The Florida Keys, a chain of islands stretching from Key Largo in the north to Key West in the south, is a popular destination for tourists seeking sun, sand, and a laid-back atmosphere. While many come to the Keys for the beaches and the fishing, the area is also home to a vibrant craft beer scene.
Whether you’re a beer aficionado or just looking for a cold one to quench your thirst after a day in the sun, the Keys have plenty of options to choose from. In this article, we’ll take you on a tour of the best places to get a beer in the Florida Keys, from north to south, so you can enjoy a refreshing brew while soaking up the island vibes.
Best Places for a Beer in the Upper Keys
The Upper Keys, which include Key Largo and Islamorada, offer a variety of bars, breweries, and restaurants where you can enjoy a cold beer with a view. Here are some of the best places to check out:
The Fish House, Key Largo
This waterfront seafood restaurant also has a great selection of beers, including local and regional craft brews. They offer daily specials and happy hour deals on drinks and appetizers, and you can enjoy your beer on their outdoor patio overlooking the marina.
Bayside Gourmet, Islamorada
This cozy café and market has a small but well-curated beer selection, including some harder-to-find brews. They also offer wine and cheese tastings, as well as sandwiches and salads made with locally sourced ingredients.
Islamorada Beer Company, Islamorada
This popular brewery has several locations in the Keys, including a taproom in Islamorada. They specialize in Florida-inspired beers, such as their Sandbar Sunday blonde ale and No Tan Lines IPA. They also have a full-service kitchen serving up pub fare.
Green Turtle Inn, Islamorada
This historic restaurant and bar has been serving up seafood and drinks since the 1940s. They have a wide variety of beers on tap, as well as a well-stocked bar with specialty cocktails. You can enjoy your drink in their cozy indoor dining room or outside on their tropical patio.
Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar, Islamorada
Lorelei is a waterfront restaurant and bar with a laid-back atmosphere and great views of the sunset. They have a large selection of beers, including many local and regional brews. You’ll also find live music and events throughout the week.
Florida Keys Brewing Company, Islamorada
This local brewery offers a range of craft beers, from IPAs to stouts to fruit beers. They also have a large outdoor seating area with games and events. You can bring your own food or order from a nearby restaurant. Enjoy the colorful interior where you can ask questions of the knowledgeable employees (or just the cat!), then take your selection to the back garden to enjoy in the Florida sunshine.
Best Middle Keys Spots for a Beer
The Middle Keys, which include Marathon, offer a mix of bars, breweries, and restaurants where you can grab a cold one. Here are some of the best places to check out:
Overseas Pub and Grill, Marathon
This classic pub has been a staple in Marathon for over 30 years. They have a wide selection of beers on tap and in bottles, as well as a full menu of pub grub. They also have live music and events throughout the week.
Burdines Waterfront, Marathon
This waterfront restaurant and bar has a large outdoor deck overlooking the marina. They have a variety of beers on tap, including some local brews. They also offer fresh seafood and live music on the weekends.
Island Fish Company, Marathon
Known for its fresh fish, Island Fish Co. isn’t to be overlooked for its drinks, including beer! Don’t let the main menu fool you…they have many more beers on tap and in bottles. Just ask your server for a beer menu if they don’t bring it when they seat you.
Sparky’s Landing, Marathon
This waterfront restaurant and bar has a large outdoor deck with views of the marina. They have a variety of beers on tap, including some local and regional brews. They also offer fresh seafood and live music on the weekends.
No Name Pub, Big Pine Key
This iconic dive bar is located in the heart of the Lower Keys and has been around since the 1930s. They have a variety of beers on tap and in bottles, as well as a full menu of pizzas and pub food. The walls are covered in dollar bills signed by customers across many, many years, giving the place a unique atmosphere. No Name Pub is family-friendly and you’re sure to see a key deer wandering in the parking lot or nearby! (Please drive carefully and slowly, so as not to hit the deer.)
Where to Grab a Beer in the Lower Keys
The Lower Keys, which include Big Pine Key and Key West, have a lively bar and restaurant scene where you can enjoy a cold beer. Here are some of the best places to check out:
The Square Grouper, Cudjoe Key
This waterfront bar and restaurant has a laid-back vibe and great views of the ocean. They have a variety of beers on tap and in bottles, including some local brews. They also have a menu of seafood and American dishes.
The Green Parrot, Key West
This historic bar has been a fixture in Key West since 1890. They have a large selection of beers on tap and in bottles, as well as a full bar with specialty cocktails. They also have live music every day of the week.
Waterfront Brewery, Key West
This local brewery has a taproom in Key West where you can sample their craft beers. They specialize in Florida-inspired brews, such as their Key Lime Witness sour ale and Crazy Lady honey blonde ale. They also have a menu of pub food.
Half Shell Raw Bar, Key West
This seafood restaurant and bar is located in the heart of Old Town Key West. They have a variety of beers on tap and in bottles, as well as a menu of fresh seafood and oysters. They also have a large outdoor seating area.
In Key West, the three most famous places are Hog’s Breath Saloon, Captain Tony’s Saloon, and Sloppy Joe’s. If it’s your first time visiting Key West, I highly recommend you check out all three. But they are a bit touristy and crowded, so other options are presented here!
Best Beer Festivals in the Florida Keys
If you’re a beer enthusiast, the Florida Keys offer several beer festivals throughout the year. Here are some of the best beer festivals to check out:
- Key West BrewFest: Held annually over Labor Day weekend, the Key West BrewFest is a four-day event that celebrates craft beer. There are beer tastings, beer dinners, beer brunches, and even a beer run. The festival features over 150 beers from over 50 breweries.
- Florida Keys Seafood Festival: This annual event is held in January in Key West and features local seafood and beer. The festival includes live music, cooking demonstrations, and plenty of food and drink vendors. There are also activities for kids and families.
- Baygrass Bluegrass & Craft Beer Festival: Held annually in November in Islamorada, this festival combines bluegrass music with craft beer. There are multiple stages with live music, as well as over 100 craft beers to sample. The festival also includes food vendors and arts and crafts vendors.
- Key Largo Brew on the Bay: This annual event is held in November in Key Largo and features craft beer from local and national breweries. There are beer tastings, live music, and food vendors. The festival also includes a homebrew competition for amateur brewers.
- Key West Food & Wine Festival: While not exclusively a beer festival, the Key West Food & Wine Festival includes plenty of craft beer tastings and events. The festival is held annually in January and features food and drink events all over Key West, including beer tastings and beer pairing dinners.
These beer festivals are a great way to experience the local beer scene in the Florida Keys and sample some of the best craft beers from around the country.
The Florida Keys offer a vibrant and growing craft beer scene, with a variety of bars, restaurants, and breweries serving up delicious and unique brews. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to the area, there’s no shortage of great places to enjoy a cold beer and soak up the island atmosphere.
From the northernmost island of Key Largo to the southernmost island of Key West, the Florida Keys offer a beer lover’s paradise. So next time you’re in the Keys, be sure to check out some of these top spots for a great beer. Cheers!
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