GET WITH
THE NEW COOL
ON THE NORTH END
CRAFT COCKTAILS
POOL SCENE CIGAR LOUNGE
LIVE MUSIC WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY, 4P-7P FRIDAY & SATURDAY, 5P-8P SUNDAY, 2P-8:30P
Happy Hour 4p-7p Everyday $3 Well Brand $3 Domestic Beers $4 Wine $5 Draft of the Week $5 Frozen Drinks
#UNLOCKTHEKEYS
MORE THAN JUST A KEY TO
THE POOL Upcoming Rum Row Events March 6th & 13th Spring Break Sunday Funday w/ DJ Chaka March 16th Pop Up Ramble Nick Norman & friends pre-concert March 17th Rum Row’s St Patrick’s Day Celebration March 24th National Cocktail Day March 29th Sip & Shop National Mom & Pop Business Owners Day April 10th Nick Norman & Lewis Brice from 5:30–8:30pm April 24th Shipyard & Seadog Sunday Funday w/ DJ Buggy
3824 N Roosevelt Blvd 305 320 0930 GatesHotelKeyWest.com
KWBT
Ingredients Restaurant, Bar & Nightlife magazine
09 Music Calendar
margaritaville, hog’s breath, green parrot, rumor
BarShots 08
10 BarTab Bar Buzz island happy hour guide
16 Calendar of Events
upcoming events in february, march, April 2016
20 Where to find...
Publisher Lawrence Bradley, Jr larry@bartabmag.com
18
key west drinking & dining tips
22 The Conch Republic Decree of Debauchery by david sloan
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26 Come On Baby Light My Fire? by leigh pujado
32 Map of Key West 34 Profiles mel petrarca @ rum row, 3824 n roosevelt blvd mat quinton / bartab bar chord
40 Restaurant & Bar Listings
information on over 100 key west bars & restaurants
51 Why Do People Come to Key West? by bill hoebee
54 First 10 Rules of Drinking by bill hoebee 6
BarTabMag.com
www.BarTabMag.com PO Box 4951, Key West, FL 33041 info@BarTabMag.com 305.292.6262
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Words by Bill Hoebee billhoebee@clearchannel.com Leigh Pujado cleighpujado@gmail.com David Sloan sloaniv@gmail.com Contributing Photography Nick Doll www.nickdollphotography.com
48 The Key West BarTab magazine is a free publication distributed throughout Key West. Omissions in the BarTab are at the discretion of the publisher. All rights reserved & contents copyright 2015, LBJ Media, LLC.
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10
2 Cents
24 North
801 Bourbon
Agave 308
Bagatelle
416 Appelrouth 305.414.8626 Happy Hour 4-6p Free Bacon for eternity! with a 1 in 6 chance to get your drink for $1
3820 N Roosevelt 305.320.0940 Happy Hour 1-4p Moscow Mules, Bloody Marys, & Mimosas $5 House Wine $4 Domestic beers $3
801 Duval 305.294.4737 Key West’s premier drag shows every night at 9 & 11p Sunday is ‘gay’ bingo with Mitch at 5p
308 Front 305.294.2042 Happy Hour 4:30-6:30p $6 margarita, $4 wells & discounted beers & Taco & Teqila Tues
115 Duval 305.296.6609 Happy Hour 5-7p half price drinks with a $5-7 small plate menu.
Blue Heaven
Conch Republic
729 Thomas 305.296.8666 One of the best outdoor venues in the Keys! Bloody Marys are the specialties here at their outdoor bar.
631 Greene 305.294.4403 Happy Hour 4-7p 2-for-1 premium well drinks, all domestic & imported beers
951 Caroline 305.293.5123 Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-8p 1/2 off doms & wells plus a dozen shot specials $5 app menu & 3-4-$2 raw bar
Half Shell
Havana Cafe
Hog’s Breath
231 Margaret 305.294.7496 Happy Hour 4:30-6:30p w/ 2-for-1 drink deals, $5 food items & raw bar specials
703 Duval 305.294.2626 The BarTab’s go to spot for a late breakfast. Lunch or breakfast served 8a-3p.
400 Front 305.296.4222 Drink Discounts on all liquor & beer 5-7p Live music all day from 1pm-2a
Grand Café
Green Parrot
314 Duval, 305.292.4740 Happy Hour 11am-5p with discounts on all frozen drinks, mojitos & margaritas
601 Whitehead 305.294.6133 Happy Hour 4-7p daily with “sound-checks” 5:30p every Fri & Sun. Monday night Bingo @ 7p
Dante’s
Irish Kevin’s
Island Dogs
Jack Flats
0 Duval 305.296-7701 Sat & Sun Brunch $49/person includes unlimited a la carte menu & unlimited bloody mary bar
211 Duval 305.292.1262 Happy Hour open-6p $1 off Narragansett Lager & live music all day long!
505 Front 305.509.7136 Happy Hour 4:30-6:30p Mon-Fri 1/2 priced wells, beers & wine w/ $595 food menu & 1/2 priced oysters
509.5 Duval 305.294.7955 12 High Def Projection TVs with personal speakers to listen. Late night food till 1a
301 Whitehead 305.293.8484 Happy Hour 4-7p $350 margaritas, $2 micro brews with $3 well drinks & $595 apps
Keyviche
Lazy Gecko
Margaritaville
Mellow Ventures Cafe
421 Caroline 305.432.9440 Happy Hour 4-7p w/ bar menu apps, $4.50 drink specials. Locals night Thurs 30% off all night
203 Duval 305 292.1903 Happy Hours 4-8p 2-for-1 wells & beers with $5 food items
500 Duval 305.292.1435 Get an original Cheeseburger in Paradise! Along with signature margarita
1605 N Roosevelt 305.745.3874 Happy Hour Daily 4-7p with various drink specials on beers, wine & saki
Point 5 915 Duval 305.296.0669 Happy Hour Everyday 5-6p with 2-for-1 drinks & $5 Pizza open daily 5p full menu until 12am 12
Kelly’s Caribbean
Hot Tin Roof
Prime Steakhouse 951 Caroline 305.296.4000 Steaks, seafood, martinis & fine wine. Opens daily at 6p
Rum Barrel
Rum Row
528 Front 305.292.7862 Happy Hour 4-7p 2-for-1 domestics, wine & wells with an ‘App’ menu [try the Philly Spring Rolls!]
3824 N Roosevelt 305.320.0930 Happy Hour Mon - Fri 4-7p $3 wells, domestics, & frozen drinks $4 house wines $5 weekly draft beer
Rumor Lounge
430 Greene Happy Hour 5-8p with $3 wells & $2 dom drafts Sundays Bacon Bloody Marys all day.
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Salute! 1000 Atlantic 305.292.1117 The best beach front dining in Key West. Get here around 4:30p on Sun for live music on their patio!
Sunset Tiki
0 Duval 305.296.7701 Terrific Sunset View Feb, 6:20p March, 7:30p April, 7:50p May, 8:00p
617 Front St Happy Hour 5-7p sip on their famous 2-4-1 Margaritas on the rocks or well drinks
Willie T’s
524 Duval 305.296.8118 Home of Martini Monday $5 martinis 7p-close Live music most nights at 9p
525 Duval 305.294.7674 Happy Hour 4-7p Discounted liquor drinks & beers
Smokin’ Tuna Saloon
Tattoos & Scars
Turtle Kraals
512 Greene St Happy Hour 4-7p & late night 2a-close Sun-Thurs with 2-for-1 dom beers & wells
231 Margaret 305.294.2640 Happy Hour 4:30-6:30p with 50% off wells, beers & wines w/ food menu specials starting at $5
207 Petronia 305.296.7691 Happy Hour 3-6p 5 tapas for only $5 1/2 priced beers, glasses of wine & sangria or $10 off all bottles & pitchers of sangria
Sunset Pier
Virgilio’s
Santiago’s Bodega
4 Charles 305.517.6350 Happy Hour 5-7p Discounts on beers & well drinks with live music starting at 6p
Get 2-4-1 drinks daily or 10% off food at 25 Key West bars & restaurants with the Bar & Restaurant Cards.
www.KeyWestBarCard.com
15
FEBRUARY 17 Wednesday-18 Friday Locura Key West Theater, 512 Eaton An original play by Michael Marrero follows an uncle & his nephew as they make their way through cockfights, running from the law, & getting out of Monkey Island alive. 7pm
26 Friday Official Reggae Moonsplash Pre Party Rum Row, 3824 N Roosevelt Hosted by BarTab’s Bill Hoebee, this is the pre-party for the Third World reggae show Saturday night, with a chance to win general admission and VIP tickets. 5p 16
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Reggae Moonsplash East Martello, 3501 S Roosevelt Come watch Third World on their anniversary tour with Johnny Dread & The Axumites and Causion. 5pm Tix $22 :: VIP $40 in advance available at www.KeysTix.com and Bagatelle [115 Duval St]
24 Wednesday Tim Reynolds & TR3 Key West Theater, 512 Eaton The electric power trio, led by two-time Grammy nominee Reynolds, bassist Mick Vaughn & drummer Dan Martier brings its 2016 tour to Key West. 7pm
................................................................................................
EVENTS
2016
27 Saturday
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KEY WEST
M A R C H 1 Tuesday-26 Saturday The Producers Waterfront Playhouse, 310 Wall Key West local Tom Luna & David Perlman take on Mel Brooks famous comedy about a scheming producer & his mousy accountant aim to produce the biggest flop on Broadway... in Key West. 8p
5 Saturday Conch Shell Blowing Contest Oldest House, 322 Duval A contest that features sounds produced by contestants as they attempt to make “music” on fluted conch shells. 12p (305) 294-9501
Badfish, a Tribute to Sublime
Sunset Pier, 0 Duval Badfish makes their annual return to Key West with an all day, double stage FREE event. VIP area will be reserved for Locals Only & is FREE. [VIP 21+] 2nd Stage: Happy Dog 1pm, Hot Beer 5pm Main: TBD 7pm, Badfish 8:30pm
10 Thursday Marshall Tucker Band Key West Theater, 512 Eaton From their first LP in 1973, to their powerful stage presence today, MTB has played countless concerts around the world. 8p
20 Sunday The Ramble Key West Theater, 512 Eaton Local musicians come together to perform in this exclusive concert experience. 8p
22 Tuesday Rusted Root Key West Theater, 512 Eaton Entertaining, mainly high crowds, for over 25 years, Rusted Root brings their fusion of acoustic, rock, African, Latin, Native American blend of music to Key West. We think this has been long overdue. 7p
25 Friday Pato Banton Sunset Pier, 0 Duval Reggae returns to Sunset Pier for a post sunset concert. This is a free show. 8p
A P R I L
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8 Tuesday
2 Saturday Keystock Music Festival Truman Waterfront, Southard Description. 6p (305) 745-1079
10 Sunday
Cow Key Bridge Run Cow Key Bridge, 5051 Overseas The Only Zero K Bridge Run. Ever. Dress up or don’t. This is one of the shortest bridges in the Keys and there is a party with beer close to the finish line. 10am
18 Monday Taste of Key West
Truman Waterfront A culinary celebration where Key West’s best restaurants present mouth watering samples of their cuisine to benefit AIDS Help. 6pm (305) 296-6196
22 Fri-1 Sun Conch Republic Independence Celebration Sunset Pier, 0 Duval Description. 8p
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a Late Breakfast at Havana Cafe Getting an early start isn’t always the easiest thing to do in Key West. So being able to get breakfast until 3p is almost mandatory. Havana Cafe on Duval Street not only serves late, but also has their full breakfast and lunch menu from 8a-3p. We opt for the Havana Special 2 eggs, toast, potatoes and bacon & sausage. While you’re in the Keys, grab a colada, Cuban double espresso with a hint of sugar. Or if you’ve been up all night and looking for a late night 8am snack, grab a Cuban Sandwich and a cocktail from their full liquor bar.
703 Duval St, 305 294-2626 20
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a Ridiculous Burger at Blackfin Blackfin Bistro severs up one of the best burgers you’ll find in town. Their signature Blackfin Burger comes with Swiss, bacon & a sunny-side up egg. Or get the Diablo Burger smothered in goat cheese, mushrooms, Blackfin’s spicy diablo sauce & add an egg on top. Word of advise, once you pick it up, it’s pretty hard to put down.
Blackfin Bistro, 918 Duval St
Late Night Happy Hour at Tattoos Since day one, Tattoos & Scars has boasted ‘open till 4am no matter what,’ and on top of that, they do it with happy hour prices. From 2a till 4a, 5 days a week [Sunday-Thursday] you’ll get 2-for-1 domestic beers & wells cocktails. In addition to their Late Night Happy Hour, Tattoos also has a daily Happy Hour 4-7p, pool table & is the only bar in town to show every single UFC fight.
Tattoos & Scars , 512 Greene St
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The Conch Republic Decree of Debauchery From the barstool of David L. Sloan, Minister of Debauchery
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et it be known that all citizens of good, bad or questionable standing in The Conch Republic are hereby deputized as agents of the Debauchery Enforcement Administration under the authority of the newly appointed Minister of Debauchery. Those willing to accept the unique responsibilities that come with being a DEA Agent of The Conch Republic shall immediately commandeer a beverage in their right hand, place their left hand in the air, and prepare to be sworn in by anyone willing to read the following. Repeat after them: I, (your name here) swear to preserve and perpetuate the debaucherous spirit of The Conch Republic. I will do my best to keep things awesome. And I will try not to be a dick. Congratulations and welcome aboard. Add your sexy mug to the attached badge and laminate that bitch. 23
Great Ceviche, Latin Cooking SUN.-THURS. 4pm - 10pm FRI. & SAT. 4pm -11pm
Happy Hour 4-7pm Everyday 2 Sport TVs 421 Caroline Street 305-432-9440 Keyviche.com
Keyviche@gmail.com BarTabMag.com
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by Leigh Pujado emember the days when you saw an attractive stranger & politely asked if you could buy them a drink? Now, the notion seems downright old fashioned. But when did it become okay to send a stranger a picture of your junk & ask if he or she wanted to fuck? Why bother with time consuming dinner dates or even conversation ice breakers like, “So, do you come here often?” or “Hey Baby, what’s your sign?” Technology has saved everyone loads of time by minimizing human interaction to a system of communication exclusively through photos & emojis, & simple sexual transactions. Why date when you can just screw & be left alone to surf Facebook & Reddit? This is a wonderful time to be single unless of course you are one of those weirdos who feels the need to connect intellectually, spiritually & psychologically with other people. Vanity Fair recently described the popular hook26
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up APP, “Tinder” as the “Dating Apocalypse,” referring to our culture’s shift from the tradition of meeting people through meaningful human interaction to interacting in the most impersonal of ways via the internet. Personally, I don’t understand “Tinder.” Maybe it’s because I’m hopelessly outdated, technologically challenged & narrow minded. But all Puritanical judgements & APP-ineptitude aside, It seems apparent that there are two different sub-species using the popular hook-up APP & those two groups are definitely NOT looking for the same thing. There are 24 million people using Tinder & more than 60% of women on the APP include in their narrative a disclaimer about “not looking to hook-up.” But the men on Tinder are on a different mission. Sure you might find a nice straight guy looking for monogamy, a mini van full of kids & a house in suburbia on “E-Harmony.” But for heterosexual guys looking for nothing more than
casual sex, Tinder is the go-to dating site. It would be absurd for a guy on “J-Date” searching for a nice Jewish girl, to troll “Christian Mingle” for a bride. So why are so many women claiming to want to meet men for friendship & possible dating using Tinder? Maybe it’s all about the odds & the numbers. The 124 million American singles likely want to improve their dating odds & Tinder claims 9 billion “matches.” But what constitutes a “match” for someone looking for a relationship is likely different than a “match” for someone broadcasting full frontal nudity to strangers. I should mention, I don’t care who’s having sex with whom, who’s hooking up or not hooking up. The only moral beef I have with mobile dating lies in the dishonesty of its players. Incidentally, a self reported 30% of Tinder users are married, which isn’t Tinder’s fault, but rather indicative of the accessibility for philanderers in these modern times. One could argue that sites like Tinder are actually more honest, as many of it’s users plainly declare they are only interested in casual sex. Yet we are still left with the mystery of why so many other conventional singles using dating sites are so obviously looking for love in all the wrong places. It just seems crazy to have half the participants believe they are playing Twister while the other half are playing Parcheesi. It is possible that all of these dating foibles have always been present & internet dating just shines a light on what has always been problematic. Dating has never been easy. But what sounds good on paper, or rather what sounds good in someone’s dating profile may not yield mutual attraction once two people are stripped of their keyboards & forced to be human. I’ve never really understood internet dating, even from it’s infancy phase in the late 1990s. I even hated that movie “You’ve Got Mail.” When MatchDot.com was first available in the Keys, a girlfriend of mine showed me how pathetic internet dating prospects were on an island. She had 27
been matched with two people: One, a longtime friend with whom there was no mutual attraction & two, a very age inappropriate (even back then) local bar owner/commissioner. Another girlfriend filled out the entire questionnaire for E-Harmony & was told there were no matches for her in the Keys & recommended she re-evaluate her criteria for a mate. As time has passed, internet dating has not aged gracefully. Now we are pickier & shallower than ever. There’s actually a site called “Beautiful People.” Prospective singles must audition for the honor of participating & users actually vote whether you are beautiful enough to join. There was the infamous “Ashley Madison,” aka “Cheaters Anonymous” & now there’s also “Purrsonals” for the crazy cat lovers, “GothicMatch” for the mildly dark & disturbed, “Meet-anInmate” for the truly disturbed, “DiaperMates” for adults who like to shit in their own pants (I am not making this up!,) & “Fat Bastard Dating” for the largest of the lonely souls. With so many deplorable sites to choose from, my favorite is “Gluten Free Singles,” as if we now must search for a mate by dietary restrictions. What’s next? “Plenty of Diabetics in the Sea?” “Kale-Date?” My friend Daniel came up with a good one: “Nut Allergy Mingle.”
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All of this is making the guys on Tinder sound like Prince Charming. Perhaps Tinder isn’t so awful. I mean, you do get to see pictures of the guy so you have a pretty good idea he’s not an obese, Vampire-Loving Emo who collects cats & hoards gluten-free cookies. Still, every woman who has given me her opinion of Tinder has complained that it’s mostly guys looking for sex, which begs the question, “Why are you on there if you don’t want casual sex?” Perhaps my single female friends are not being fully honest with me. Maybe they are enjoying the unsolicited invitations for rough sex & snapshots of scary-hairy back-sides. Maybe this is just the way things are nowadays. But I’d bet money that any one of my girlfriends would prefer to be sent flowers & chocolates rather than dick-pics. What do I know? I met my partner in the oldest of old fashioned ways: We were friends first. When I first realized that I was attracted to him, his voice would resonate in my skull. He always looked directly into my eyes when he spoke about life & art & culture & humanity. I noticed the smell of his skin when he was seated close to me & I realized I wanted to spend as much time with this man as possible. He’s also really hot. A definite “right swipe” if you know what I mean. cleighpujado@gmail.com
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䤀
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Throwback30 www.BarTabMag.com/photos
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RESTAURANTS & BARS 801
C4 1
AGAVE 308
A2 2
BAGATELLE
B2 3
BLUE HEAVEN
B5 4
CAROLINE’S DANTE’S / PRIME STEAKHOUSE
B3 5 D1 6
GREEN PARROT
B4 7
HALF SHELL/TURTLE KRAALS
D1 8
HAVANA CAFE
C4 9
HOG’S BREATH
B2 10
IRISH KEVIN’S
B2 11
ISLAND DOGS
B1 12
JACK FLATS
B3 13
KELLY’S CARIBBEAN
B3 14
KEYVICHE
B2 15
KWEST LIQUOR STORE
C4
LAZY GECKO
B2 16
MARGARITAVILLE
B4 17 H3 18
MELLOW VENTURES POINT 5 / 915 PRIME STEAKHOUSE / DANTE’S RUM BARREL
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C5 19 D1 6
RUM ROW @ GATES HOTELS
B1 O1 21
RUMOR LOUNGE
B2 22
SMOKIN’ TUNA
B2 23
SUNSET PIER / HOT TIN ROOF
A1 24
SUNSET TIKI @ THE GALLEON
B2 25
TATTOOS & SCARS
B2 26
VIRGILIO’S
B4 27 C4 28
WILLIE T’S 32
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STORES & SERVICES BAREFOOT BILLY’S BI-PLANE TOURS CAPRICORN JEWELRY
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IVS IN THE KEYS KW HAMMOCK CO.
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SARGASSO CLOTHING SUP PADDLE BOARD
B2 8 P2 9 33
Mel Petrarca @ Rum Row, 3824 N Roosevelt
Full name, sign, favorite color?
Melanie Petrarca, I’m a Capricorn & purple. Judging by your accent, you’re not from Key West.
I’m originally from Wales.
What do you do as a kid in Wales?
I went to college for dance. So I was always jumping around the house with my little ballet shoes on. When I left Wales I was 19, I went on to work on cruise ships as a dancer. Did you end up in Key West initially?
I worked on a cruise ship in Galveston, TX to start. I met my first husband there & a year later we came to Key West. 22 years later I’m still here. What’s your entire work history in Key West?
I worked at Kelly’s for three years. Then I worked at Martha’s for three years. Then I worked at Mangoes for a year. Then at the Conch Farm for eight years. I worked at The Rum Barrel for almost five years. & I’ve been here for a year. Almost a year. Oh, Shot & Giggles for two years? Yeah. Tell us a little bit of what you got going on here at Rum Row.
We’ve been open since April [2015]. We have a great happy hour. We’re starting to build up events - cigar rolling, domino events. We have DJs & music five days a week. We do the dive in movies in the pool & we’re going to start doing pool parties & guest bartending. We’re very local friendly. It’s another neighborhood bar, but in a nicer setting with a pool. 34
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What do you recommend at Rum Row?
One of our signature cocktails is the Rum Row Punch. It’s delicious. It’s all different fruity-flavored rums. We have our food truck, The Blind Pig. The food’s excellent. It’s kind of small plates, tapas. They do an excellent, excellent job. Such a small space, they put out some great food. What’s your favorite item off the truck?
Oh, probably the fish taco.
And 24 North Hotel is open now?
Yeah, 24 North is open. The bar is open. We’re trying to establish a great happy hour there. Their happy hour starts at noon till 4pm. Obviously this time of year, the hotel’s starting to fill up. Trying to iron out a few little kinks with it being a new business, but, yeah, we’re up & running. You can see Mel behind the bar at Rum Row, 3824 N Roosevelt Blvd.
Key West’s
Premiere Martini Bar MAGICAL, MIND ALTERING LUBRICANTS FOR SOCIAL INTERCOURSE
For over thirty years Virgilios Martini Bar has been a local’s favorite, attracting locals and tourists alike for classic cocktails, live music, and late night dancing in our inviting garden bar setting.
HOME OF THE ORIGINAL
M A RT I N I M O N D AY S
MON D AYS F ROM 7 TO C L OSE
ALL MARTINIS ARE $5.00
Live Music 7 nights a week Sexy Speakeasy
Extensive Martini list Late Night Menu
52 4 D UVA L S TRE E T BEH I ND L A T R AT TO R I A R ESTA U R A NT
305.296.1075
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Matt Quinton www.MattQuinton.com
Full name, originally from?
BarTab BarChord
Matthew Thomas Quinton. I’m originally from Audubon, New Jersey. How did you break into the Key West music scene?
I was up in Jersey playing. I’d been in a band for about 10 years & I went solo around 2004. In February of 2005 I got an email from a friend of mine that was the GM at Irish Kevin’s saying that they had an opening they needed to fill. He heard that I was doing solo stuff, & asked if I would I want to come down for an audition. I was like, “Absolutely. Sign me up. I’ve got to get out of here.” Did you play any other venues in Key West?
M: I was solely at Irish Kevin’s for a while. Then other guys came into town, so they had to put a lot of people on the schedule. So when they do that, they allowed us to start spreading our wings, & I started playing at the [Lazy] Gecko. I’ve played at the Rum Barrel. I’ve played at the Conch Farm. I used to do happy hours at Casa Marina. I’ve played a lot of places. Were you down here year round?
My first year I was down here year round. But a girl I had been seeing at the time followed me here and, well, wound up getting her pregnant, so now I have a son up in New Jersey. That kind of gives me the excuse to get off the rock. His summer vacations I go up there. I can play, I can spend time with him & come back here for the fall. 36
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What is the significance of the ’33’ on your guitar?
It was my father’s football number. It’s a tribute to him. He never really agreed with what I did, & finally, before he passed away, he kind of told me that I made him proud. That I showed him that you don’t have to ‘make it’ to do something with music. You can survive & make a living out of it. Biggest influences musically and/or in life?
I was inspired by just about anything that was on pop radio in the ‘80s when I was growing up. I love Blues Traveler & Phish. I didn’t go to every concert & smell like patchouli oil. Which song are you most proud of on the album?
“Gonner.” I wrote it when I was 15. It’s had many different versions of it recorded over the years, but I really like this one. That’s the baby I’ve had for the longest time & finally, I get to send it to college. Check out Matt Quinton at Irish Kevin’s, 211 Duval & you can listen to his new album Another Key West Night at www.MattQuinton.com.
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UFO
2¢
416 Appelrouth, 414 8626 • An off the beaten
LAM
✆UFO
915 Duval, 296 0669 • Mediterranean–American
tapas menu w/ a tuna dome that can’t be missed. One of the finest wine lists in the Keys w/ ample indoor & outdoor seating.
AGAVE 308
ULF
308 Front, 509 7304 • Key West’s only tequila bar, w/ over 70 different tequilas & 20 craft cocktails. Open 11a-1a or later, w/ HH 4:306:30p & food till 10p. Taco & Tequila Tues $3 tacos & $6 fresh lime margaritas. 40
BarTabMag.com
✆ reservations
OL
AMIGOS
425 Greene, 292 2009 • Tacos , burritos, nachos & more. 95% of their menu items are gluten free. Not only delivering Mexican food to your door, you can get margaritas or some beer too! 2
✆UF
615 Duval, 294 6565 • This amazing Italian restaurant is one of Duval’s finest. 100s of wines by the bottle & authentic Italian menu. Lunch 11am-10p.
801 Duval, 294 4737 • The front bar is the locals’ hangout. Drag shows upstairs at 9 & 11pm, bingo on Sun. Saloon 1 in back is not for the timid or faint-hearted. 4 TVs [w/ porn] Get a 2-4-1 daily w/ your
915 [NINE ONE FIVE]
& restaurant. The new look may be a bit much to some die hard fans, but they are still serving up some of the best sushi in town.
ANTONIA’S
path gastropub w/ graffiti-tagged walls. Dishes from wings & burgers to yellowtail snapper & soft shell crab. 11a-11p 2-4-1 daily w/ 10% off food w/
801 BOURBON
1401 Simonton, 293 0304 • Amazing bar, lounge
UF
AZUR
425 Grinnell, 292 2987 • Mediterranean fare at one of Key West’s chef owned restaurants. Breakfast Mon-Sat 8-11a, lunch Mon-Fri till 3p. Dinner 6-10p daily & Sun brunch 9a-3p.
BAGATELLE
LGO
115 Duval, 296 6609 • Lunch/brunch 9a-4p,
dinner 5-10p. HH 5-7p w/ small plates & drink specials. ‘Moon Lounge’ deck upstairs & out back is home of the Bag’s Full Moon Parties. Get 10% off food w/ your
BANANA CAFÉ
FO
1215 Duval, 294 7227 • French cuisine featuring crepes, baguettes & more. Breakfast or lunch served 8a-3p, 6-10p for dinner.
recommended
BEACH BAR @ the Pier House
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Get 2-4-1 drinks daily or 10% off food at 25 bars & restaurants a with the Bar & Restaurant Cards. www.KeyWestBarCard.com
✆F
AMBROSIA
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Bar & Restaurant Listings Listings appear in alphabetical order. If you would like an update please contact us at info@kwBarTab.com Cheers!
WFO
1 Duval 296 4600 • Stop by for lunch or just sit oceanside at the bar & soak in some of their island drinks. Ask about their live music.
BETTER THAN SEX
UFL
926 Simonton, 296 8102 • Erotically charged
atmosphere, sporting dessert dishes like Jungle Fever & Missionary Crisp. Open daily 6pm-midnight.
the bier boutique
FO
BLACKFIN BISTRO
FO
1421 First, 741 7779 • Open Tues-Sun 11a-8p featuring a Midwest style menu with a kick. Eco-friendly packaging & craft beers. Try the chili, bison burger or the chicken on a stick! 918 Duval, 509 7408 • From breakfast inside
w/ a view of Duval to late night dinner on the back deck, Blackfin offers savory bistro cuisine w/ a true Key West flare w/ fantastic outdoor dining. Get 10% off food w/ your
BLUE HEAVEN
FOMN
729 Thomas, 296 8666 • Cats & chickens living
in harmony & an award winning wine list that complements extraordinary food. One of Key West’s best breakfast/brunch spots.
BLUE MACAW
FOM
801 Whitehead • Island eats & bar coming
soon with the largest bloody mary bar in the keys & live entertainment.
U upscale F food served G food served late S sports M entertainment
couches to chill on. Light food served & full liquor bar & offering 20% locals’ discount. Get a 2-4-1 daily w/ your
OLMN 1128 Simonton, 296 2807 • Cool lounge w/ a BLUE ROOM
rock n’ roll twist. DJ music Tues & Fri @ 10p. Pool room w/ a sic video jukebox. Parties every night, see their ad for info. Outside bar for those cool KW nights! HH 5-8p.
BOBBY’S MONKEY BAR
LADN
900 Simonton, 294 2655 • One block off Duval,
activities provided through the week. Karaoke 9:30p Mon, Thurs, Fri & Sun. Tues 7p pool tourney. HH noon-8p on beer & wells.
BOURBON STREET
LAO
724 Duval, 294 9354 • The ultimate guys-only
night out. Porn on TV, dancers on bars & pool w/ waterfall. Mon is movie night & 2-4-1 Tues. 16 TVs [2 big, 3 w/ porn]
BULL & WHISTLE
LM
224 Duval, 296 4565 • Live music all day,
everyday. Get 2-4-1 margaritas [or one large] at the bar or grab a table & ask Lynn or Vicky for Debbie’s award winning Bloody Maria!
F 509 Southard, 296 5515 • Mostly vegetarian THE CAFÉ
entrees, sandwiches & awesome veggie burger. Organic wines, specialty beers & herbal teas. Open daily Mon–Sat 11am-10p. Delivery or take out.
O outdoor seating
UFO
CAFÉ SOLÉ
1029 Southard, 294 0230 • A few blocks from
Duval & some of the most authentic cuisine this side of Paris. Fine wine, sherry & ports.
UF
CAMILLE’S
1202 Simonton, 296 4811 • A locals’ favorite w/
a menu that changes daily. Serving a fantastic breakfast, lunch & dinner. HH 4-7p. Opens 8a-10p[ish]. Get 10% off food w/ your
SFO
CAROLINE’S
310 Duval, 294 7511 • This totally outdoors
bar/restaurant is awesome. Great for people watching & low priced menu items. Lisa & Bethany in command. Delivery available. 2 TVs
CHARLIE MAC’S
FSOL
404 Southard, 320 0204 • BBQ & seafood with
10HD TV to watch your favorite team on. Food served late night & HH 4:30-7p. Home of the Southernmost ‘Canes club.
CHEF DISTILLED RUM DISTILLERY
105 Simonton, 294 1441 • Key West’s first legal rum distillery. Taste it, watch it be made, buy it & enjoy. Get a tour through their distillery w/ lots of history. Open till sunset.
CONCH REPUBLIC
WFOM
631 Greene, 294 4403 • This open-air bar & restaurant offers dozens of rums & then some. Plenty of seats at the bar, w/ live music every night. Be sure to ask about the rum sampler.
CONCH TOWN LOUNGE
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WUFO
601 Front • At the Hyatt, plenty of waterfront
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BLUE MOJITO
LN
3340 N. Roosevelt, 296 4343 • This is a locals’
favorite New Town hang out. Awesome prices, 2 pool tables. You can bet on a late night crowd to have ‘one more’ on the way home.
CORK & STOGIE
ON
1218 Duval, 517 6419 • Booze & cigars, C&S is
open 10a-11p. Daily wine tastings & a great place to get Key West Factory cigars. Free Wi-Fi for customers.
DANTE’S
WFOM
951 Caroline, 293 5123 • Poolside drinking &
dining w/ HH Mon-Fri 4-8p all drinks almost half price. DJs every weekend, tons of locals pounding shots - this is KW’s premier public pool to get hammered at! 15 TVs Get 10% off food w/ your
DONS’ PLACE
LODN
1000 Truman, 296 8837 • Closed for only 3 hours a day. Opens 7a & stays open till 4a. 10 TVs, 1 pool, 1 dart, 1 GT, juke tunes.
EL MESON DE PEPE’S
FOM
410 Wall, 295 2620 • Great Cuban food located
on Mallory Square w/ live music daily. Dishing out the strongest Mojito this side of Cuba.
F
EL SIBONEY
900 Catherine, 296 4184 • When your pockets
are feeling light, Siboney can at least keep your belly full w/ great Cuban food at extremely reasonable prices.
L open late W on the water A alternative lifestyle N neighborhood bar D dive bar
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Southern restaurant focusing on using the best ingredients & a mixture of traditional & modern techniques to create familiar dishes.
FN
FIVE BROTHERS
930 Southard, 296 5205 • BarTab’s breakfast spot for an egg & cheese on Cuban bread w/ a colada, but the Cuban mix is still the best in Key West. Open 6a-3p Mon-Sat.
FLAMING BUOY
✆FO
1100 Packer, 295 7970 • Fresh dishes &
Monkey Saloon w/ Kyle & Ryan serving up the fastest frozen drinks in KW! Lunch & dinner at great prices. 16 TVs [6 in A/C!]
GAS MONKEY
GOML
217 Duval • This Texan based bar & music
venue will give it a shot on Duval. Looks like they’ll be offering live rock music w/ late night bar food.
GRAND CAFÉ
✆LFO
314 Duval, 292 4740 • Proving to be an
outstanding decision for lunch &/or dinner. Serving one of the best menus in town, plus mojitos & the Grand Margarita.
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✆ reservations
great place to start or end an evening. Buy a bottle, then head to the porch for a table. Vin pours wine by the glass & a few beers.
GREEN PARROT
LMDN
601 Whitehead, 294 6133 • Probably the biggest
anchor in town. The best live acts in the Keys w/ a bartending staff who make slinging drinks look as easy as drinkin ‘em. 4 TVs, 1 pool, 1 dart, best jukebox in south Florida.
GREENE STREET CIGAR CO
10% off premium beers, wine & cigars, 2-4-1 on all dom beer.
LFO
227 Duval, 294 7525 • Home to the Flying
ON
1107 Duval, 296 1020 • This wine shop/bar is a
614 Greene, 296 5499 • Open 10a-12a. HH 5-7p
local seafood served daily. The lobster mac & cheese is a must. Dine in or take out w/ delivery as well. Open 6p Tues-Sunday.
FOGARTY’S
GRAND VIN
HALF SHELL RAW BAR
WFO
231 Margaret, 294 7496 • Great raw bar on the
harbor walk & bar to kick back a few back at & relax. Fish house as well to take your favorite fresh catch to go. A/C-ed bar area w/ shuffle board.
HARPOON HARRY’S
FM
832 Caroline, 294 8744 • Best known for their
diner style breakfast. Food served all day, full liquor bar & low prices & breakfast till 3p.
HARD ROCK CAFÉ
FO
313 Duval, 293 0230 • The Keys’ very own Rock
& Roll museum w/ a multi-level patio bar & restaurant. Plenty of Key West Hard Rock goods available, too. 9 TVs
recommended
F
HAVANA CAFE
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✆FO
223 Petronia, 849 0104 • Modern, chef-driven
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FIREFLY
703 Duval, 294 2626 • American/Cuban inspired
cuisine serving breakfast, brunch & lunch. Get authentic Cuban coffee, beer, wine or liquor drinks. Open at 8am daily.
HOG’S BREATH
WFOM
400 Front, 292 2032 • Catering to a tourist
crowd, but also remains a locals’ favorite. Great bar staff & shucking bar & some of the best bands playing original live music in town. HH 5-7pm & 1-2am. 6 TVs, 3 bars
HOGFISH
WFOM
6810 Front [Stock Isl.], 293 4041 • Best place
for live music on Stock Island. Their hogfish sandwich is a must! Open 11a-12a. HH 4-7p Mon-Sat. 1 pool 10% off food w/ your
HOT TIN ROOF
✆UWFO
0 Duval, 296 7701 • Delicious martini list & slick lounge. Sit back & take in the ocean view w/ one of the best menus in Key West @ the Ocean Key. Serving breakfast, lunch & dinner. Get 10% off food w/ your
HURRICANE HOLE
WFO
5110 Overseas Hwy, 294 0200 • At Hurricane
Hole Marina, across the Stock Isl. bridge. A haven for locals to hang out on the water w/ full liquor bar.
IRISH KEVIN’S
LM
211 Duval, 292 1262 • Guinness chugging
contests on stage, accompanied by live music all day long. Full liquor & over 25 draft aiding the staff here to keep you sloshed.
U upscale F food served G food served late S sports M entertainment
steps off Duval. Live music Wed-Sat. Nice blend of casual & upscale bar. Open late w/ food till the crowd dies down. HH 4:30-6:30p Get a 2-4-1 daily w/ your
JACK FLATS
SLG
509 1/2 Duval, 294 7955 • Great grub served to
1a or later. This is the place to be on game day. Matt & Doug run things at night, Gretchen in the day. 38 TVs [12 jumbo] & audio boxes.
UFO
KELLY’S
301 Whitehead, 293 8484 • Spectacular outdoor
dining area to enjoy Key West’s days & nights. HH 4-7p on drinks & food at the bar. Try one of the micro brewed beers.
UF
KEYVICHE
421 Caroline, 432 9440 • Seafood eatery w/ a
Latin flare. Open 4p-10p Sun-Thurs, 11p Sat & Sun. HH 4-7p w. bar menu apps, $4.50 drink specials. Locals night Thurs 30% off all night.
GL
KOJIN
502 Southard, 296 2077 • 6 different noodle
bowls, perfect apps, featured menu items & sakes to complement. HH 4-5p & 11p-12a, 20% off alcohol & their soft-egg shooter Get 10% off food w/ your
OL 506 Southard • A few steps off Duval, Krawl KRAWL OFF DUVAL
offers the most tap craft beers in the Keys. Tuesday SIN 8p-close w/ drink specials & live music. Outside seating & HH 5-7p.
O outdoor seating
KWEST LIQUOR
FL
705 Duval, 294 5995 • All your liquor, beer,
wine, smoke, lotto, snacks & fried needs right on Duval. KWest will also deliver whatever you need [min $75].
LA TE DA
ULFOM
1125 Duval, 296 6706 • Outside full liquor bar. Shows in the Crystal Room & piano bar. HH 12-7p on beer, wells & wine.
LA TRATTORIA
✆UF
524 Duval, 296 1075 • Classic cuisine &
impressive wine list - probably the Keys’ best Italian! The street side bar is perfect to sip on libations w/ over 20 speciality martinis.
LA TRATTORIA OCEANSIDE
✆UF
3593 S Roosevelt, 295 6789 • La Trat’s second location up town. Perfect for those who want to avoid downtown or like parking. Very creative seating layout w/ the quality menu you expect.
THE LAZY GECKO
SLO
203 Duval, 292 1903 • The Gecko’s throwin’ the
best party in town w/ a locals’ back bar that’s a great escape from the weekend madness. DJs Tues, Wed-Sat late night. HH 4-8p, 15 TVs
LITTLE ROOM JAZZ CLUB
MLO
821 Duval, 741 7515 • The Keys premier jazz
club. Classy without being too upscale, located perfectly on the 800 of Duval. HH 3-8p & live music nightly. Get a 2-4-1 daily w/ your
MANGIA MANGIA
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LGOM
505 Front, 509 7136 • Street-side seating just
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ISLAND DOGS
FO
900 Southard, 294 2469 • Fresh seafood,
homemade pasta made daily & the Keys’ most famous pesto. Great outdoor garden to dine in. Offering over 400 different bottles of wine. Get 10% off food w/ your
MANGOES
UFO
700 Duval, 292 4606 • A very classy & relaxing
dining patio complete w/ an outdoor bar. Sit back & watch the entertainment of Duval Street while dining or sipping on a cocktail.
MARGARITAVILLE
FM
500 Duval, 292 1435 • Daytime the restaurant
jams more than most on the island. Bands take the stage at 9p Tues-Sunday. If you didn’t know already, try a margarita & cheeseburger.
MARTIN’S
UFO
917 Duval, 295 0111 • European-style fare nicely settled on upper Duval. w/ street-side lounge seating & a menu Chef Martin has been perfecting for over 20 years in KW.
MELLOW VENTURE CAFE
FOMW
1605 N Roosevelt, 745 3874 • Good brew, solid food. Breakfast, lunch, tacos, mellow times. Paddle board fitness classes, rentals & tours available. Open 10a-9p.
MICHAELS
UFO
532 Margaret, 295 1300 • Located in the back
streets of Old Town, this is a Key West favorite. Owner & Chef Michael Wilson offers a classic menu w/ an island twist.
L open late W on the water A alternative lifestyle N neighborhood bar D dive bar
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variety of liquors & wines to suit every taste & every price range. Cigs, liquor, wine & beer right off Duval to-go.
LF
MR. Z’S
501 Southard, 296 4445 • Grinders, pizza, & the
best cheesesteaks in Key West! Open till 4a every night, just a half block off Duval.
See their menu in the back of BarTab.
LF
MR. Z’S TOO
2798 N Roosevelt, 296 5306 • Mr Z’s second
location in New Town. This Z’s offers some indoor seating as well. Open 11a-midnight w/ the same great menu items.
See their menu in the back of BarTab.
FO 609 Duval, 296 7500 • Subtle ethnic décor OLD TOWN MEXICAN CAFÉ
enhances your Mexican experience. Beer & wine w/ a handful of Mexican beers, but we opt for the pitchers of sangria.
UO
ORCHID BAR
1004 Duval, 296-9915 • This boutique bar is
found at the Orchid Inn. Open 12p-10p or later, HH 5-7p 20% off all drinks. Try the infused pineapple or jalapeño & tomato vodkas.
ORIGAMI
FO
1075 Duval, 294 0092 • Outdoor sushi
restaurant, coupled w/ astounding sushi & a large supply of sake, BarTab doesn’t need much more than that. 44
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✆ reservations
THE OTHER SIDE
ULO
420 Caroline, 517 6358 • Handcrafted cocktails
made from the highest quality spirits & ingredients. Open 5p-2a.
FO
POINT 5
915 Duval, 296 0669 • Craft cocktails, beers, fine wines & eats. 2nd story balcony overlooking Duval, perfect for people watching. Full menu until 12am. Opens at 5pm in season w/ a menu focused on Italian fusion dishes.
THE PORCH
LON
420 Caroline, 517 6358 • Local crowds drinking
carefully selected craft beers. Bottles of wine to go or camp out on the porch w/ $2 off drafts & wine 4:30-6:30p.
PRIME STEAKHOUSE
✆UWOF
951 Caroline, 296 4000 • This could be one
of our favorites. Excellent steaks & seafood entrees, complimented by an outstanding wine list. The bone-in filet is the house specialty. Opens at 6p daily.
RED FISH BLUE FISH
FO
407 Front, 295 7447 • Steps away from Mallory
Square, serving some of the best seafood in town great pre & post-sunset destination w/ $5 margaritas every day. Get a 2-4-1 daily w/ your
ROOFTOP CAFE
UFOM
308 Front, 294 2042 • Great deck overlooking
ROOSTICA
................................................................................................
423 Duval, 292 0486 • Cheapee’s offers a wide
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L
MR. CHEAPEE’S
FO
528 Front, 292 7862 • Wood-burning oven
pizzas & other Italian selections. PT’s throwback menu items every Thurs. Open daily 11a-10p. Get 10% off food w/ your
RUM BARREL
SGOM
528 Front, 292 7862 • This is your Eagles,
Phillies, Flyers & 76ers’ Southernmost headquarters. Sweet upper deck w/ live music Wed-Sat. 10 HD TVs & more than 170 rums.
RUM ROW
UFOM
3824 N Roosevelt, 320 0930 • Craft cocktails,
sun & pool. Live music Wed-Sat 4-7p & Sun 12-6:30p. Food served by The Blind Pig 7a-10p, bar 11a-10p. HH Mon – Fri 4-7p $3-5 drink specials.
RUM RUNNERS
FOLM
618 Duval, 440-2605 • Live music regularly. 32
TV’s, 4 pool.
THE RUM BAR
LO
1117 Duval, 296 2680 • Over 250 selections
of rum, try a flight of 5 types for $25. Open 11am-midnight or later w/ a full liquor bar.
RUMOR LOUNGE
LM
430 Greene • Funky, sexy lounge steps from
the 200 block. HH 5-8p & bacon bloody Mary’s all day Sunday. Come dance to the best in EDM nightly & sip on one of their signature drinks.
Front St. Live music playing regularly w/ one of the better martini lists in Key West. 2-4-1 daily w/ 10% off food w/
recommended
U upscale F food served G food served late S sports M entertainment
WFO
1000 Atlantic, 292 1117 • Get to Higgs Beach for a terrific beach front treat. A casual atmosphere dishing up lunch & dinner. HH 4-7p w/ $1 off drinks w/ a great sunset view.
SAND BAR
FSOML
511 Greene • Making their second location
here in Key West, this Cocoa Beach bar is known for their fish tacos, pizza & live music.
SANTIAGO’S BODEGA
✆FON
207 Petronia, 296 7691 • Over 30 tapas dishes & great wine. This place gets busy, so be sure to call ahead for a table. HH 3-6 w/ a $5 tapas menu & drink discounts. Get 10% off food w/ your
O outdoor seating
LFOMD
202 William, 292 3302 • Spacious harbor front
bar where the din of local chatter & live music fills the air all day. See the only Bar Magician in the Keys. 2 TVs, 1 pool Get a 2-4-1 daily w/ your
SEÑOR FROG’S
FOMLX
221 Duval • With a dozen other locations,
mainly is party cities, Frogs actually might work in Key West. As they say, ‘Have fun, let yourself go and unleash your fiesta.’
SEVEN FISH
✆UF
623 Olivia, 296 2777 • Nestled in Key West‘s
sleepy back streets, 7 Fish has become a favorite for “locals in the know.” Eclectic menu w/ emphasis on local catch.
SLGN 1900 Flagler, 295 8880 • Great selection of ales SHANNA KEY
& great Irish food served till 3a. 7 TVs, 1 GT ‘06, internet juke tunes.
SHIMP DADDY’S
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Duval’s ‘fishing theme bar with a smoking problem’ of BBQed meats. Ask about their adult milk shakes. Open Wed-Mon 11a-11p [or later]. Get a 2-4-1 daily w/ your
SALUTE!
SCHOONER WHARF
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FSON 1114 Duval, 741 7071 • Local fish to brisket THE SALTY ANGLER
SLD
908 Kennedy, 294 4818 • Hidden in the mini-
malls of New Town, this is an escape from the clubs on Duval. Open 9a-4, w/ HH 4p-8p, 13 TVs, 3 pool
SHOR
WUFO
601 Front, 809 4000 • Ocean view & delicious
seafood cuisine. The Shor captures the essence of contemporary cuisine.
LN
SHOTS & GIGGLES
Greene & Ann, 414 8272 • Beer & wine bar, &
package store. 30% off at the bar HH 4:306:30p. Great place to stop for one & take a bottle to go.
SLOPPY JOE’S
LFM
201 Duval, 294 5717 • There’s enough
entertainment from people watching alone, & also serving up live music all day. Check out Joe’s Tap Room Backroom Saloon.
L open late W on the water A alternative lifestyle N neighborhood bar D dive bar
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that braves the morning to serve breakfast. One of the few bars on Key West w/ a beach & chair rentals. HH Sun-Thur 4-6p. 6 TVs Get a 2-4-1 daily w/ your
SMOKIN’ TUNA
LFOM
4 Charles, 517 6350 • Great seafood & raw bar,
w/ live music nightly @ 6pm-1am by amazing singer / songwriter. Grab a world famous t-shirts right off Duval. Food till 11p.
UFOM 1075 Duval, 296 4300 • In Duval Square plaza, SQUARE ONE
a menu of modern cuisine from small plates to entrees. Open 5:30-10p, Wed-Sun 10a-3p w/ HH 4-6p discounted drinks & bar menu. 10% off food w/ 2-4-1 daily w/
LFOW 3101 Roosevelt, 294 4350 • At the Ibis Bay STONED CRAB
Resort, breakfast starting at 8a, & food served till 10:30p. 10% off food w/ 2-4-1 daily w/
SUNSET PIER
WFOM
0 Duval, 296 7701 • This could be the beginning or end of your Duval crawl. A great place for sunsets on their extra long seated pier. Get a 2-4-1 daily w/ your
SUNSET TIKI @ GALLEON
FOMW
617 Front, 295 0207 • One of the few places for casual dinning on the water. Massive deck & live music daily. Food 8a-8p with breakfast all day. 46
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TATTOOS & SCARS
LOM
512 Greene, 517 6610 • Open till 4am everyday
no matter what & the only place in Key West to catch all the UFC fights. 2-4-1 HHs 4-7p daily & late night Sun-Thur 2a-close. 1 pool, 8 TVs
TAVERN N TOWN
WFO
3841 Roosevelt, 296 3676 • Rated the best
restaurant & bar in the US by Marriott guests. The T&T has a 2-4-1 HH everyday, plus on Tues & Thurs $7 tapas at the bar.
L
TEASERS
218 Duval, 292 0486 • The slim staircase
on Duval gets you access to plenty of girls hanging out all night long! Slick lighting & sound system VIP room.
THIRSTY MERMAID
F
521 Fleming, 204 4828 • Restaurant & raw bar open daily at 11a. Full menu with small plates, sandwiches and ample seafood.
TURTLE KRAALS
WFO
231 Margaret, 294 2640 • Now offering Cuban/
Caribbean flavors, the island’s only ceviche bar, & a return to the glory days of the Tower Bar. Turtle races every Mon, Wed & Fri at 7p.
VINO’S ON DUVAL
L
810 Duval, 294 7568 • 2 great tables on their
raised on-street patio & offering 16 wines by the glass, a variety of wine by the bottle & beers. Open noon-1a.
✆ reservations recommended
VIRGILIO’S
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WFO
1405 Duval, 295 6550 • Beach side restaurant
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SOUTHERNMOST BEACH CAFÉ
LOM
524 Duval, 296 8118 • Upscale martini bar with
live blues Wed, Latin night Thurs, & rotating bands Fri & Sat. Home of the $5 martini every Mon night! Food served till close, open 7p-2a [or later].
WATERFRONT BREWERY
FOW
201 William, 440 2270 • Full liquor bar & craft drafts from Florida including their own award winning beers made by their on site brew master. Open 11a-11p. HH 4-6:30p.
WILLIE T’S
LGMO
525 Duval, 294 7674 • Serving 31 flavors of
mojitos & HH 4-7p w/ discounted drinks. Late night menu w/ panini, pizzas & more. Mojito Mondays 2-4-$12. Bands throughout the week @ 7p & Fri & Sat @ 3p & 7p.
WORLD’S SMALLEST BAR
LD
124 Duval, 294 8507 • This bar lives up to its
name. Blink & you might miss it. This place stays open late night on Duval.
Get 2-4-1 drinks daily or 10% off food at 25 Key West bars & restaurants with the Bar & Restaurant Cards.
www.KeyWestBarCard.com
U upscale F food served G food served late S sports M entertainment
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Why do people come to Key West? by Bill Hoebee I’ve said more than once that although the Keys are a place of great history & spectacular beauty, I can’t imagine how people lived here before air conditioning, electricity & mosquito control. But yet, people have flocked here for centuries. Key West was once the richest city in America as a result of wooden ships constantly crashing into our abundant reefs. Then ship captains & their crews competed to be 1st on the scene to claim & recover the stuff on board. It was called “wrecking.” We even have a museum or two dedicated to it in Key West. I get it, they came here to get rich. Famous people & politicians lived & frequently visited here, several have streets named after them, even the fuckin’ Beatles came here. Artists & writers have thrived here, Why? Sure the history is way cool, the views are amazing & the fishing & diving are world class. All great reasons to come, right? In the minus column its REALLY expensive to visit & live here, but still they come in droves. Of course the aforementioned amenities are taken into consideration, but after many years working in media & meeting & interviewing tourists, most said the same thing when I asked why they came
here. So, I decided to go out on the streets & bars to ask people again, “Why do you come here?” The results may shock you (or maybe not). I believe that people are seduced by what I call the “Margaritaville Syndrome” (ironically the actual bar called Margaritaville is predominately tourists). It’s a feeling, a state of mind if you will. Every year I emcee a lot of events in front of thousands of tourists & I always tell them that “If you want to blend in with the locals, feel free to show up places drunk & be late with no legit excuse for appointments.” But that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Thousands of locals work hard & often the “feeling” of laid back locals is just that a perception. (I’m sure the lyrics to Jimmy Buffett songs may have something to do with that). Remember, a laid back bartender is a bad bartender. It’s a perception that we’re all laid back, maybe at home but not at work. As people in the hospitality biz have the most contact with our visitors, congrats hospitality workers, according to my survey you are one of the reasons people love to come here. They said they came the first time to “check it out,” but came back because of the people. Still we have not reached the number 1 reason. BarTabMag.com
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NOTE: the following names may not be correct due to alcohol consumption on my end & Rita who wrote stuff down for me. First we meet Jess, a podiatrist from Syracuse, NY. Jess said, “A perfect Key West vacation for me are a combination of partying, hangovers by the pool, room service breakfasts, naps, dinners out & massages.” Sounds great if you have a lot of cash, right? Subjects number 2 are Lisa & Kenny who had an entirely different idea of a perfect Key West vacation. They said they “tricked out” their SUV with sleeping bags & a cooler & either find a place to park free or pay a parking lot 30 bucks for 24 hours so they can sleep there. They shower & potty at the beach, eat at Subway to “save money for drinking.” Their plan also included bringing discount booze from the mainland to catch a cheap buzz before going out. They said, “There’s no party like in Key West.” Then there’s Mike & Lacy who visit from Tampa every year. They say that they save money & make sacrifices all year so they can enjoy their 2 weeks in Key West “in style.” They scour the internet for cheap flights & stay at a mid 52
priced hotel in New Town & take cabs there & back everyday day to “eat, drink, dance & observe the weirdness.” I pointed out that they could probably afford a downtown hotel & just walk everywhere they wanted to go if they weren’t payin’ 40 bucks a day on cabs. They replied, “Hmmmm.” They say their favorite thing about Key West is “All the people they’ve met over the years & partying with strangers.” The other interviews were more of the same, all involving their “plan” for doing Key West right, but at the end of the day, what 97% of the folks said they came here for? THE PARTY. “Margaritaville Syndrome” is alive & well. Even though I can’t afford to do a lot of the tourist stuff, I enjoy watching tourist loving where I’ve lived for 24 years. In conclusion, the price of something is simply what people are willing to pay for it, so save your money & I’ll talk to ya next time you can afford to join us in paradise. Bill Hoebee
them y, always pay someone mone y hour. pp 1. If you owe ha g rin du Preferably back in a bar. a shot. t before doing as to 2. Always the first chance ts ge ot ys the sh 3. Whoever bu t. to offer a toas once a month. toast at least ur yo 4. Change r five times bette one a drink is 5. Buying some ake. than a handsh cool. a drink is still ange woman str 6. Buying a . drinks is dumb Buying all her m e cigarette fro w more than on rro 7. Never bo . n in one night the same perso ed, resist the rtender is slamm irty, very-dry, ba -d 8. When the tly to order a sligh rtini powerful urge lf-and-half ma ha led hil r-c pe aight in-and-out, su rs to beer, str de or it Lim . twist with a lemon . ils ta ck rt co shots & two-pa with eye nder's attention rte ba e th t 9. Ge ile. er contact & a sm th the bartend eye contact wi ke ma t no 10. Do . ink want a dr if you do not
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1. Each team has 50 balls. You do not take turns. With one hand, you can throw as many balls as you want as fast as you want. 2. Play ends when one side have thrown all balls, all of one side’s cups have been sunk, or 3 minutes have passed. 3. The winner is whichever team sinks the most cups in 3 minutes, or the first team to sink all of their opponents’ cups. 4. Losers have tot pick up all of the balls. 58
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