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 Every Day $3 Well Brand & Domestic Beers $4 House Wine $5 Draft of the Week $5 Frozen Drinks
#UNLOCKTHEKEYS
MORE THAN JUST A KEY TO
THE POOL Upcoming Rum Row Events Thurdays live music Nick Norman :: 4-7pm Fridays DJ Angel :: 5-8pm Saturdays live music Larry Baeder :: 5-8pm Sundays DJ Angel :: 1-4pm live music Rusty Lemon :: 5-8pm
3824 N Roosevelt Blvd 305 320 0930 GatesHotelKeyWest.com
KWBT
Ingredients Restaurant, Bar & Nightlife magazine
10 BarTab Bar Buzz island happy hour guide
BarShots
20 Welcome to Key Weird by bill hoebee
26 People You Hate on Facebook by leigh pujado
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32 Map of Key West teddy rann @ half shell raw bar, 231 margaret casey vinall @ tattoos & scars, 512 greene information on over 100 key west bars & restaurants
Publisher Lawrence Bradley, Jr larry@bartabmag.com Words by
34 Profiles
40 Restaurant & Bar Listings
www.BarTabMag.com PO Box 4951, Key West, FL 33041 info@BarTabMag.com 305.292.6262
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David Sloan sloaniv@gmail.com Contributing Photography
50 Sloan’s Saloon Stories by david sloan
Bill Hoebee billhoebee@clearchannel.com Leigh Pujado cleighpujado@gmail.com
Throwback30
Nick Doll www.nickdollphotography.com
55 Eat It / Drink It
mixed seafood pasta @ willie t’s chocolate strawberry martini @ havana cafe
58 BarTab Classifieds
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Battle of the Bars 6
BarTabMag.com
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
Antonia’s
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 & discounted beers w/ Taco & Teqila Tues 5:30-10p
615 Duval 305.294.6565 $10 Pasta Dishes all day! with 2-4-1 Bloodys, Mimisas & Bellinis 11a-5p
Bagatelle
Blue Heaven
115 Duval 305.296.6609 Two Happy Hours 9-11:30a w/ $5 breakfast items, bloodys & mimosas & 4-6p half priced drinks & $5 apps
729 Thomas 305.296.8666 One of the best outdoor venues in the Keys! Bloody Marys are the specialties here at their outdoor bar.
Conch Republic
631 Greene 305.294.4403 Happy Hour 4-7p 2-for-1 premium well drinks, all domestic & imported beers
Dante’s
Gas Monkey
Grand Café
Green Parrot
Half Shell
951 Caroline 305.293.5123 Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4:30-7:30p 2-4-1 doms, wells, & select specialy cocktails w/ a $5 app menu & 3-4-$2 raw bar
217 Duval 305.294.0103 3 Happy Hours 3-4p $1 beers* & $1 House-Ritas 4-6p 1/2 off drinks* & food specials 11p-12a All-U-Can Drink* $10
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
231 Margaret 305.294.7496 Happy Hour 4:30-6:30p w/ 2-for-1 drink deals, $5 food items & raw bar specials
offers may change at any time
*restrictions may apply
Havana Cafe
Hog’s Breath
Hot Tin Roof
Irish Kevin’s
Island Dogs
703 Duval 305.294.2626 The BarTab’s go to spot for a late breakfast. Lunch & breakfast served 9a-3p.
400 Front 305.296.4222 Drink Discounts on all liquor & beer 5-7p Live music all day from 1pm-2a
0 Duval 305.296-7701 Sunday 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
KWest Liquor
Lazy Gecko
301 Whitehead 305.293.8484 Happy Hour 4-7p $350 margaritas, $2 micro brews with $3 well drinks & $595 apps
705 Duval 305.294.5995 Get happy hour delivered to your front door anytime! KWest Liquors will deliver all your beer, wine, liquor & snacks.
203 Duval 305 292.1903 Happy Hours 4-8p 2-for-1 wells & beers with $5 food items
Prime Steakhouse
Kelly’s Caribbean
Jack Flats 509.5 Duval 305.294.7955 12 High Def Projection TVs with personal speakers to listen. Late night food till 1a
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Lucy’s
Mellow Cafe
Point 5
320 Grinnell 305.922.2616 Happy Hour 4-7p half off apps $3 wells, drafts, & wines
1605 N Roosevelt 305.745.3874 Happy Hour daily 4-7p 2-4-1 beers, wine & saki w/ $5 menu items
915 Duval 305.296.0669 Happy Hour every day 5-6p with 2-for-1 drinks open daily 5p full menu until 12a
offers may change at any time
951 Caroline 305.296.4000 Steaks, seafood, martinis & fine wine. Opens daily at 6p
*restrictions may apply
Rum Barrel 528 Front 305.292.7862 Happy Hour 4-7p 2-for-1 domestics, wine & wells with an ‘App’ menu [try the Philly Spring Rolls!]
Rum Row 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.
512 Greene St Happy Hour 4-7p & late night 2a-close Sun-Thurs with 2-for-1 dom beers & wells
617 Front St Happy Hour 5-7p 2-4-1 Margaritas on the rocks, sangria, dom beers & wells 2-4-1 Bloody Marys 10a-noon daily
201 William 305.440.2270 Happy Hour 4-7p Half off all Waterfront Brewery beers, well drinks & glasses of wine
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!
Tattoos & Scars
Sunset Tiki
Waterfront Brewery
Salute!
Willie T’s 525 Duval 305.294.7674 Mojito Monday 2-4-$12 mojitos Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat Margaritas 2-4-$10 Sundays Bloodys 2-4-$10
Smokin’ Tuna Saloon
Sunset Pier
4 Charles 305.517.6350 Happy Hour 5-7p Discounts on beers & well drinks with live music starting at 6p
0 Duval 305.296.7701 Terrific Sunset View Oct, 7:00p Nov, 5:45p Dec, 5:45p
Turtle Kraals
Virgilio’s
231 Margaret 305.294.2640 Happy Hour 4:30-6:30p with 50% off wells, beers & wines w/ food menu specials starting at $5
524 Duval 305.296.8118 Home of Martini Monday $5 martinis 7p-close Live music most nights at 9p
Get 2-4-1 drinks daily or 10% off food at 25 Key West bars & restaurants with the Bar & Restaurant Cards. See a list of retail locations on page 45.
www.KeyWestBarCard.com 14
offers may change at any time
*restrictions may apply
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Welcome to Key Weird (A Users Guide to Common Sense in the Southernmost City)
I
will admit that 98% of the tourists I interact with are very cool and respectful of our environment. This article is dedicated to those other 2% that seem to forget that we live in an environmentally sensitive area and we are people with families just trying to make a living and don’t need your shit. So you be nice and so will we if we happen to visit where you live. I love that people love to come to Key West. But a little common sense makes it better for everyone. I don’t know if you drive like a maniac back home, so lets start with Driving & Transportation: a) Bikes. More specifically drunk bike riding. I need you to know that I choose not to be an active participant in your obvious suicide attempts. Please try harder at staying on one side of the
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by Bill Hoebee
road while drunk biking. Stop when you’re supposed to stop and for gods sake, when you’re at a red light and you choose to pedal through the middle of the cars - this includes you skateboarders and scooter operators when you choose to try this “time saving” option again, I’M GOING TO OPEN MY CAR DOOR and give you the drivers side door taste test. The cost of the bodywork on my truck will be worth it. What happens to your body is on you daredevil. Perhaps calming the fuck down could preserve your well being. Don’t get me wrong, most bike riders are cool and follow the rules. If you feel you can’t abide by the common sense of driving/riding in and out of traffic, pulling out in front of people and general driving insanity, walk or take a cab. Oh yeah, and when I pause to let you in and you don’t give a courtesy wave back, you will be penalizing the next person who I would have let in but now I won’t. YOU’RE FAULT for being ungrateful.
As you’ve probably noticed by now parking downtown is extremely expensive and very limited. That being said, when you park in one spot, but because you suck at parking, take up part of another, now unusable spot (I saw this 4 times last weekend alone) the locals will pee on your door handle. It’s a thing, and just because Jimmy Buffett didn’t write a song about the ‘Bad Parking Peeing Thing’ doesn’t make it less real. Once again, just good old common sense. Lets move on to Drinking Sense: Once again, I saw this many time last weekend. If you sit down at a bar stool where there’s money and a drink that are not yours, either ask the bartender if anyone’s sitting there or... DON’T sit there. Especially don’t chug the drink and grab the cash. It’s bad juju. And if you get caught your little trip to paradise will take a decided downturn - if yer pickin’ up what I’m puttin’ down. On a related note, if you happen to get kicked out of a bar for being a buttface, try to remember that no
matter how many swear words you scream or how many bouncers or customers you swing on or how many times you claim that your uncle is a senator and everybody will regret their actions, when you tell on them you will not be going back in. FYI nobody wants you there at that point anyway. If you happen to be on Duval Street try to remember that there is another bar 20 feet away that might not know how big of a douche you were at the last bar. MOVE ON! Waking up in jail or the hospital after your night on the town will never provide you with the “tropical” experience I assume you came here for. They don’t even sell t shirts there! On a related note, one of the things tourists most commonly leave in bars are bags of t-shirts and souvenirs and in some cases, your dignity. Common sense says, put your stuff in your hotel room pre-blackout. Nobody back home who’s expecting a gift is gonna believe you when you tell them that, “I did get you something, but I lost it.” Lets talk Dress Code: There isn’t any. So, if you’re out at night wearing a suit trying to impress people, the locals will think that either 21
you just left a wedding or you had a court date earlier in the day and are still out drinking. Also, flowered Hawaiian shirts are not mandatory and are often times frowned upon by sarcastic hipsters. And who needs that, right? Dinning Tip: if you’re the type that’s demanding of your servers back where you live, please know that yelling at your server (even if the service isn’t up to your exacting standards) will not help you in anyway. Unless of course you were simply acting like a jackass to somehow make yourself feel better or a misguided attempt to impress somebody. Save your thoughts and eat somewhere else next time.
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Finally, Dogs in Public: Many Key West joints allow you to bring your dogs with you while drinking and dining. Please take Fido for a potty walk beforehand. Nothing ruins a dining experience like your dog dropping a ‘lumberjack’ load dinner. Or lunch. And breakfast for that matter. So if you feel the need to take your pet to restaurants with you, take care of it. You’d be surprised by how many people don’t. Although Key West is a tropical island with a ‘anything goes’ attitude, please try to remember that most of the locals you deal with are actually working multiple hours to simply pay the extremely high rents and stake out their little piece of paradise. Granted since they closed down all the steel mills and tire factories in the Keys, we totally rely on tourism.
People You Hate by Leigh Pujado
“Wise men speak because they have something to say. Fools speak because they have to say something.” Plato
Are you as big of a douche in person as you are on Facebook? Seriously, I’m asking you to ask yourself this question. If you were at dinner, or a party, or simply at a coffee shop, would you behave with as much arrogant conviction for your political views? Would you drone on about your health problems for the entirety of the get together? Would you flaunt your scantily clad body, shifting poses every few minutes to demand accolades from those around you? Would you announce your spirit animal based on your birthday, your favorite color and the first letters of your first and last name? Would you pester every single person in the room to play a video gambling game with you? Good God, I hope not. So, why are so many of our “friends” engaging in these annoying behaviors on the internet? 26
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I never thought I’d say this but, here it goes: I want to see more pictures of your baby on Facebook. I want to see more puppies and unicorns and memes about how too much coffee makes us stupid. I want you to make me smile. I want to open up that blue bordered newsfeed and see you and your family at The Grand Canyon, or The Grand Tetons, or at The Grand Cafe getting toasted at Tracy’s bar. I want to see every single one of your goddamn wedding pictures. I want to see you experiencing life as a real person with genuine emotion, with joy, sometimes with sorrow, and always with manners.
on Facebook
What I don’t want to see are political tirades (even if I happen to agree with you,) how many points you’ve racked up on some stupid game, derogatory comments about non-public figures, and a litany of self help memes that clarifies that yes, you were wronged in your last breakup. I also don’t want to hear about your divorce via a status change or the blowby-blow demise of said relationship. Facebook has been kind enough to expand upon their “like” button, now we need a “TMI” button. Please stop sharing viral videos of random kids singing, or dancing, or juggling at
random talent shows, unless the kid is your kid. If it’s your kid, I’m interested. If it’s not your kid, I don’t care. Also, the individual selfies are weirding me out, people. If you are over the age of 17, the incessant picture taking of oneself by oneself is a little narcissistic at best. Keep in mind, the more “Personality Tests,” “Friendship Tests,” and “Which State Suits You Best” quizzes you take on Facebook, the more your employer is going to realize you don’t have enough to do during your workday. And that reminds me of another important point: Your employer and every future employer has the potential to see every single asinine post you’ve ever sent, including the rampage you went on in the comments section of your friend’s religious posting, and the bar crawl pictures from ’09 in which you were tagged 65 times, always with a drink in your hand. Not very flattering. Your family also sees what you post. Nowadays, even Grandma is on Facebook. So unless you want Thanksgiving to become ground zero 27
for Intergenerational Smackdown 2016, maybe it’s best to tone down the hot topics. Unless of course you like to fight, and in that case, I recommend you post as much as possible about Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, Abortion, Gun Control, Immigration, The Big Bang versus Creationism, GMO Mosquitos and Climate Change. And don’t just bring up the topics as if you want to have an intellectual discussion. Be sure to insult those who don’t share your views. Of course we all have a right to our views and I am not suggesting we don’t speak our minds. It just seems so many people have lost civility on the internet. If we choose to engage in hot button issues in a public thread, we should, at the very least, fight fair. Behind the blue border veil, people often behave in ways they’d’ never dream of in person. And in person I really hope we aren’t so argumentative and haughty. I also hope we have more to share with one another than digital dice and what we had for breakfast this morning. Between unfollowing the exceptionally banal FB posters, and un-friending the powder kegs, my newsfeed has grown sparse. What I really want to see more posts of are your ideas: 28
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Words that you wrote, things you built with your own hands, activities you’re passionately engaged in, visions you have for your future. Carl Sagan said, “Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known,” and I’m certain he wasn’t talking about a viral video of an 82 year old man on “America’s Got Talent.” I want to hear about movies you enjoyed, books that changed your life, music that moves you, art that inspires you, people you encounter who make life worth living. I want to see photos of moments that are worth remembering, people who make you laugh, places that take your breath away. I hope your life is full of meaningful, tangible experiences and not just endless hours of playing “King Slots” and capturing your best “blue steel” face for selfies. I want you to be the kind of friend who is as congenial and interesting in your posts as you are in person. cleighpujado@gmail.com ***If you share this column with 10 people in the next 10 minutes, you will receive within the next 24 hours a kiss from the person of your dreams, or a million dollars, or good karma.
Throwback30 www.BarTabMag.com/photos
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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
RESTAURANTS & BARS 801
C4 1
AGAVE 308
A2 2
BAGATELLE
B2 3
BLUE HEAVEN
B5 4
DANTE’S / PRIME STEAKHOUSE
D1 5
GREEN PARROT
B4 6
HALF SHELL/TURTLE KRAALS
D1 7
HAVANA CAFE
C4 8
HOG’S BREATH
B2 9
IRISH KEVIN’S
B2 10
ISLAND DOGS
B1 11
JACK FLATS
B3 12
KELLY’S CARIBBEAN
B3 13
KWEST LIQUOR STORE
C4 8
LAZY GECKO
B2 15
LUCY’S RETIRED SURFER BAR
D2
MARGARITAVILLE
B4 16
MELLOW VENTURES CAFE
H3 17
POINT 5 / 915
C5 18
PRIME STEAKHOUSE / DANTE’S
D1 5
RUM BARREL
B1 19
RUM ROW @ GATES HOTELS
O1
RUMOR LOUNGE
B2 21
SMOKIN’ TUNA
B2 22 A1 23
SUNSET PIER / HOT TIN ROOF SUNSET TIKI @ THE GALLEON
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B2 24 B2 25
VIRGILIO’S
B4 26
WATERFRONT BREWERY
C4 27
WILLIE T’S
C4 28
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TATTOOS & SCARS
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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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Teddy Rann
@ Half Shell Raw Bar, 231 Margaret
What’s your full name, originally from?
Bartender Profile
Theodore Edward Rann, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Norwood is the name of the town. How did you get your start in F&B?
My friend opened a bar in West Philly called Billy Bob’s. It was on University of Penn’s campus. College bar. Cheesesteaks & beer. I started bartending there when I was 18. How long have you worked in the Key West bar scene?
I got down here about 6 years ago & got hired at Island Dogs, & I’ve been working for the [Pat] Croce deal ever since. I did Island Dogs, Rum Barrel & Half Shell for a long time. Now I’m just at Half Shell. How did you get the code-name THB?
Well, every once & a while, [laughs] one shot of Jameson won’t go down the right pipe, & then THB – Teddy Hurl Bags. I got it from a friend of mine in LA. I earned it. If you could elect any fictitious character for president in this election, who would it be?
It feels like we already have a cartoon character running.
Do you have any hobbies that might surprise our readers?
I’m a bicycle collector. [laughs] Amy [the wife] counted my bikes not too long ago. I have about 37. I also have 8 scooters. I’ve got a ‘67 Bronco, a Chevy pickup, a Mitsubishi Eclipse. I just got a Jeep the other day. & that’s just in the Keys. I have multiple other vehicles in other states.
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So you’re a vehicle hoarder.
I might be a bicycle hoarder. [laughs] Do you have a favorite scene from a movie?
I’m a huge Blues Brothers fan. When Jake & Elwood are getting beat by the nun in the beginning of that movie is fantastic. [laughs] What do you think the best deal is at Half Shell?
They’ve got the best buffalo shrimp I’ve ever had. They’re really good. And I just ate a $9 dozen happy hour oysters before I did this interview. I’ll do that all day long. Any other general shout outs or plugs? Words of advice?
Yeah, everyone needs to book Keys Photo Booth, so that way Amy [the wife] & I can get out of the bar. [laughs] Get out of the bar for once & do something else. Whether you’re looking for a good deal on a bike or a dozen oysters, Teddy’s got you covered at Half Shell Raw Bar, 231 Margaret St.
䈀刀䔀䄀䬀 䰀伀伀匀䔀 昀爀漀洀 礀漀甀爀 挀栀愀椀渀
䤀匀䰀䄀一䐀 䐀伀䜀匀 䈀䄀刀 䐀䄀䤀䰀夀 㤀䄀䴀ⴀ一伀伀一
䈀刀䔀䄀䬀䘀䄀匀吀 䈀伀吀吀伀䴀䰀䔀匀匀 䴀䤀䴀伀匀䄀匀
䰀䤀嘀䔀 䴀唀匀䤀䌀
圀䔀䐀一䔀匀䐀䄀夀 ⴀ 匀䄀吀唀刀䐀䄀夀
㠀倀䴀
䤀
䠀䄀倀倀夀 䠀伀唀刀 䴀伀一䐀䄀夀 ⴀ 䘀刀䤀䐀䄀夀 㐀㨀㌀ 倀䴀ⴀ㘀㨀㌀ 倀䴀 䠀䄀䰀䘀 伀䘀䘀 伀夀匀吀䔀刀匀 ☀ 匀䔀䰀䔀䌀吀 䐀刀䤀一䬀匀 䘀伀伀䐀 匀倀䔀䌀䤀䄀䰀匀
圀圀圀⸀䤀匀䰀䄀一䐀䐀伀䜀匀䈀䄀刀⸀䌀伀䴀 㔀 㔀 䘀刀伀一吀 匀吀刀䔀䔀吀 簀 ㌀ 㔀⸀㔀 㤀⸀㜀㌀㘀 BarTabMag.com
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Casey Vinall
@ Tattoos & Scars, 512 Greene
Full name, age, originally from?
Casey Patrick McDermott Vinyll, I’m 34 years old & from Atlanta, Georgia.
How long have you been working in the KW bar scene?
It’ll be nine years in February.
Give us a brief rundown.
I moved here in February 2008. It took me about 3 weeks to get a job... [This is a bit lengthy. Read the full answer on www.BarTabMag.com]... & beginning of 2014 I bought [Tattoos & Scars]. It’s long, I know.
What was your first job ever?
It was working at a kennel in Alpharetta, Georgia. Walking dogs & cleaning up dog shit.
What was your first bar job?
It was called the Arch Bar in Athens, Georgia, where I went to the University of Georgia. It was just a regular college bar. I started as a door guy, moved up to a bar back, & then from bar back to bartender.
How often do you get behind the bars these days?
Not very often. Usually, it’s when there’s a last-minute call-in. Or when we only have one or two bartenders on & it gets absolutely slammed.
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What’s changed the most at Tattoos & Scars since day one?
I think part of the reason that we have had as much success, is because we haven’t really changed anything. We always open at 11am, we always close at 4am. Our happy hours stay the same, our music stays the same. For the most part, the staff stays the same. We don’t have a whole lot of turnover. I guess ownership. That’s been about it.
How long have you been showing MMA fights?
Since the first day we opened. We opened October 6, 2011 & we started showing them then, & we’ve been showing them since.
Drink of choice?
I would have to say my favorite drink is Casamigos tequila. Tattoos & Scars is located at 512 Greene St. & is open till 4am every night, no matter what [with a late happy hour 2-4am Sun-Thurs].
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UFO
beaten path gastropub w/ graffititagged walls. Dishes from wings & burgers to yellowtail snapper & soft shell crab. 11a-11p 10% off food w/ 2-4-1 daily w/
FOM
24 NORTH 3820 N Roosevelt, 320 0940 • Poolside DJ
every Tues & Sat 1-4p. HH 1-4p w/ $3-5 drinks specials. Food served by Chug Cantina 8a-8p, bar 11a-10p.
LAM
801 BOURBON 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 fainthearted. 4 TVs [w/ porn] Get a 2-4-1 daily w/ your 40
BarTabMag.com
✆ reservations
✆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.
ULF
AGAVE 308 308 Front, 509 7304 • Key West’s only
tequila bar, w/ over 70 different tequilas & 20 craft cocktails. Open 11a-1a or later, w/ HH 4:30-6:30p & food till 10p. Taco & Tequila Tues w/ tacos specials & $6 fresh lime margaritas 5:30-10p. AMBROSIA
✆F
1401 Simonton, 293 0304 • Amazing bar,
lounge & 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.
OL
AMIGOS 425 Greene, 292 2009 • Tacos2, burritos,
nachos & more. 95% of their menu items are gluten free. Delivering Mexican food to your door & you can get margaritas or beer too! ANTONIA’S
✆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 11am10p. Closed on Mondays.
recommended
AZUR
................................................................................................
Get 2-4-1 drinks daily or 10% off food at 25 bars & restaurants a with the Bar & Restaurant Cards. www.KeyWestBarCard.com
2¢ 416 Appelrouth, 414 8626 • An off the
915 [NINE ONE FIVE]
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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!
UF
425 Grinnell, 292 2987 • Mediterranean
fare at one of Key West’s chef owned restaurants. Mon-Fri breakfast 8-11a, lunch till 3p, Sat & Sun brunch 9a-3p, dinner daily 6-10p.
LGO
BAGATELLE 115 Duval, 296 6609 • Brunch 9a-4p,
dinner 5-10p. HH 9-11:30a & 4-6p w/ $5 small plates & drink specials. ‘Moon Lounge’ deck upstairs & out back is the best, upscale place to hide downtown. 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.
WFO
BEACH BAR @ the Pier House 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.
U upscale F food served G food served late S sports
L open late
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
OLMN
1128 Simonton, 296 2807 • Cool lounge
w/ a rock n’ roll twist. DJ music Tues & Fri @ 10p. Pool room w/ video jukebox. Outside bar for those cool KW nights! HH 5-8p.
LADN
BOBBY’S MONKEY BAR 900 Simonton, 294 2655 • One block off
Duval, activities provided through the week. Mon, Thurs, Fri & Sun karaoke 9:30p. Tues 7p pool tourney. HH noon-8p on beer & wells.
LAO FOMN 724 Duval, 294 9354 • The ultimate guys-
BLUE HEAVEN 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.
FOM
BLUE MACAW 801 Whitehead • Island eats & bar
with the largest make your own bloody mary bar in the keys & live music. Open 9a-10p daily.
WUFO
BLUE MOJITO 601 Front • At the Hyatt, plenty of waterfront couches to chill on. Light food served & full liquor bar & offering 20% locals’ discount. Get a 2-4-1 daily w/ your
O outdoor seating M entertainment
BOURBON STREET
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]
LM
BULL & WHISTLE 224 Duval, 296 4565 • Live music all
day, every day. Get 2-4-1 margaritas [or one large] at the bar or grab a table & ask for Debbie’s award winning Bloody Maria! THE CAFÉ
F
509 Southard, 296 5515 • Mostly vegetarian entrees, sandwiches & awesome veggie burger. Organic wines, specialty beers & herbal teas. Open daily Mon–Sat 11am-10p. Delivery or take out.
UFO
CAFÉ SOLÉ
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FO 918 Duval, 509 7408 • From breakfast BLACKFIN BISTRO
BLUE ROOM
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FO
the bier boutique 1421 First, 741 7779 • Midwest style menu with a kick. Eco-friendly containers & craft beers. Try the chili, bison burger or the chicken on a stick! Open Tues-Sun 11a-8p
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
FSOL
CHARLIE MAC’S 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.
W on the water A alternative lifestyle N neighborhood joint D dive bar
41
& 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.
LN 3340 N. Roosevelt, 296 4343 • This is a
CONCH TOWN LOUNGE
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.
FON 1218 Duval, 517 6419 • Beer, wine &
CORK & STOGIE
cigars, C&S is open 10a-11p. Daily wine tastings & a great place to get Key West Factory cigars. Food served & C&S offers delivery.
WFOM
DANTE’S 951 Caroline, 293 5123 • Poolside drinking
& dining w/ HH Mon-Fri 4:30-7:30p 2-41 drinks specials. DJs every weekend, tons of locals pounding shots - this is Key West’s premier public pool to get hammered! 15 TVs
LODN
DONS’ PLACE 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. 42
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✆ reservations
FOM
EL MESON DE PEPE’S 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 • Tucked away in
Old Town, you’ll get great Cuban food at reasonable prices. If you’ve never tried a skirt steak, this is the place to get it.
FIREFLY ✆ 223 Petronia, 849 0104 • Modern, chef-
FO
driven 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 ✆ 1100 Packer, 295 7970 • Fresh dishes &
FO
local seafood served daily. The lobster mac & cheese is a must. Dine in or take out w/ delivery as well. Open 6p TuesSunday.
recommended
LFO
FOGARTY’S 227 Duval, 294 7525 • Home to the Flying
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WFOM
631 Greene, 294 4403 • This open-air bar
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CONCH REPUBLIC
Monkey Saloon w/ Kyle & Ryan serving up the fastest frozen drinks in KW! Lunch & dinner at great prices. 16 TVs [6 in A/C!]
FOMN
GARBOS’ GRILL 409 Caroline, 304 3004 • Key West’s
most popular food truck, pumping out delicious food in downtown Key West. Open Mon-Sat 11a-3p, 5-9p.
GOML
GAS MONKEY 217 Duval , 294-0103 • Parked on the
200 block serving Texas BBQ & pub food. 3 HH daily 3-4p, 4-7p & 11p-12a w/ 1/2 priced food, $1 drinks & more. Live music every day & open till 2am [or later]. Get a 2-4-1 daily w/ your
GRAND CAFÉ ✆ 314 Duval, 292 4740 • Proving to be an
LFO
outstanding decision for lunch &/or dinner. Serving one of the best menus in town, plus mojitos & the Grand Margarita.
ON
GRAND VIN 1107 Duval, 296 1020 • This wine shop/
bar is a 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.
U upscale F food served G food served late S sports
L open late
O
GREENE STREET CIGAR CO 614 Greene, 296 5499 • Open 10a-12a.
HH 5-7p 10% off premium beers, wine & cigars, 2-4-1 on all dom beer.
WFO
HALF SHELL RAW BAR 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.
FM
HARPOON HARRY’S 832 Caroline, 294 8744 • Best known for
their diner style breakfast. Food served all day, full liquor bar & low prices & breakfast till 3p.
FO
HARD ROCK CAFÉ 313 Duval, 293 0230 • The Keys’ very own
Rock & Roll museum w/ multi-level patio bar & restaurant. Plenty of Key West Hard Rock goods available, too. 9 TVs
inspired cuisine serving breakfast, brunch & lunch all day. Get beer, wine, liquor drinks or authentic Cuban coffee. Opens at 9a daily.
WFOM
HOG’S BREATH 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
contests on stage, accompanied by live music all day long. Full liquor & over 25 draft aiding the staff here to keep you sloshed.
LGOM
ISLAND DOGS 505 Front, 509 7136 • Street-side seating
just steps off Duval. Live music WedSat. 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
SLG
JACK FLATS 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.
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.
O outdoor seating M entertainment
LM
IRISH KEVIN’S 211 Duval, 292 1262 • Guinness chugging
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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.
F
HAVANA CAFE 703 Duval, 294 2626 • American/Cuban
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LMDN
GREEN PARROT 601 Whitehead, 294 6133 • Probably the
W on the water A alternative lifestyle N neighborhood joint D dive bar
43
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
FL
KWEST LIQUOR 705 Duval, 294 5995 • All your liquor,
beer, wine, smoke, lotto & snack needs right on Duval. KWest will also deliver whatever you need [min $75].
ULFOM
LA TE DA 1125 Duval, 296 6706 • Outside full liquor
bar. Shows in the Crystal Room & piano bar. HH 4-6:30p 50% off all cocktails.
LA TRATTORIA ✆ 524 Duval, 296 1075 • Classic cuisine
UF
& 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 ✆ 3593 S Roosevelt, 295 6789 • La Trat’s
UF
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.
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✆ reservations
SLF
THE LAZY GECKO 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. Live music all day. HH 4-8p, 15 TVs
MLO
LITTLE ROOM JAZZ CLUB 821 Duval, 741 7515 • The Keys premier
jazz club. Classy without being too upscale. Located on the 800 of Duval. HH 5-8p & live music nightly. Get a 2-4-1 daily w/ your
GOMLN
LUCY’S 320 Grinnell, 922-2616 • Lucy’s is looking
to be an overdue welcome to a vacant corner serving a coastal friendly menu of tacos, entrees & sandwiches. HH 4-7p w/ $3 drink deals & 1/2 priced apps. Open 11a-1a (or later).
FO
MANGIA MANGIA 900 Southard, 294 2469 • Fresh seafood,
homemade pasta made daily & the Keys’ most famous pesto. Great outdoor garden to dine in. Get 10% off food w/ your
FM
MARGARITAVILLE 500 Duval, 292 1435 • Daytime the
restaurant jams more than most on the island. Bands take the stage at 9p TuesSunday. If you didn’t know already, try a margarita & cheeseburger.
recommended
UFO
MARTIN’S 917 Duval, 295 0111 • European-style fare nicely settled on upper Duval. w/ street-side lounge seating & a menu
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502 Southard, 296 2077 • 6 different
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GL
KOJIN
Chef Martin has been perfecting for over 20 years in KW.
FOMW
MELLOW CAFE 1605 N Roosevelt, 745 3874 • Good brew, solid food. Tacos, smoothies & craft beers. HH 4-7p w/ 2-4-1 drinks & $5 menu items. Open 9a-9p.
UFO
MICHAELS 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
MR. CHEAPEE’S 423 Duval, 292 0486 • Cheapee’s offers
a wide 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.
U upscale F food served G food served late S sports
L open late
FO
OLD TOWN MEXICAN CAFÉ 609 Duval, 296 7500 • Subtle ethnic décor
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.
FO 1075 Duval, 294 0092 • Outdoor sushi
ORIGAMI
restaurant, coupled w/ astounding sushi & a large supply of sake.
O outdoor seating M entertainment
ULO
420 Caroline, 517 6358 • Handcrafted
cocktails made from the highest quality spirits & ingredients. Open 5p-2a.
GOL
PARADISE PIZZA 503 Greene, 292 4100 • Pizza by the slice
plus a full menu till 2am [or later].
FO
POINT 5 915 Duval, 296 0669 • Craft cocktails, beers, fine wines & eats. 2nd story balcony overlooking Duval, great for people watching. Full menu until 12am. Opens at 5pm in season w/ a menu focused on Italian fusion dishes.
LON
THE PORCH 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 4:306:30p.
PRIME STEAKHOUSE ✆ 951 Caroline, 296 4000 • This could be
................................................................................................
second location in New Town. This Z’s offers some indoor seating as well. Open 11a-midnight w/ the same great menu items.
THE OTHER SIDE
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LF
MR. Z’S TOO 2798 N Roosevelt, 296 5306 • Mr Z’s
UWOF
one of our favorites. Excellent steaks & seafood entrees, complimented by an outstanding wine list. The bone-in ribeye is the house specialty. Opens at 6p daily.
FO
RED FISH BLUE FISH 407 Front, 295 7447 • Steps away from
Mallory Square, serving some of the best seafood in town great pre & post-sunset destination. Get a 2-4-1 daily w/ your
UFOM
ROOFTOP CAFE 308 Front, 294 2042 • Great deck
overlooking Front St. Live music playing regularly w/ one of the better martini lists in Key West. 10% off food w/ 2-4-1 daily w/
W on the water A alternative lifestyle N neighborhood joint D dive bar
THE RUM BAR 1117 Duval, 296 2680 • Over 250
LO
selections of rum, try a flight of 5 types for $25. Open 11am-midnight or later w/ a full liquor bar.
SGOM
RUM BARREL 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.
UFOM
RUM ROW 3824 N Roosevelt, 320 0930 • Craft
cocktails, sun & pool. Live music WedSat 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.
LM
RUMOR LOUNGE 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.
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✆ reservations
brisket 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
WFO
SALUTE! 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.
GSOML
SANDBAR 511 Greene, 916 5530 • Sports-beach bar
SEVEN FISH ✆ 921 Truman, 296 2777 • Eclectic menu w/
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pizzas & other Italian selections. PT’s throw-back menu items every Thurs. Open daily 11a-10p. Get 10% off food w/ your
FSON
THE SALTY ANGLER 1114 Duval, 741 7071 • Local fish to
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FO
ROOSTICA 528 Front, 292 7862 • Wood-burning oven
UF
emphasis on local catch.
SLGN
SHANNA KEY 1900 Flagler, 295 8880 • Great selection
of ales & great Irish food served till 3a. 7 TVs, 1 GT ‘06, internet juke tunes.
SLD
SHIMP DADDY’S 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
WUFO
SHOR 601 Front, 809 4000 • Ocean view &
theme w/ daily food specials Mon-Thurs. HH noon-4p Mon-Fri, 12a-4a daily w/ 1/2 priced drink specials.
delicious seafood cuisine. The Shor captures the essence of contemporary cuisine.
SANTIAGO’S BODEGA ✆ 207 Petronia, 296 7691 • Tapas dishes &
SHOTS & GIGGLES Greene & Ann, 414 8272 • Beer & wine
FON
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. 10% off food w/ your
LFOMD
SCHOONER WHARF 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
recommended
LN
bar, & package store. 30% off at the bar HH 4:30-6:30p. Great place to stop for one or more.
LFM
SLOPPY JOE’S 201 Duval, 294 5717 • There’s enough
entertainment from people watching alone, & also serving up live music all day.
U upscale F food served G food served late S sports
L open late
raw bar, w/ live music nightly @ 6pm1am by amazing singer / songwriter. Grab a world famous t-shirts right off Duval. Food till 11p.
UFOM
SQUARE ONE 1075 Duval, 296 4300 • In Duval Square
plaza, 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.
LFOW
STONED CRAB 3101 Roosevelt, 294 4350 • At the Ibis
Bay Resort, breakfast starting at 8a, & food served till 10:30p. 2-4-1 daily w/
10% off food w/
WFOM
SUNSET PIER 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
O outdoor seating M entertainment
sunset spot. Massive deck & live music daily. 2-4-1 specials during HH 5-7p & 2-4-1 Bloody Marys 10a-noon daily.
LOM
TATTOOS & SCARS 512 Greene, 517 6610 • Open till 4am
L
VINO’S ON DUVAL 810 Duval, 294 7568 • 2 great tables on
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LFOM
SMOKIN’ TUNA 4 Charles, 517 6350 • Great seafood &
FOMW
SUNSET TIKI @ GALLEON 617 Front, 295 0207 • Locals’ favorite
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WFO
SOUTHERNMOST BEACH CAFÉ 1405 Duval, 295 6550 • Beach side restaurant 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
their raised on-street patio & offering 16 wines by the glass, a variety of wine by the bottle & beers. Open noon-1a.
LOM
VIRGILIO’S 524 Duval, 296 8118 • Upscale martini
every day 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
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].
WFO
WATERFRONT BREWERY 201 William, 440 2270 • Full liquor bar &
TAVERN N TOWN 3841 Roosevelt, 296 3676 • Rated the best
restaurant & bar in the US by Marriott guests. The T&T has a 2-4-1 HH every day, plus on Tues & Thurs $7 tapas.
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.
F
THIRSTY MERMAID 521 Fleming, 204 4828 • Restaurant &
raw bar open daily at 11a. Full menu with small plates, sandwiches and ample seafood.
WFO
TURTLE KRAALS 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.
FOW
craft drafts from Florida including their award winning beers made on site. Open 11a-11p. HH 4-6:30p w/ half priced WFB beers, wells & glasses of wine.
LGMO
WILLIE T’S 525 Duval, 294 7674 • Serving 31 flavors
of mojitos & daily drink specials. Late night menu w/ panini, pizzas & more. Mojito Mondays 2-4-$12. Live music all day, every day & night starting at 11a.
LD
WORLD’S SMALLEST BAR 124 Duval, 294 8507 • This bar lives up to
its name. Blink & you might miss it. This place stays open late night on Duval.
W on the water A alternative lifestyle N neighborhood joint D dive bar
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Sloan's Saloon Stories The Dead Man’s Last Drink by David L. Sloan
View of the Custom House down Front Street.
H
ow would you feel knowing your next drink was your last? Would the alcohol taste sweeter? Would you savor each sip in an effort to extend the enjoyment? Or would you slam your drink back quickly & wait for your final wave of intoxication? Few of us will know which drink is our last, but that is exactly what happened to Sylvanus Johnson when he visited Leon’s saloon on August 27,1897. Key West was a different town in 1897, but one thing that rang as true then as it does now was a person’s desire to celebrate with a drink as soon as they arrived on the island, & mark their departure with one for the road. Leon’s on Front Street was the first & last place for a drink by the harbor & had a sign to prove it. One side of their sign greeted arriving sailors with the name “First Chance Leon’s.” The other side of the sign lured in people heading back to sea in with the name “Last Chance Leon’s.” It would be the last bar Sylvanus Johnson stepped foot in. Sylvanus was a black man accused of raping a white woman, though the accusations were probably false. When he was brought before a judge, a lynch mob formed & in the days that followed, racial tensions in Key West flared to such a degree that the President of the United States ordered Marines to the island to restore order. Sylvanus was never lynched. He was put on trial, but it is doubtful any aspect of the trial was fair. It took a jury 50
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of 6 white men less than 2 hours to find Sylvanus guilty. He was sentenced to death & thrown in jail to await his execution. But things rarely work out as you might expect in Key West. Johnson had spent less than two months in his cell when residents spotted him touring the island’s sites with Sheriff Knight. A New York Times article from the day reports, “The couple rode around to all the points of interest, & reaching Leon’s saloon on Front Street, they alighted & went in where they met a body of boon companions. The Sheriff ordered the drinks & cigars, & the strange spectacle was presented of a criminal under sentence engaged in the hilarity of the barroom with the highest peace officer of the county. “ The citizens of Key West were outraged & once again, tensions flared & put the island on the verge of race a riot. But the riot never occurred. Old Sylvanus was hanged by the neck at the gallows outside the jail. The say he struggled at the end of the noose for close to 10 minutes before finally dying. Some people say he confessed to his crime in his final moments, while others say he maintained his innocence with his dying breath. We may never know the truth, but we do know that today, more than a few locals tip their hats to Sylvanus Johnson before they raise their glass in a bar on Front Street. Each of them drinking to their own health, & hoping the drink in their hand will not be their last. Thirsty for more saloon stories? Check out Sloan’s Haunted Happy Hour Saloon Stroll. Reserve your spot at www.HauntedKeyWest.com
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Eat It
Mixed Seafood Pasta Shrimp, Calamari & Baby Clams with Spinach & Oven Dried Tomatoes in a Shallot-White Saffron Cream Sauce.
Willie T’s 525 Duval Street • 305-294-7674
photo Nick Doll Photography BarTabMag.com
55
Drink It
Cuban Chata Ice coffee mixed with Rum Chata. Havana Cafe 703 Duval Street • 305-294-2626
BarTabMag.com
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[the BarTab]
CLASSIFIEDS
EASYGOING ATHLETIC SJM, 41, seeking SF, looks not important. Must be tall, slim and attractive. (305) 555-6931 GOODLOOKING outgoing, Big Pine based movie star millionaire, seeks gulible stunner! Call (305) 555-3765 HAVE VIAGRA. Need woman. Any woman between 18 & 80 will do. Nights and weakends best. (305) 555-9835 UGLY, REPULSIVE 21 year old, seeks equally ugly partner, to make exceptionally ugly offspring, terrible SOH. Lower Keys. Call now (305) 555-0496 SINGLE MALE seeks double-jointed supermodel who owns a brewery and grows her own pot. Access to free concert tickets a plus, as is having an open minded twin sister. (305) 555-2964 58
BarTabMag.com
MISSED CONNECTION SWF looking for person who is good with bike locks. You were at the end of Greene St last weekend. It was so hot when you picked the lock of a blue female’s bike, I just need to meet you! Meet me Friday night at Bayview Park. I am 5’7”, 120, C-cup holding the baseball bat. I’ll be on foot. Ride that blue bike too! XOXO. ROOM IN TRAILER available on Stock Island. Must love cats and walking around shirtless. Males only. $250 per month but I’ll knock off $20 if you watch me do yard work. Cable included. MISSING VEHICLE. Missing Navy work truck. Last seen on base the day we painted in camouflage. Call Sigsbee with info. (305) 555-4003
FREE PUPPIES Half lab, half sneaky neighbour dog. (305) 555-3753 ZOMBIE SEEKS HUMAN Braaaaaaaains. Braaaaaaaaaans! Braaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaanis!! 272-2467 HAVE YOU SEEN OUR GRANDPA? - Grandpa missing. Last seen riding his glow in the dark bike down Duval. Actually just want to grab the Earth, Wind and Fire 8-track he took from my room. Thanks. . (305) 555-8723
FOR SALE - Rock em’ Sock em’ Robots. Blue guy in mint condition, but the red dude is all messed up.
Battle of the Bars 2016
60
BarTabMag.com
open September 19th
Happy Hour 4-7
1/2 off appetizers $3 wells, draft beers & house wines
Ain’t nothin’ tired about retired!
Come Check us out!
320 GRINNELL STREET • KEY WEST, FLORIDA (305) 922 -2616 • LUCYSRETIREDSURFERS.COM
live music
great food & drinks • stunning views Serving Lunch & Dinner
oceankey.com | 305-296-7701 | Zero Duval Street, Key West, FL
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