The only thing more prevalent than a souvenir T-shirt and Key lime pie shops in Key West, Florida, are local bars and lounges to be visited on any given Thursday, Friday or any day. 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, and there's a fun way to view it. More like bar strolling than bar hopping, this Key West pub crawl will let you take in historic sites, live entertainment, good grub and creative drinks (while imbibing responsibly, of course), and other fun things to do in Key West.
Where to Go on a Duval Street Bar Crawl
Discover 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 during certain dates in mid-July, you can even join 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, then meander across the road and head into what is now Capt.Tony’s Saloon (428 Greene St.).
Locals, tour groups, singers and ukulele players all agree that the Green Parrot Bar (601 Whitehead St.) is where guests want to stop and 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 in the Florida Keys through the years — with the stories to prove it.
Duval Crawl Key West Cocktail to Remember
Ready 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 re-create the experience of paradise at home with this recipe for its signature Key Lime Pie Martini. Here’s how you can make this delicious cocktail created by bar owner/mixologist David Thibault:
- 2.5 oz. Absolut Vanilla vodka
- 2.5 oz. Malibu coconut rum
- 0.75 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 crackers
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.