Best Beach Bars in the Florida Keys

What’s one of the best ways to experience the Florida Keys?

A bar crawl!

Bar crawling in the Florida Keys provides first-hand glimpse at the best beaches in the keys. Plus, it offers a chance to mingle with locals, enjoy a classic Keysi cocktail, or catch up on some much-needed R&R.

There are dozens of amazing beachside bars – from Key West to Key Largo. But which are the best beach bars in the Florida Keys? These are our favorites that you can’t miss.

1. Sparky’s Landing

Key Colony Beach might not get the same fanfare as Key West or Key Largo. Yet, this quaint island is home to one of the best beach bars in the Keys: Sparky’s Landing. Known for its incredible food – with everything made from scratch – and airy dining room, Sparky’s is a must-stop in the Key Colony Beach Marina.

The bar has a bit for everyone: Live music most nights, sports on the big screen, and great house-made seafood dishes that will keep you coming back for more. Plus, if you’ve been out fishing, Sparky’s will cook your catch.

Where: Key Colony Beach
What to Order: Propeller Punch
Why Go: Excellent fish tacos, live music and a lively happy hour

2. Caribbean Club

The Caribbean Club is one of Key Largo’s oldest bars. Founded in 1938, the dive has been a hangout for fishermen, locals, and, even, celebrities ever since. In fact, the 1946 Humphrey Bogart movie Key Largo was filmed here on location.

The bar’s history is certainly a reason to put it on your beach bar bucket list. Yet, go outside for the beautiful Gulf views. This is the perfect place to while away an afternoon and watch the sunset. Although it’s a bit of a dive, the Crib, as it’s known locally, is a must-visit.

Where: Key Largo
What to Order: Classic Key cocktails
Why Go: Lively conversation and incredible sunset views from this relic of Old Key Largo

3. Dante’s Restaurant & Pool Bar

In Key West, you’ll find numerous world-famous watering holes. Yet, if you’d like a lounge poolside while sipping a Painkiller, head to Dante’s. This beach bar has its own pool, and it’s the perfect spot for taking a dip and enjoying a rum-infused cocktail.

Dante’s also has one of Key West’s best happy hours. From 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. daily, you’ll find incredible drink specials and live entertainment. Plus, delicious seafood is always available.

Where: Key West
What to Order: Poolside Dreamer
Why Go: Dante’s has its own pool and hosts bouncing pool parties daily; happy hour is great too

4. Burdines Waterfront ChikiTiki Bar and Grille

Who can resist a great tiki bar? Well, if you’re looking for one of the best in the Keys, you can’t go wrong with Burdines. This off-the-beaten-path beach bar sits on Boot Key Harbor, and offers the perfect atmosphere for some R&R.

There are plenty of reasons to check out Burdines. The food is incredible – try the house-made Key Lime Pie, or any seafood sandwich. Plus, this is the best hangout for chatting with fishermen, yachters and the locals.

Where: Marathon
What to Order: Beer and a sandwich
Why Go: Laid-back vibes and incredible eats

5. Southernmost Beach Café

The Southernmost Beach Café is unique among Key West bars, in that it’s right on the beach. (Surprisingly, Key West isn’t well-known for its beaches.) The bar and adjacent resort are located on Key West’s southernmost tip, and the bar has its own private beach for swimming, enjoying a cocktail, or soaking up the sun.

Plus, the menu is to-die-for. You’ll find a smattering of amazing rum-based drinks, as well as catch-of-the-day seafood dishes. Just be sure you stick around until sunset.

Where: Key West
What to Order: Southern Medicine
Why Go: Scenic surfside location with expansive Atlantic views, away from the bustle of Duval Street

6. Hogfish Bar and Grill

Looking for a stop before Key West? Hogfish Bar and Grill fits the bill. This tiki and seafood spot is known for its breezy dining room and great location right on Safe Harbor. The vibes here are always great, as is the food. Plus, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a sunset.

You must try the Hogfish sandwich – which the bar says is the best in the Keys. It’s local fish – the hogfish is a common species in the Keys – that’s deep-fried and smothered in Swiss cheese, onions and mushrooms. It’s the Key West version of a cheesesteak.

Where: Stock Island
What to Order: A Hogfish sandwich
Why Go: Mouth-watering food, strong cocktails and amazing waterfront views

7. Island Fish Company Tiki Bar

The Island Fish Company is a Keys’ favorite for the food. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, from the fresh-caught crab to the conch fritters. Not to mention, the atmosphere epitomizes the Florida Keys: incredible ocean views, lively entertainment, and plenty of frozen cocktails.

Spend an afternoon on the dock. Sharks have been known to swim right up!

Where: Marathon
What to Order: Fish tacos
Why Go: One of the best raw bars in the Keys with a heliport, if you’d like to fly in

Experience the Florida Keys on a Private Yacht Charter

Sure, the Keys may be connected by a highway. But the real way to experience all of these sun-soaked islands (and of course the region’s amazing beach bars) is by private yacht.

Book a Florida yacht charter today and experience the keys like a local. There are so many amazing things to do and see that you will feel a week in the Keys is not enough time to explore everything. Contact your broker with Worldwide Boat today to learn more.