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.
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During the day, the restaurant serves up good food. But at night, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville is one of the busiest nightlife offerings at Universal Orlando’s CityWalk.

The Volcano Bar Erupts

The two-level building sits on the other side of the pedestrian bridge from the Islands of Adventure theme park, and actually encompasses three zones of drinking entertainment.

The main room, which serves as the primary dining area, as well, contains a stage along one wall. After 9pm, the tables in front of this stage are cleared away to make space for a dance floor and a band usually starts around 10pm. The house band is usually Blue Stone Circle, and they play a good mixture of classic and contemporary pop and rock, with the occasional Buffett tribute thrown in. They’re also receptive to requests.

Several times a night, the sounds of a thunderstorm roll across Margaritaville, signalling the imminent eruption of the huge margarita volcano located near the stage. It’s behind the aptly named Volcano Bar, and when it erupts, a river of glowing green liquid flows into a larger-than-life blender. Yeah, it’s kinda cheesy, but it’s fun…and reminds you to order another margarita.

Speaking of margaritas (which I love to do), Margaritaville offers regular and flavored margaritas, all made with Margaritaville-brand tequila. My favorites are the Pink Cadillac Margarita (a mango-cranberry mix) and the Carmel Apple Margarita. For those watching their figure, there’s even a 95-calorie margarita served on the rocks.

The Lone Palm at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Orlando

The second zone is the Porch of Indecision, which is the outside porch on the main level. Starting late afternoon, there is live acoustic music to go along with the cold drinks. This area is definitely more laid back and is perfect if you want to chill and talk amongst yourselves.

The third zone is actually separate from the Margaritaville building. Across the sidewalk, parked next to the CityWalk lagoon, is Jimmy Buffett’s very own seaplane, the Hemisphere Dancer. It’s been transformed into an outdoor bar, with a couple of tables surrounding it.

Since Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville is also a restaurant, there is no cover until after 9pm. After that, plan on forking over $7 to get in. If you plan to club hop to other CityWalk venues, save money by buying a Party Pass for $12, or a Party Pass with a movie option for $15. These can be purchased at CityWalk guest services, located across from the movie theater, next to the escalators.

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Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
Universal Orlando CityWalk
6000 Universal Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: 407-224-2155
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Margaritas come in a variety of flavors, from sweet to sour to spicy. So it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most requested drinks served at bars.

Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville in Orlando, FL

While Cinco de Mayo is an unofficial margarita day, with thousands of them being consumed, National Margarita Day is actually February 22. And of course, the Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville chain of restaurants will be leading the celebration.

All Margaritaville locations will be offering margarita specials all day long (and they make great margaritas), plus all guests can enter to win an Explorer Cordless Frozen Concoction Maker from the chain’s home bar line of products.

Additionally, gift certificates will be given to those with February 22 birthdays (with valid ID) and anyone named Margarita or Rita gets a free bottle of margarita mix.

Margaritaville cafes can be found in most U.S. tourist destinations, like Key West, Las Vegas, Orlando, Nashville, New Orleans, and Waikiki, Hawaii.

So in honor of National Margarita Day, tell me – what’s your favorite type of margarita?

[Photo courtesy of Michelle Snow]

Key West and margaritas go hand in hand, so it’s no wonder one of the most popular places to party on the island is Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville.

The Brightly Colored Exterior of Margaritaville Key West

During the daytime, it’s a fully functioning restaurant. The Cheeseburger in Paradise (named after the Buffet song) is my favorite thing to order here. It comes with a side of fries for just under $10. The Volcano nachos are also yummy, and is a big enough serving to satisfy two people ($10.95).

As soon as the sun sets at Mallory Square and the crowds head back to Duval Street, Margaritaville brings on a live band and the bar has more of a party atmosphere. On weekends, it can get so packed, you may find the place standing-room-only.

Margaritaville does have full bar, but of course, the margaritas are why people come here. If you like your margaritas sweet and fruity, try the mango or wildberry. If you like yours on the tart side, try the original or pomegranate flavors. Looking for something in between? Get a house margarita with a float of a flavored tequila (comes in mango, lime, coconut, tangerine and passion fruit).

Inside Margaritaville Key West

Most mixed drinks – including the margaritas – are in the $9 range. Also worth trying is Buffet’s Land Shark Lager. Get it with shot of Margaritaville lime-flavored tequila for an extra kick ($6.75).

Yes, this is definitely priced for the tourist market, but it’s not a bad place to start off the Duval Pub Crawl with your friends.

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Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
500 Duval St
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-292-1435
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[Photos by Michelle Snow]