As the Southernmost point of the continental United States, the tiny island of Key West tends to become party central, especially during holidays and Spring Break. While watching the sun set from the dock at Mallory Square is tops on most visitor’s lists, there’s another time honored tradition that is almost as popular: the Duval Pub Crawl.

Duval at Night in Key West

Duval is the main street in what is known as Old Town Key West, and it runs north to south across the island. Mallory Square anchors the north end of Duval and is the best spot to start your evening’s pub crawl. Grab a margarita or a cold beer, find a spot that faces the water and enjoy the sunset.

Once the sun dips below the horizon, head on over to the Hogs Breath Saloon (400 Front Street, with a Duval entrance). If you haven’t eaten yet, and you can find a place to sit, then this is a good place to grab a bite. After all, you won’t last long on the pub crawl if you drink on an empty stomach.

Exit onto Duval and head south. When you reach Sunset Lane, about a block or so down, you’ll spot two of the watering holes that writer Ernest Hemingway used to frequent.

At the intersection sits Sloppy Joe’s, one of the most popular places on the island. They usually feature a live band playing covers and a small bit of empty space in front of the stage that serves as a dance floor.

Look to your right and about a half-block down, you’ll see Captain Tony’s Saloon. It’s a tiny shack-like building, but there’s usually somebody entertaining the drinkers with a guitar.

Once you’ve hit up both of these bars, you have to pace yourself for the next 2-3 blocks.
Read More »

Located just a few stumbles steps from the front door of Key West’s legendary Sloppy Joe’s, you’ll find The Lazy Gecko.

Frozen Drinks Offered by The Lazy Gecko in Key West

This venue bills itself as “an island bar” but it’s more like a combination of Fat Tuesday’s and Margaritaville.

Step inside, and the first thing that catches your attention is the wall of drink machines to the left, behind the bar. Those drink machines serve up 12 flavors of pre-blended goodness, which have just enough alcohol to catch a slight buzz.

If the frozen drinks are too frou-frou for you, they actually have a respectable list of beer, both draft and bottled. Their mojito menu is pretty impressive, too.

Though a lot of Key West partiers hang out here at night, I like to visit just after watching the sun set at Mallory Square. That’s because between 5-8pm daily, the Lazy Gecko offers $1 off all frozen drinks. Come on a Sunday or Monday, and happy hour goes all the way to midnight. Perfect for those hot summer nights in Key West.

In addition to the drinks, this place serves up a decent menu of food, from burgers and sandwiches to pizza. Since I don’t like to pub crawl on an empty stomach, I usually pick up some food with my frozen drink.

Oh and if you’re a Boston Red Sox fan, this is the place to catch all the action. Drink specials include $2 bottles of Bud or Coors during the games, which air throughout the bar.

The Lazy Gecko is located at 203 Duval Street in Key West. Reach them by phone at 305-292-1903.

[Photo by Michelle Snow]

A few short blocks south of Mallory Square, in the heart of Duval St., you’ll find the Key West favorite of The Bull and Whistle Bar.

This venue is actually three bars in one, with each floor catering to a different clientele, and it’s a frequent stop on the nightly Duval Pub Crawl.  In fact, it’s within eyeshot of the legendary Sloppy Joe’s, where most crawls start. That is if you can still keep your eyes open, since the bar is open until 4am.

Bull and Whistle in Key West

At street-level, you’ll find The Bull. It features live entertainment in the corner from open to close every day, and the bartenders I’ve encountered are very friendly and quick. I liked the murals lining all the walls that evoked an era long past, as well.

The Bull also holds the distinction of being the oldest open-air bar in Old Town Key West, and it keeps its windows and doors wide open day and night.

Second floor is the Whistle Bar, and features the usual bar games, like pool, darts and foosball. There’s also a bar to belly up to, but unless it’s raining, you’re better off taking your drink outside and setting up a perch on the bar stools out on the balcony. It’s fun to people watch from here.

The top level is the Garden of Eden and not only is it a roof-top bar, but it’s also Duval’s only clothing-optional bar. And yes, there are usually a few people enjoying a drink sans clothing.

During the annual Fantasy Fest (held during October), the Garden of Eden also serves as one of the main spots for full-body painting. I wish I could show some of the photos I’ve taken, but this is a family-friendly blog.

At any rate, if you’re looking for a semi-low key bar in Key West with a fun atmosphere, you’ll find it at The Bull and Whistle Bar (224 Duval St.; 305-296-4565).  Discount drink coupons are available online.

[Photo by Michelle Snow]