K
ey West is many different things to many different people. To
some, it’s a place to relax and soak up the sun while scuba diving and biking around the island. To others, it’s known for some of the best and most famous bars in the world... and some equally famous hangovers! To me, it’s always been my second home. My family first came to the Key West in the 1930s, opened a construction company, and has resided there ever since. Over the years, I have frequented the island, getting to know all of the ins and outs of daily life.
When you hear someone talk about their Key West vacation, the same places are always mentioned: Sloppy Joe’s, Hogs Breath, Irish Kevin’s, or even the full on “Duval Crawl,” which I would equate to the New York marathon for your liver! The typical tourist wants to visit bars like these – they’re often what bring people to “Margaritaville” in the first place. There’s definitely a place in my heart for these Key West classics. I’ve been either carried out or kicked out of each at least once in my younger years, and I wear this like a badge of honor for it’s not an easy feat! That said, if you’re anything like me, you really want to discover the heart of a place when you visit. So where do you go for an authentic taste of how things are really done? How do we stop being the proverbial tourist and really get to know the island? Maybe I can be of some assistance…
While we’ve become accustomed to starting our days in Southwest Florida with a skinny latte and a fat free scone from Starbucks, that morning ritual is done a little differently in Key West. Residing just 90 miles north of Cuba, the country’s cultural influence is undeniable. Sandy’s Café on the corner of Virginia and White Street is half restaurant, half laundromat, and all good in my book. A shot of espresso sweetened with cane sugar is called a bucci, and a bag of overly buttered, pressed Cuban bread is the best way to start your day. This crazy concoction will knock out any residuals from the night before, and get you motivated and ready to explore with a somewhat clearer head. Sandy’s is also home to one of the best Cuban sandwiches in Key West, something to keep in mind for later!
About a one minute drive east of Key West is the next Key called Stock Island, home to many local restaurants and bars including the Key West Harbour Yacht Club, sister restaurant to Naples’ own Jack’s River Bar located behind the Naples airport. The club is worth mentioning not only because they offer reciprocity if you’re a member of Jack’s, they also have one of the best views in the Keys and one of the meanest Cuban infused menus on the islands, complements of true Conch and executive chef, Martin Liz.
34 | Pulse Magazine SWFL
Another of my favorite out-of-the-way places for lunch is an awesome outdoor bar restaurant called Hog Fish. Also located on Stock Island, this restaurant is very reminiscent of The’s Waterfront Cafe, one of Naples greatest restaurants of days past. So, what do you order at Hog Fish? The hogfish sandwich obviously! Diners can sit outside on the canal and watch the tarpon roll, all while enjoying one of the best fish sandwiches around.
The Porch Bar in the big mansion on the corner of Caroline and Duval Street is a tiny little venue specializing in fabulous wine and craft beers. It’s still in the mix of downtown, but hidden just enough so that it’s never overly packed with the drunken masses. My personal favorite is Virgilio’s, located behind La Trattoria at 524 Duval Street. Half inside, half outside with a giant tree growing right through the middle, this establishment is by far the best for dancing. I’ve seen everything from an amazing salsa band, horns and all, to a crazy Afro-Cuban funk band playing here. The dance floor is always packed with both novice and expert dancers of all kinds. After several scotch and sodas, I’m in the expert category, of course, but luckily everyone here is made to feel welcome no matter what their level of expertise. Head south on Duval Street next to find the Rum Bar, located in the southern-most area of old town Key West. Situated in the lobby of the Speakeasy Inn, this is one of my favorite destinations to relax, people watch, or perhaps write an article about local life in Key West (yes, I do mean this one). The tiny front porch is strewn with white twinkle lights and adorned with the property’s only fulltime resident, a stray cat named Bobby.
For those who are truly nocturnal beverage enthusiasts, make note that bars on the island are open until 4am. Remember when our parents used to say nothing good ever happens after midnight? Well, I’ll finally admit that I have to agree – only great things happen after midnight here and get even better after 2am! For those individuals still trying to cope with the loss of our beloved Swamp Buggy Lounge in Naples, and want to reminisce about when you could still enjoy a cheap, sketchy drink on Fifth Ave South, I know the perfect place for you. Don’s Million Dollar Bar on the corners of Truman Ave. and Grinnell Street is the perfect late night spot for some local flavor. There are always at least two dogs sitting at the bar, one person sleeping on it, and from time to time, a barefoot woman dancing on top of it!
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