December 18, 2017

There’s no shortage of live music and entertainment in Key West and today we are going to spotlight some of the top live music venues on the island. Four of our favorites just happen to also be the best bars, saloons and watering holes in paradise. Here are the best places for live music in Key West:

Hog’s Breath Saloon

Hogs Breath is better than, well you know … “Hog's Breath is Better Than No Breath All!” That’s what they say and we know why. This is one of popular bars and watering holes in Key West known for drinks, food and daily live entertainment. For over 25 years this casual outdoor venue (seating indoors as well) has been the hot spot for the live music scene. A popular Key West bar for locals and tourists and even some of our favorite celebrities. A dive bar with Key West flair!

Photo Credit: Hogs Breath Saloon

View the Hog’s Breath Entertainment Calendar

Hog’s Breath Saloon is a must see next time you visit us in Key West!

Hog’s Breath Saloon

400 Front Street, Key West, FL

Open 10am – 2am

Sloppy Joe’s Bar

Located at the corner of Greene and Duval Street is where you’ll find the iconic Sloppy Joe’s Bar in Key West, Florida. This is one of the most popular watering holes on the island and t’s not just because Hemingway drank here.

Best Places for Live Music in Key West

Photo Credit: Photo by Jill Trunnell | Kenny Chesney Takes Over Sloppy Joe’s for Epic Keg Show

The quality of the entertainment is exceptional and ranges from rollicking bluegrass to raucous rock. There are three bands on stage every day starting at noon and music ends at 2am. Drink, dance and grab a bite to eat while entertained at Hemingway's favorite bar. Sloppy Joe’s is open 365 days a year from 9am - 4pm Mon- Sat (Noon on Sunday.)

View Sloppy Joe’s Bar Entertainment Calendar

While strolling down Duval stop in and enjoy the music scene at Sloppy Joe’s.

Sloppy Joe’s Bar

201 Duval Street

Key West, FL

Open 9am – 4am (Noon on Sunday)

Green Parrot Bar

Best Places for Live Music in Key West

Photo Credit The Green Parrot Bar Facebook Page

Set in a 100-year-old building (once a grocery store) the Green Parrot Bar is another popular local dive bar and saloon well known for its live music, casual atmosphere, great drinks and one-of-a kind shows. It’s one of the top venues for live music in Key West!

“22 years after my first root beer barrel shooter, and despite so many changes on the island, this remains the best watering hole in Key West and one of the best spots in the world for watching consistently-awesome and varied live music.” ~ Casey Scott

This is the place to jam to great live music and hang out with the locals, especially during Sound Check! Friday, Saturday and Sunday 5:30 to 7PM is “soundchecks” - this is your chance to experience a full 90 minute set of the great music. If your schedule doesn’t permit you to go to the Parrot later in evening then make sure to attend Sound Check.

Another cool event happening at the Parrot is Ukulele Night. This started as monthly Wednesday meetings and is now one of the Parrot’s crown jewels. Join the locals and the Parrot stage to be part of “One Ukin” Family. Seriously, if you are in town during Ukulele night check it out.

As you can see The Green Parrot Bar is not only one of the best bars in Key West, it’s hip, cool, funky, quirky and one another favorite live music scene on the island.

View the Green Parrot Live Music Calendar

Green Parrot Bar

601 Whitehead Street

Key West, FL 33040

Open 10am - 4am

Smokin Tuna Saloon

Best Places for Live Music in Key West

Photo credit: Smokin’ Tuna Saloon

Just off duval, tucked away on Charles Street is where you’ll find Smokin’ Tuna Saloon, serving up music and more! In addition to great local seafood, Smokin’ Tuna brings local and world-class musicians to the island. It’s another one of Key West’s premier music venues and headquarters for the Key West Songwriters Festival.

The venue and its vibe. Hidden away but in the middle of everything. ~ Sandy Rich

Two of the owners and founders of Smokin Tuna have created something special and continue to bring some of the best singer/songwriters to the stage. Scott Kirby is a popular Key West Trop Rock singer and songwriter. Charlie Bauer is founder of the Key West Songwriters Festival, now in its 23rd year. Key West Songwriters Festival is scheduled for May 9-13, 2018. It has been named one of the top country music festivals you need to add to your 2018 calendar by Wide Open Country.

This venue may be a little harder to find but it is definitely one you must seek out. It’s located just off the 200 Block of Duval on Charles Street.

Smokin Tuna Saloon

4 Charles Street (200 Block of Duval)

Key West, FL

Open 11am - 2am

Now that we’ve shared the top live music venues in Key West make sure to visit and share your favorites with us #lovethemarker

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