Key West Happy Hour: Best Deals on Food and Drinks

key west happy hour

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.

Also Read: Taco Cabana Happy Hour: A Tex-Mex Treat You Can’t Miss

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 NameHappy Hour TimeSpecial Highlights
Half Shell Raw Bar4:30 PM – 6:30 PM50% off drinks, oysters, seafood starters
Alonzo’s Oyster Bar4:00 PM – 6:30 PMHalf-off well drinks and tapas
Pepe’s Cafe4:00 PM – 6:00 PMHalf-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

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
ItemPriceDetails
Gulf Oysters$2 eachFresh, local oysters
Cold-Water Oysters$3 eachPremium varieties
Raw Bar Items30% offClams, shrimp, etc.
Starters (Apps)50% offCalamari, 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
ItemPriceDetails
Raw Oysters50% offFresh daily selection
Peel-and-Eat Shrimp50% offServed chilled, ½ lb or 1 lb options
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos50% offSpicy, crispy shrimp in soft tortillas
Mussels Diablo50% offSpicy tomato broth with fresh mussels
Smoked Fish Dip50% offHouse-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
ItemPriceDetails
Gulf Oysters (Raw)~75¢ eachFreshly shucked, often under $1 during HH
Peel-and-Eat Shrimp½ priceChilled, served with cocktail sauce
Smoked Fish Dip½ priceLocal fish, served with crackers
Well Drinks & Draft BeerDiscountedIncludes $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
ItemPriceDetails
Draft Beer50% offIncludes local and select beers
Wine by the Glass50% offRed and white varietals
Sangria by the Glass50% offHouse-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
ItemPriceDetails
Mermaid Lager (pint)$3Signature house beer
Apalachicola Oysters$8Half dozen oysters from Florida’s Gulf Coast
Ceviche du Jour$8Fresh, 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
ItemPriceDetails
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$5.95Lightly battered and fried, served with dipping sauce
Smoked Fish Dip$5.95Local fish, served with crackers
Crab Bisque$6.95Creamy soup with lump crab meat

Also Read: Happy Hour San Antonio: Cheers to Happy Hour in San Antonio

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.”

Also Read: West Loop Happy Hour: Chicago’s Best Deals on Food and Drinks

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.

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