What Is the Duval Crawl in Key West?

The only thing more prevalent than souvenir shops and Key lime pie shops in Key West, Florida, are local bars and lounges. There’s even an activity that’s been assigned to it: The Duval Crawl. Duval Street is the main thoroughfare that runs north to south in downtown Key West. More like bar strolling than bar hopping, this time-honored activity will let you take in historical places, live entertainment, good grub and creative drinks (while imbibing responsibly, of course).

Where to Go on a Duval Street Bar Crawl

Check out the landmark Sloppy Joe’s Bar (201 Duval St.) and raise a glass to well-known patron Ernest Hemingway, aka “Papa.” If you’re there in mid-July, you can even take part in the “Papa Look-Alike Contest” that’s held in honor of the bearded author, especially if your long white beard happens to be grown out. If you’d rather go to the original site of Sloppy Joe’s that opened just after the end of prohibition, meander across the road and head into what is now Capt. Tony’s Saloon (428 Greene St.).

Locals, tourists, singers and ukulele players all agree that the Green Parrot Bar (601 Whitehead St.) is where they want to unwind at the end of a humid Florida day. It isn’t fancy, and that’s really the point in this come-as-you-are, get-a-little-rowdy place that’s endured through the years — with the stories to prove it.

Want to take the party home? After a night of people-watching from the bar stools along the busy thoroughfare at Island Dogs Bar (505 Front St.), you and Fido can recreate the experience of relaxation at home with this recipe for their signature Key Lime Pie Martini. Here’s how you can make this delicious concoction created by bar owner/mixologist David Thibault:

• 2.5 oz. Absolut Vanilla vodka

• 2.5 oz. Malibu coconut rum

• .75 oz. KeKe Key Lime Pie Cream Liqueur

• Dash of Key lime juice (Rose’s lime juice if fresh Key lime isn’t available)

• Shake over ice and strain into chilled martini glass rimmed with crushed graham cracker

Then, shake over ice and strain into chilled martini glass rimmed with crushed graham cracker.

Remember to be mindful of your intake as well as AAA’s commitment to safe, sober transit. So pace yourself – maybe you’ll end the evening with more of a saunter than a crawl.

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