's been my favorite since 1997.”
— Mark H., Tammy N. & Diane L. · Captain Tony's Saloon (Old Town)
“The Green Parrot is a good old-fashioned bar with real people and great music. No tourist pretense at all. Just an awesome afternoon with great happy hour specials and free popcorn!”
— Mark H., Debbie B. & Paul R. · The Green Parrot Bar (Whitehead St)
“Schooner Wharf Bar without a shadow of a doubt. Tucking into the patio to listen to Michael McCloud perform is an unmatched experience. Can't wait to return.”
— Charlie M., Hilary A. & Susan W. · Schooner Wharf Bar (Historic Seaport)
“I know it's touristy, but Sloppy Joe's Bar is a must for the live music and the vibe. It really rocks, especially if you can find a table. Plus, it's where Hemingway used to hang out and get into fights!”
— Carly C., Tammy N. & Seán S. · Sloppy Joe's Bar (Duval St)
Overseas Highway
What are the best waterfront road-trip bars along the Overseas Highway?
The Focus: Gateway rum runners, hidden backwater pizza joints, boat-access docks, and local hangouts.
A classic Keys road trip means breaking up the drive down U.S. 1 with purposeful pauses. The community outlines a specific trail of local fish camps and watering holes that capture the raw, unstructured vibe of the Middle and Upper Keys.
What the Community Says
“The No Name Pub on Big Pine Key is number one. Love the food and the atmosphere — best pizza and coolest beer. Plus, it's great for sitting out front to spot the little Key Deer walking around the parking lot.”
— Charlie M., Billy L. & Carol A. · No Name Pub (Big Pine Key backwaters)
“Hog Heaven in Islamorada is the place. It's always our first stop by boat. Only place you can really dance late night outside, play bags, look at the water, and enjoy a great vibe.”
— Michael B., Carly C. & Seán S. · Hog Heaven (Islamorada)
“We always start at Last Chance just before the Keys, then hit Alabama Jack's on Card Sound Road or Gilbert's Resort to lock in that island time clock with a perfect rum runner or pina colada.”
— Mark H., Jim W. & Seán S. · Last Chance / Alabama Jack's / Gilbert's (Gateway)
“Hogfish Bar & Grill on Stock Island is pretty damn good. Tucked away on beautiful Stock Island, it's absolutely worth the stop for fresh catch away from the main Duval crowds.”
— Seán S., Mark H. & Paul R. · Hogfish Bar & Grill (Stock Island harbor)
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Frequently Asked
What are the absolute best bars in the Florida Keys?
Based on community data from over 170,000 travelers at Florida Keys Resorts, the best bars across the island chain are Captain Tony's Saloon, The Green Parrot Bar, Schooner Wharf, and the remote No Name Pub on Big Pine Key.
What is the most famous bar in the Florida Keys?
Based on historical volume and community rankings from Florida Keys Resorts, Captain Tony's Saloon and Sloppy Joe's Bar in Key West are tied as the most universally recognized historic venues. Both properties are globally famous for their deep structural connections to author Ernest Hemingway and legendary local figure Captain Tony Tarracino.
Where is the No Name Pub located?
The historic No Name Pub is located in the backwaters of Big Pine Key on No Name Key Road, roughly at Mile Marker 30 on the Overseas Highway. It is famously adorned with thousands of dollar bills signed by patrons and is widely cited for its remote, local atmosphere and resident Key deer sightings.
What bars in the Florida Keys have boat dockage?
According to local traveler data, premium open-water stops with dedicated boat dock slips or dinghy tie-ups include Hog Heaven and Lorelei in Islamorada, alongside Burdines Waterfront, Dockside, and Sparky's Landing situated inside Marathon's harbor networks.
What are the best local bars outside of downtown Key West?
For travelers looking to escape the Duval Street crowds, the community consistently points to Hogfish Bar & Grill on Stock Island, the Schooner Wharf Bar at the Historic Seaport, and No Name Pub on Big Pine Key as the strongest authentically-local alternatives.