Key West Happy Hours Where to Find the Best Discounts and Fun
Key West is famous for sunsets, fishing boats, and its laid-back island culture. But what makes it even better are the lively Key West happy hours that bring locals and tourists together over food and drinks. For many visitors, it’s the highlight of the day—a chance to enjoy oysters, cocktails, and seafood at lower prices. In this article, we’ll explore restaurants, owners, menus, reviews, and timings to give you a full picture of happy hours in Key West.
Some say a Happy Hour Strain is the best way to relax after a day at the beach, and in Key West, that strain melts away with a cold drink in your hand. Let’s dive deeper into the details of what makes these hours special.
What is Key West?
Key West is the southernmost city in the United States, sitting at the edge of the Florida Keys. It is known for its tropical weather, stunning sunsets, and historic charm. Tourists love its mix of beaches, nightlife, and Caribbean-inspired culture.
The island is also rich in history, with landmarks like the Ernest Hemingway Home and the Southernmost Point. Water sports, fishing, and diving attract adventurers from all over the world. Key West blends relaxation with vibrant local life, making it a unique travel destination.
Owners of Famous Key West Restaurants and Bars
| Restaurant / Bar | Owner / Founder / Operator | Notes on Ownership or History |
|---|---|---|
| Alonzo’s Oyster Bar | Alonzo Cothron & Berlin Felton | Known for seafood and harbor views |
| Two Friends Patio | Family-owned and operated | Historic Key West dining spot |
| Martin’s | Privately owned by local restaurateurs | Famous for tapas and wine |
| Bagatelle | Local ownership, inspired by French dining | Offers creative seafood dishes |
| Grand Cafe | Independently owned and operated | Long-standing café on Duval Street |
| Half Shell Raw Bar | Local fishermen-founded, community-owned | Celebrated for fresh oysters |
Locations of Popular Key West Happy Hour Spots
| Restaurant / Bar | Location Address | Nearby Landmark or Area |
|---|---|---|
| Alonzo’s Oyster Bar | 700 Front Street, Key West, FL 33040 | Key West Historic Seaport |
| Two Friends Patio | 512 Front Street, Key West, FL 33040 | Near Mallory Square |
| Martin’s | 917 Duval Street, Key West, FL 33040 | In the heart of Duval Street |
| Bagatelle | 115 Duval Street, Key West, FL 33040 | Near Mallory Square and Sunset Pier |
| Grand Cafe | 314 Duval Street, Key West, FL 33040 | Duval Street dining district |
| Half Shell Raw Bar | 231 Margaret Street, Key West, FL 33040 | Historic Seaport area |
What Makes Key West Happy Hours Special?
Key West happy hours are more than just drink discounts. They are part of the island’s culture, mixing live music, ocean views, and local food. From 3 pm to 7 pm, most bars and restaurants cut prices on cocktails, wines, and seafood plates.
The charm lies in the setting. Imagine sitting under palm trees with live music, sipping a mojito, and watching the sunset. The food is fresh, the drinks flow easily, and the atmosphere is lively yet relaxed. This combination makes happy hours a true highlight of island life.
Menus of Key West Happy Hours
Food and drink menus are the highlight of happy hour in Key West. Below is a sample of what top restaurants serve during this time.
| Restaurant | Drinks Offered | Food Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Alonzo’s Oyster Bar | Half-price beers, wines, and cocktails | Oysters, shrimp, fish tacos, seafood plates |
| Two Friends Patio | Discounted cocktails, house wines, and beers | Grilled oysters, burgers, charbroiled steaks |
| Martin’s | Half-off signature martinis and wines | Tapas, bruschetta, cheese plates |
| Bagatelle | Select wine and cocktail specials | Lobster mac and cheese, tuna poke |
| Grand Cafe | Discounted wine and beer | Steamed clams, tomato bisque, bruschetta |
These menus prove that Key West happy hours are not just about cheap drinks but also about sampling quality dishes.
Opening and Closing Times
If you’re planning a visit, knowing the schedule matters. Below is a table of opening, closing, and happy hour timings for major places.
| Restaurant / Bar | Opening Time | Closing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alonzo’s Oyster Bar | 11:30 AM | 10:00 PM | Lunch to dinner, harbor view dining |
| Two Friends Patio | 8:00 AM | Late Night | Opens early for breakfast, live music nightly |
| Martin’s | 11:30 AM | 11:00 PM | Lunch, dinner, and late evening tapas |
| Bagatelle | 9:00 AM | 11:00 PM | Morning brunch and evening seafood |
| Grand Cafe | 12:00 PM | 11:00 PM | Known for relaxed lunch and dinner |
| Half Shell Raw Bar | 11:00 AM | 10:00 PM | Famous for seafood and casual vibe |
Happy hours usually happen in the late afternoon, though some places offer late-night specials.
Delivery Timings of Key West Restaurants
| Restaurant / Bar | Delivery Timing / Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alonzo’s Oyster Bar | 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM (varies by day) | Happy hour deals are dine-in only |
| Two Friends Patio | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Delivery available through local apps |
| Martin’s | 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Mostly dine-in; limited delivery options |
| Bagatelle | 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM | Delivery available, but not for happy hour items |
| Grand Cafe | 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Primarily dine-in, some takeout possible |
| Half Shell Raw Bar | 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Focuses on dine-in; fresh seafood not often delivered |
How Key West Differs from Chain Happy Hours?
In the middle of the island nightlife, you’ll often hear visitors compare experiences. While Outback Steakhouse Happy Hour in other cities might be famous for beer and wings, Key West focuses on seafood and local cocktails. The charm lies in the difference, as you’ll rarely find chain restaurants here—local flavor dominates every menu.
Best Practices for Enjoying Happy Hours
If you want the best out of Key West happy hours, plan to arrive early. Most specials begin around 3 pm or 4 pm, and the best seats with sunset views fill quickly.
Checking the daily specials helps too. Some restaurants may only discount drinks, while others include both drinks and food. Always ask your server about combo deals, as locals know the best pairings.
Deals by Price Range
To give you an idea of value, here’s a quick overview of prices during happy hour.
| Restaurant | Drinks Price Range | Food Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Alonzo’s Oyster Bar | $4–$7 | $5–$12 |
| Two Friends Patio | $5–$10 | $7–$15 |
| Martin’s | $6–$9 | $10–$15 |
| Bagatelle | $6–$10 | $8–$12 |
| Grand Cafe | $5–$8 | $7–$12 |
The prices show that happy hour makes eating and drinking in Key West far more affordable compared to regular menus.
Why Locals Love Key West Happy Hours?
Locals see Key West happy hours as more than a discount. It’s a time to meet friends, enjoy live music, and connect with community. Tourists may treat it as a chance to sample island culture, but for residents, it’s part of daily life.
Restaurants often reward locals with insider specials or extended hours. Many people who work in the hospitality industry use happy hours as their evening downtime. This adds to the authentic vibe that travelers notice.
Customer Reviews of Key West Happy Hours
| Restaurant / Bar | Reviewer Name | Rating (Out of 5) | Review Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alonzo’s Oyster Bar | Sarah M. | 5.0 | “The oysters were super fresh, and happy hour prices were amazing with a perfect harbor view.” |
| Two Friends Patio | John R. | 4.5 | “Great live music and food. Drinks were strong and cheap, definitely worth stopping by.” |
| Martin’s | Emily K. | 4.8 | “Loved the half-price martinis and tapas. Very classy atmosphere, one of my favorite spots.” |
| Bagatelle | David P. | 4.6 | “The lobster mac and cheese during happy hour was fantastic. Service was quick and friendly.” |
| Grand Cafe | Amanda L. | 4.4 | “Good wine list and nice appetizers. A little crowded but the deals made it worthwhile.” |
| Half Shell Raw Bar | Michael B. | 4.7 | “Casual vibe with great seafood. Best oysters in town and very fair happy hour pricing.” |
Key West Happy Hours Beyond Duval Street
While Duval Street is the heart of the action, some of the best happy hours are found in hidden gems. Half Shell Raw Bar offers casual seafood with waterside seating. Old Town Mexican Café serves margaritas and tacos in a lively Mexican atmosphere. Smaller bars tucked away from the main strip often give the best drink deals without the crowd.
Exploring beyond Duval is part of the adventure. You’ll find that prices drop, portions increase, and the crowds are more local.
Conclusion
Happy hours in Key West are not just about saving money. They are about the experience—sunsets, seafood, and the spirit of the island. From Alonzo’s oysters to Martin’s martinis, every restaurant offers its own flavor of joy. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, Key West happy hours give you the chance to enjoy the island at its best.
So next time you find yourself in Key West, skip the chain restaurants and dive into the local scene. Grab a drink, share a plate of seafood, and watch the sunset while music plays. That’s the real magic of happy hour in paradise.
