BarSmart User Reviews

Pete's Dueling Piano Bar

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:25:45 EDT

Pete's was BY FAR the best bar that we ventured into during our trip to Key West....but let's start at the beginning.When we first got there, it was pretty crowded (a mixed crowd, but more 30+) and the piano's were in full swing. We sat at the bar for a few rounds, made friends with the bartenders (one from the Burgh area - which also gave a us a little insight on the bar - one piano player was from Charlie Murdoch's in Southside and moved to the Keys to start Pete's)We stayed for a little while, trying to decide what to do next....got ready to leave but hit the bathrooms first. The bathrooms are way in the back right next to an outside area hidden from the bar. After further inspection, I noticed they had corn hole boards set up. Clearly, that changed plans and we went to the back to play corn hole instead.There were two sets of board set up, a few hula hoops (god knows why) AND two giant Jenga games. It was like a mini playground in the bar's backyard. A few games of corn hole, a hula hoop off and a round of Jenga can seriously change your entire evening. (We also ran into some Baltimore fans and destroyed them at corn hole....very awesome!)It had all the things I love in a bar plus more: good bartenders, good music, a place to drink outside and fun stuff to do.....definitely going back and am currently encouraging the bar I work at to invest in giant Jenga boards.

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Conch Republic Seafood Company

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:22:42 EDT

Went to Key West on a hockey road trip before the Pens faced the Panthers at the Bank Atlanta Center. After a long day of walking and sight seeing, our path lead us here for dinner. We were there on a Thursday and had to wait about 10 minutes before we got seated so we grabbed some drinks and browsed the gift shop. The decor in the place is gorgeous....fish tanks, paintings on the walls, a rock fountain, plus the ceilings were really high, making the room feel very open. Once seated, our waitress was very attentive...answered all of our questions and was able to joke around too. To me, it's always more inviting when the wait staff is easy going (instead of robots reading specials and taking orders). The drinks were good..not too stiff but not weak either...I had some mixed drinks and the rest of my group had mojitos (I can't remember if they had flavored ones, but the traditional ones we had were good, very fresh ingredients)The food was delicious, big portions great for sharing. Pricing was ok too...you definitely got what you paid for. Overall, the experience was really good and will definitely be on the list of stops next time I visit the Keys.

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Sunset Pier

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:22:42 EDT

We visited the Keys for a Pens road trip before facing the Florida Panthers at the Bank Atlantic Center. Sunset Pier was on my "to do" list because the last time I visited, we watched the sunset (duh) before hitting the bar scene. This time around, we found a table right along side the bar about two hours before the sun's final descent. Once seated, we went up to the bar instead of waiting for waitresses (not sure if they came to the bar side of the tables or not...seemed like they didn't). A few minutes after we got there, a band set up and got things going, mostly playing island-y music, but some fun singalongs too. The drinks were good (I had mixed drinks and some had mojitos and frozen drinks too) The "Pain in the Ass" was my favorite of the frozen, but I stuck with my Cake vodka drinks. They had a full menu, but we didn't have any food...some of the appetizers I saw at other tables by us looked pretty good though. The pier itself was loaded with people, some for the food and entertainment and others that were getting back on the cruise liner parked a little further up the ways from the bar. The table we were at was perfect for people watching...cruise liners are filled with a very random mix of people so it was definitely entertaining while waiting for the sky to light up. The only real downfall of the experience was the bathrooms. They weren't attached to the bar...you have to leave the area and go around the building, to the parking garage. If you are drinking and gotta go, the voyage got pretty annoying. I got lost the first time trying to find it.Overall though, the pier was pretty fun (maybe there was a dance party caught on film but I will never tell!) and would go back again.

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Hog's Breath Saloon

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:22:42 EDT

As the Key West tourist, Hog's Breath was really not for me. The bar area/tables seemed cramped together and the band that was playing that night was pretty bad. The service at the bar was good though, got waited on quickly with a smiling face...but still felt out of place in the atmosphere. We only stayed for a few minutes (gotta love the open container laws not being enforced) and moved on. Maybe next time in the Keys, I will check this place out more towards the beginning of the night instead of the end.

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Kelly's Caribbean Bar, Grill and Brewery

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:22:42 EDT

Went to Kelly's for appetizers and drinks with my family and boyfriend before a night on the town. It's a few blocks from Duval street, set perfectly in the midst of giant trees and flowers. During construction, you can tell that they basically built the outside deck and seating area around the trees making it a very relaxing setting. We started off the evening with Key Lime Margaritas...absolutely delicious! The key lime is the perfect sweet ending to the tequila making them quite drinkable (and dangerous!) We ordered their jerk chicken wings, "southern clipper" pizza and coconut shrimp and all three were amazing. The spice on the chicken was perfect, the pineapple sauce served with the shrimp was the perfect match and the pizza was so loaded with toppings they were falling off. The bar area was pretty full whenever we sat down but it never got too loud or rowdy. The setting remained relaxing the entire time we were there (even when we had a photo shoot under one of the trees) Overall, the experience was wonderful and it will definitely be on my "must see" list when back in Key West.

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Old Customs House Inn

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:22:42 EDT

My review is for the "bar" part of the Old Customs House Inn...advertised as the "Smallest Bar in Key West." Smallest is an understatement....it is basically an alley with a bar at the end of it that can fit about 10-20 people in it at a time max (standing close together). What really drove us in was the blasting reggae music and the giant pineapple and coconut drinks that they make in the actual fruit.We were greeted by a guy with huge dreadlocks jamming out to the music...once we ordered the fruit drinks he went into action, cutting the top of the pineapple off with a machete, totally unexpected and awesome at the same time. He made making the drink a show, attracting other people to stop in for a look.The pineapple drink had a ton of flavor (and a ton of booze..it was $18) and was served decorated with pineapple chunks, cherries and umbrellas. The coconut drink was was $10 but literally straight rum mixed with coconut water (which basically has no substance and adds the flavor) It was like taking shots of straight rum with every sip. We only stopped for a minute for those drinks and went on our way down Duval, but was definitely worth the stop.

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Fogarty's Flying Monkey

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:22:42 EDT

This was our first stop once landing in Key West for lunch and drinks. Our table gave a perfect view of Duval street (surprisingly crowded for 11:30am on a Wednesday).We started out with drinks, the guys I was with had the Key West Sunset Ale, light and refreshing for a sunny afternoon and I had a mixed drink (strong but not overpowering). The waiter was very nice, noticed that our table was a little wobbly and fixed it right away. We started off with the conch fritters, delicious and well seasoned. I had the shrimp and bacon club, which was also well seasoned and the shrimp were cooked perfectly. My boyfriend had the shrimp po boy and it was gigantic, loaded with breaded shrimp. The waiter was nice throughout the meal (and kinda looked like a guy we know back home in Pittsburgh) and it was definitely a good way to start the trip.After looking around online, apparently the bar attached to it is a blast late night so I have definite plans of returning.

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Braza Lena Brazilian Steakhouse

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 10:03:55 EDT

So, your party has two vegetarians, two kids, and two pure carnivores on it. Where to go? With a little disposable cash, you could do much, much worse than Braza Lena.For those of you who have had a churrascaria experience before there won't be any surprises here--just a classic Brazilian steakhouse, excellently done.For those of you who haven't... you just wait. The first course is an all-you-can-eat... I hesitate to call it a salad bar, because it's much much more, with imported cheese and cured meats, Brazilian rice and beans, any number of excellent already-made sausage, the best chimichurri sauce I've ever had... it's enough for a meal by itself, and many people (i.e. vegetarians) do. But if you like your meat, the second course begins--gauchos with meat on skewers swooping by to carve for you cuts of delectably cooked beef, pork, lamb, chicken or shrimp. All you can eat. It's... simply delightful.For drinks, I had a caipirinha, of which I'm a fan: lime juice, cachaca, sugar and ice. And then I had a second, because it was one of the tastiest I've had. The service was perfect, present without being overwhelming. All in all, I'd definitely, definitely recommend it.Cons: 1) It ain't cheap. Special occasion prices for special occasion food. But it's definitely worth it.2) As one of the people with me said, it's kind of the anti-Key West. Quiet instead of hectic, beef instead of fish (though you can order a la carte, or so I hear), and sort of insulated from the main hubbub, on a quiet street and set back in the building so you can't see well the outside. If you only have one day in Key West, you might not look here for the true KW experience. Or, after your third helping of perfectly medium-rare marinated tenderloin of beef, you might not care so much.

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Irish Kevin's

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 09:20:12 EDT

I had an awesome time at Irish Kevins. The waitress was really cool & attentive. We got crazy, sang songs & went up for the "Irish Car Bomb" drinking contest. I didn't win but I didn't lose either so I didn't have to pay. That's the rule. ;) We go every time were in the Keys. It's always a good times.

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Lazy Gecko

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 09:20:12 EDT

The Gecko has a live DJ at night, which is great because you can request songs and the night we were there he was wishing people a happy birthday and all. It was cool. If you like hip-hop, it's a great place to go later at night.

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Bull & Whistle Bar

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 05:14:53 EDT

This is always one of my stops when I visit Key West. The balcony reminds me of being in the French Quarter in New Orleans. Its a great spot to grab a drink and watch everyone walking up and down Duval Street.

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Sloppy Joe's Bar

Fri, 04 Aug 2006 09:47:50 EDT

Sloppy Joe's is another popular tourist spot, due to its reputation since 1937, and also houses a popular gift store with t-shirts and the like. With a nautical theme, it served many different types of beers and catered to a more middle-aged crowd. No worries about safety at Sloppy Joe's, for all bags are subject to search and outside drinks are prohibited. A great place for all ages, it's a must-see for tourists and a favorite of locals, too.

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Fat Tuesday - A Quaint Lively Place

Fri, 04 Aug 2006 09:47:00 EDT

Fat Tuesdays was a quaint, lively place with delicious frozen drinks (their specialty) and "world famous" Jello shots. The frozen mixed drinks were AMAZING!! The DJ played a mix of top 40 and hip hop the night I was there, and the size of the place was just right. Not too crowded, it was an open-air bar with two outside decks. Being at Fat Tuesdays, one could definitely tell that he or she was at the beach – a perfect atmosphere! It was a lot of fun and with the right people, you could certainly spend the whole evening there.

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Rick's Entertainment Complex

Fri, 04 Aug 2006 09:47:00 EDT

I figured I would like this place, because it has the same name as my Daddy!! In all seriousness, this place was certainly one of the most "clubby" atmospheres. However, I only visited one level, and at night, so I missed the live entertainment portions for the most part. It featured various levels with different DJ's and music. The one downfall, however, was that it was a bit too crowded. Nonetheless, I could see it getting "old" quick for locals. This place was definitely one that catered to the college crowd, and consequently, the "Spring Breakers." If someone wanted a cozy, relaxed atmosphere, this bar would not be for them. However, if you are looking for a super lively nightclub crowd, Rick's is it!!

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Hard Rock Cafe - Key West

Mon, 05 Jun 2006 10:23:34 EDT

Having been to many various Hard Rock Cafe's, I'd have to say that this one was one of the best. It still featured the essential music memorabilia but offers a less tacky, cluttered atmosphere than most — definitely a plus! The staff was extremely helpful and congenial, and it seems to be a popular spot for tourists. Spacious and well-maintained, this Hard Rock is rockin'! It featured autographs by Janet Jackson, the Doors, and the late Kurt Cobain as well as Sheryl Crow's guitar. A great place for a music fan! The Hard Rock will also be hosting a free benefit concert featuring Collective Soul.

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Hog's Breath Saloon

Mon, 05 Jun 2006 10:23:34 EDT

A biker bar at heart, Hog's Breath is an almost certain stop for most out-of-town tourists. With a cool gift shop and a "hoppin" atmosphere, it is quite popular with the college-age crowd and middle-aged crowds alike. They have occasional live bands, and it is always jam-packed with people both inside and out.The day I went, Joel Nelson was playing a mix of country and rock, and was in good favor of the mid-afternoon crowd. I would say Hog's Breath is must-see for a tourist, whether its to stop in for a drink, or a t-shirt. Maybe not MY personal kind of place to become a "regular" at, it seems to be popular among some locals, too. Definitely more of a tourist trap, though.

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Grand Cafe Key West - Understatedly Upscale

Tue, 16 May 2006 03:37:00 EDT

My kind of place! The Grand Cafe was a lovely and elegant bar. Perfect for dates or an after-theater drink, this upscale joint was very suave and ringing of luxe metropolitan life. With lush decor and comfortable seating, the Grand Cafe features a plethora of paintings by a revered local artist, Jersey Paterak, which fetch about $1500 a piece. It is semi-pricey, however, so for the college crowd or Spring-Breakers, this is probably not the place to go — its definitely not a "party" bar and most people in the younger crowd would not favor this place, although it is amazing and classy. They feature 150 wines and 12 martini's, as well as a contemporary American menu of fine cuisine. It is more of a locals bar than a spring break destination, and the decor is a mix of mod and classic. For a chic night out, or drinks at happy hour, this is your place!! But again, this is coming from a girl who loves karaoke joints, cowboy/country bars, and classy martini bars over the club scene. Go figure.Overall, I'd say if you want ritzy, this is your place - understatedly upscale.

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Awful Arthurs Seafood Company - Isn't So Awful

Tue, 16 May 2006 03:33:00 EDT

I liked this place, although my friend and I went during the day, and did not eat there, so it was hard to get a feel for it's overall vibe.Still, Awful Arthur's was a very quaint and relaxed place. Featuring an outdoors bar and an indoor tiki lounge, this particular bar is a hotspot for locals. The staff was accommodating and very friendly, and it offered a decent -selection of food. Man's Best Friends?? They were more than welcome at the one outdoors bar - there was a German Shepherd relaxing as his master enjoyed a beer. It was small, and on a side street, but seemed like a nice place to go have a few drinks — especially their 12 oz. Margarita's which are their specialty. Sometimes, Awful Arthur's offers live music. Final consensus? Awful Arthur's isn't so awful.

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Duval Beach Club - Perfect For Everyone

Mon, 15 May 2006 04:18:00 EDT

The Duval Beach Club is the perfect spot for tourists and locals alike. Featuring inexpensive frozen drinks and a beautiful view of the ocean, the Duval Beach Club is a great open-air beach bar where one can relax on the well-maintained sandy beach or in the shade for lunch. The servers were friendly and the atmosphere was amazing. At the Southernmost point, it was truly a lovely view at the end of the island of Key West. It also serves Kalik, the official beer of the Bahamas, which is hard to find in other U.S. states. For the beachgoers, they kindly offer .50 cent bottles of Dasani water. The Duval Beach Club is thinking of expanding their repertoire to special events such as Full Moon Parties monthly. For a "beachy" atmosphere and a laid-back attitude, the Duval Beach Club is your place the perfect mix of classy and casual.

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