Key West Happy Hour: Best Deals on Food and Drinks

If you’re planning a trip to Key West, Florida, or just looking for a fun way to unwind, then Key West happy hour is something you shouldn’t miss. Known for its relaxed island vibes, beautiful sunsets, and vibrant nightlife, Key West offers some of the best happy hour deals in the country.
In this article, you will learn everything about Key West— what it is, why it’s popular, when to go, and where to find the best spots. Plus, we’ll share some helpful tips to make your experience even better.
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What Is Key West Happy Hour?
Key West refers to specific times during the day when bars and restaurants offer discounts on drinks and food. Typically, these deals happen in the late afternoon or early evening to encourage more customers during slower times. The special prices make it easier to try different drinks and small plates without spending too much money.
Why Is Key West So Popular?
There are many reasons why Key West is such a big deal. First, Key West’s tropical climate means people love spending time outside, especially in the late afternoon when the sun starts to cool down.
Second, the local culture encourages a laid-back, friendly vibe. Both tourists and locals use happy hour as a chance to connect, listen to live music, and enjoy fresh local food. Third, happy hour is a budget-friendly way to enjoy Key West’s famous seafood and tropical drinks.
When Is Key Happy Hour ?
Happy hour times vary depending on the bar or restaurant, but generally, most places start happy hour between 3 PM and 5 PM. It usually lasts for 2 to 4 hours. Some locations even offer a second happy hour late at night, often called a “reverse happy hour.”
Venue Name | Happy Hour Time | Special Highlights |
---|---|---|
Half Shell Raw Bar | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM | 50% off drinks, oysters, seafood starters |
Alonzo’s Oyster Bar | 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Half-off well drinks and tapas |
Pepe’s Cafe | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Half-price oysters, fish dip, shrimp |
Note: Hours can change with seasons or special events, so it’s best to confirm before you go.
What to Expect at Key West Happy Hour

When you visit a Key West, expect a fun, friendly, and relaxed atmosphere. Most bars and restaurants have outdoor seating, so you can enjoy the cool ocean breeze while sipping your drink. The crowd is usually a mix of tourists and locals who are there to socialize and unwind.
Half Shell Raw Bar (4:30 – 6:30 PM daily)
Highlights include ultra-fresh seafood at great prices:
- $2 Gulf oysters, $3 cold-water oysters, drawn straight from their market
- 30% off selected raw bar items, like clams on the half shell, peel‑and‑eat “Pink Gold” shrimp, beer‑steamed shrimp, and buckets of steamed clams
Item | Price | Details |
---|---|---|
Gulf Oysters | $2 each | Fresh, local oysters |
Cold-Water Oysters | $3 each | Premium varieties |
Raw Bar Items | 30% off | Clams, shrimp, etc. |
Starters (Apps) | 50% off | Calamari, fritters, fish dip |
Alonzo’s Oyster Bar (4 – 6:30 PM daily)
A tapas-focused seafood fest with options like:
- Raw oysters of the day, peel‑and‑eat shrimp
Item | Price | Details |
---|---|---|
Raw Oysters | 50% off | Fresh daily selection |
Peel-and-Eat Shrimp | 50% off | Served chilled, ½ lb or 1 lb options |
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos | 50% off | Spicy, crispy shrimp in soft tortillas |
Mussels Diablo | 50% off | Spicy tomato broth with fresh mussels |
Smoked Fish Dip | 50% off | House-smoked, served with crackers |
Pepe’s Café (4 – 6 PM daily)
A historic favorite with half-price treats:
- Half-price Gulf oysters, raw or baked, in Florentine, Mexican Roast, or “Rudi style”
- Fish dip and peel‑and‑eat Key West shrimp
- Under $1 oysters during happy hour—“massive, super‑fresh” with $1.50 Yuenglings
Item | Price | Details |
---|---|---|
Gulf Oysters (Raw) | ~75¢ each | Freshly shucked, often under $1 during HH |
Peel-and-Eat Shrimp | ½ price | Chilled, served with cocktail sauce |
Smoked Fish Dip | ½ price | Local fish, served with crackers |
Well Drinks & Draft Beer | Discounted | Includes $1.50 Yuengling pints |
Santiago’s Bodega (3 – 6 PM daily)
Spanish tapas & drinks:
- ½ price beer, wine & sangria by the glass, plus $10 off pitchers and bottles
- $5 tapas specials, which rotate and may include items like patatas bravas or croquetas
Item | Price | Details |
---|---|---|
Draft Beer | 50% off | Includes local and select beers |
Wine by the Glass | 50% off | Red and white varietals |
Sangria by the Glass | 50% off | House-specialty, award‑worthy sangria |
Thirsty Mermaid (4 – 6 PM daily)
Seafood-centric bites in a cozy side‑street setting:
- ½ doz Apalachicola oysters, ceviche du jour, steamed PEI mussels with kaffir lime-citrus broth
- $3 Mermaid Lager pints, $8 small plates
Item | Price | Details |
---|---|---|
Mermaid Lager (pint) | $3 | Signature house beer |
Apalachicola Oysters | $8 | Half dozen oysters from Florida’s Gulf Coast |
Ceviche du Jour | $8 | Fresh, daily rotating ceviche selection |
Two Friends Patio Restaurant (4 – 6/7 PM daily)
A classic local gem:
- Steamed shrimp by the pound, conch fritters, smoked fish dip, crab bisque, fried calamari
- Broiled oysters (garlic butter, parmesan, bacon), plus margarita specials
Item | Price | Details |
---|---|---|
Steamed Key West Pink Shrimp | $6.75 (½ lb), $11.75 (1 lb) | Served with drawn butter, cocktail sauce, lemon wedge, and real horseradish |
Conch Fritters | $5.95 | Lightly battered and fried, served with dipping sauce |
Smoked Fish Dip | $5.95 | Local fish, served with crackers |
Crab Bisque | $6.95 | Creamy soup with lump crab meat |
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Popular Drinks During Key West Happy Hour
Drinks are the heart of Key West happy hour, and the island’s tropical location inspires many creative cocktails. Here are some popular choices to try:
- Classic Margaritas made with fresh lime juice and local rum
- Frozen Mojitos, refreshing with mint and lime
- Rum Punch, a sweet and fruity cocktail packed with island flavors
Locations
- Half Shell Raw Bar
Famous for fresh oysters and seafood with daily happy hour specials on the historic waterfront. - Alonzo’s Oyster Bar
Offers a lively atmosphere and half-price raw oysters during happy hour. - Pepe’s Café
Historic eatery known for discounted oysters and local seafood favorites. - Santiago’s Bodega
Tapas-style small plates and half-off drinks in a cozy, artsy setting. - Thirsty Mermaid
Popular spot for craft beers and fresh Gulf seafood during happy hour. - Two Friends Patio Restaurant
Casual waterfront dining with tasty shrimp and conch fritter deals. - Pinchers Crab Shack
Family-friendly spot featuring discounted crab and seafood dishes. - White Tarpon at the Boathouse
Waterfront views paired with daily specials on drinks and seafood appetizers. - Conch Republic Seafood Company
Lively harbor-side bar with happy hour deals on tropical cocktails and fresh seafood. - Boat House Bar & Grill
Known for casual vibes and discounted drinks in the heart of Old Town. - Old Town Tavern
Classic Key West bar offering great happy hour prices on beer and cocktails.
Owners of Key West
Sure! Here’s a list of owners or key management figures behind some popular Key West spots, along with a brief detail about each:
- Half Shell Raw Bar
Owned by the Garbutt family, known for their long-standing seafood restaurant legacy in Key West. - Alonzo’s Oyster Bar
Founded and operated by local restaurateurs focused on fresh, sustainable seafood. - Pepe’s Café
Established by the Lucero family, a historic name in Key West’s dining scene since 1909. - Santiago’s Bodega
Owned by Chef Henry Gonzalez, celebrated for creative tapas and local ingredients. - Thirsty Mermaid
Operated by a local hospitality group specializing in craft beverages and fresh seafood. - Two Friends Patio Restaurant
Family-owned, emphasizing casual, friendly service and fresh local dishes. - Pinchers Crab Shack
Part of the Pinchers Seafood family, with multiple Florida locations owned by seafood enthusiasts. - White Tarpon at the Boathouse
Owned by a hospitality team committed to upscale dining with waterfront views. - Conch Republic Seafood Company
Owned by the same group behind several Key West dining venues, focusing on fresh seafood. - Boat House Bar & Grill
Owned by local entrepreneurs passionate about Old Town’s laid-back bar scene. - Old Town Tavern
Owned by a Key West-based hospitality company with a portfolio of popular bars and restaurants.
Customer Reviews
- “Phenomenal Happy Hour! Great deals from 4–7 PM with 50% off drinks, including wine and beer.”
- “Best Happy Hour! Half-off small plates like tempura lobster tails and conch fritters. Service was attentive and friendly.”
- “Great place to spend happy hour! Relaxing atmosphere with half-priced appetizers and refreshing drinks.”
- “Fantastic Happy Hour with half-off tapas and $10 off bottles of wine. The lively atmosphere adds to the experience.”
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Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Key West local, Key West happy hour is an unbeatable way to enjoy the island’s flavors, culture, and lively spirit. The combination of discounted drinks, fresh seafood, and relaxed atmosphere creates a memorable experience that captures the essence of Key West.
Next time you visit, set aside some time to explore happy hour spots. From fresh oysters at Half Shell Raw Bar to sangria at Santiago’s Bodega, you’ll find plenty of reasons to raise a glass. Happy hour in Key West is truly where the island’s heart shines the brightest.