The gay bars in Key West are concentrated at the south end of Duval Street, the main road running through Old Town. The section is compact enough that you can walk the whole strip in fifteen minutes and duck into several bars along the way. This is the Duval Crawl, and it is an unhurried version of bar-hopping compared to what you find in larger cities.

La Te Da

La Terraza de Marti, usually called La Te Da, is one of the most historically significant gay venues in Key West. It occupies a historic building and has a piano bar downstairs and a rooftop cabaret space above. The piano bar pulls a mixed crowd of locals and visitors in a setting that feels lived-in and genuine. The rooftop bar has a view that makes it worth climbing the stairs to. Prices are on the higher end and the dress code is casual-smart. If you only visit one bar in Key West, this is the one most people point to.

The character of the crawl

The bars on the south end of Duval range from dimly lit neighbourhood spots to open-air bars with terraces facing the street. Several have pool tables, drink specials, and the kind of atmosphere where you can stay for hours without feeling any pressure to move on. Others are smaller and more intimate. There are no super-clubs here in the Miami or New York sense. The scale of the island means the bars are sized appropriately — you are not going to get lost in a crowd of thousands.

The crowd is a mix of locals and visitors. During event weeks like Fantasy Fest or Bear Week, the balance shifts heavily toward visitors and the bars fill up noticeably. Outside those windows, the regulars are very much present and the atmosphere is more neighbourhood bar than tourist attraction.

Timing

Key West bars are open late but the peak hours are earlier than in a major city. The serious drinking starts in the early evening and tapers off by 2am for many people. Sunset is treated as a social event in Key West — crowds gather at Mallory Square to watch the sun go down, and the bars see a wave of people heading in after that. Planning an evening around sunset followed by the bar strip is a natural sequence.

The bars

    • 801 Bourbon Bar — Amazing vibe and drag show! Drinks are good and the staff is super friendly! The hostess engaged with the audience and everyone had a great time! However Puddy Thang was my favorite - she brought so much energy and talent to the show! I highly recommend! A must see if you’re in Key West.
    • 801 BOURBON BAR — Key West is home to many gay establishments but not only - locals and tourists as well enjoy coming to this place. It has fantastic drag shows, the best drinks and it's highly recommended.
    • Bourbon Street Pub — Great time! Very good drinks! Bartenders were amazing! Very friendly! Myrica is the best! I will definitely be back here next year!

Practical notes

Duval Street is walkable. You do not need a car or even a bicycle to do the bar strip. Standard Key West drinks pricing applies — somewhat elevated compared to mainland Florida but not at South Beach Miami levels. Happy hours are common in the late afternoon.

For the full Key West picture, see the Gay Key West Guide.