New here, need Key West help

[Yorkshire Parrothead]

Wow this is bringing back some memories! This is the best place in the whole wide world. Recommend you go to Hogs Breath, Sloppy Joe's - have the original Sloppy Joe sandwich. If you go in either of these two you will be on the web cam and guess what your friends can see you at home. Margaritaville is very crowded. Ernest Hemingway's house is very interesting and has 60 plus cats who all have an extra toe to our cats. The Key West Butterfly conservatory is wonderful.
You will not manage to fit in everything in the few hours the ship docks. Would love to do all the bars but would take a few nights. This day for you will the highlight of the cruise enjoy your holiday.

[popcornjack]

If you like rum, stop by the Rum Barrel on Greene Street and try the Pyrat XO Reserve. WOW!!. When I was there in April I sat next to the bartender on the flight from Miami to KW. He hooked us up. I wish I could remember his name. KW is the best. Can't wait to go back next year.

Try the Guatemalan rums. they're even better. (I was one of the original bartenders at the Rum Barrel. What a sweeeeeeet job.)

[gottagofishin]

If you like rum, stop by the Rum Barrel on Greene Street and try the Pyrat XO Reserve. WOW!!. When I was there in April I sat next to the bartender on the flight from Miami to KW. He hooked us up. I wish I could remember his name. KW is the best. Can't wait to go back next year.

Try the Guatemalan rums. they're even better. (I was one of the original bartenders at the Rum Barrel. What a sweeeeeeet job.)

Any recomendations?? I also tried the Ron Lacappa and I like that. The rum barrel was very good. We eaton the outdoor deck upstairs and had the yellowtail snapper. It was excellent.

[popcornjack]

If you like rum, stop by the Rum Barrel on Greene Street and try the Pyrat XO Reserve. WOW!!. When I was there in April I sat next to the bartender on the flight from Miami to KW. He hooked us up. I wish I could remember his name. KW is the best. Can't wait to go back next year.

Try the Guatemalan rums. they're even better. (I was one of the original bartenders at the Rum Barrel. What a sweeeeeeet job.)

Any recomendations?? I also tried the Ron Lacappa and I like that. The rum barrel was very good. We eaton the outdoor deck upstairs and had the yellowtail snapper. It was excellent.

The Ron Lacappa is great. To be honest, it's been a year since I worked there, so the names escape me. When you go, ask for the rum bible. It's a book that lists everything they pour rum wise. There are only 2 or 3 Guatemalan rums, they are all excellent, and les sthan you would pay for an equally good rum from somewhere else. (Also while you're there, ask if Jodi is working. If she is, tell her Jack from Connecticut says "Hi.". Or Tony, he might still be there. It's hard to keep track. Restaurants have a high turnover in staff to begin with, and Key West is that times ten.)

The places I liked to go when I lived there were Schooner Wharf, and I recommend the magic show with Frank Everhart, Jr. (once again, tell him I say hi.) Irish Kevins (it can be loud and obnoxiously touristy, but still fun, even for someone who lived there) the second floor of the bull and whistle, and the gem of gems, the Galleon resort's Tiki bar. It's all the way at the end of Front street ( a block east of Rum Barrel) but it's a lttle tiki bar on the water with an amazing view of the sunset.

[Karacal]

Thanks so much everybody! Since it is a cruise we will be in Key West from 7am to 3pm. I wanted to take in as much Buffett stuff as possible. The info posted here will be very helpful. Looking forward to my first time in Key West and know it won't be the last.

If you only have that little then I wouldn't do the tour . . . find Caroline Street (not hard) and walk up it until you hit Pepe's (not far) and grab beer . . . look accross Caroline and you will see an old beat up bar or two (one of them is the Schooner Warf) and a beat up white shack somewhere adajacent to it in the parking lot . . . that is Shrimp Boat where Jimmy sometimes records . . . get in a taxi (not alot of money) and tell him/ her to floor it down Simonton (Duval has too many tourists and will take too long) and around the corner to Louie's Back Yard and next door to that great establishment (or a couple houses down I forget) is Jimmy's old pad . . . one of the locals will show it to you . . . you don't need to spend money to see it.

Then race back up Duval and stop in Margaritaville if you must - I don't recommend it and then hit the Green Parrot and Captain Tony's like I posted earlier around the back and down a block or two . . .

There - Key West in a nutshell . . . . you miss Smather's Beach (overrated), Southernmost Point (locals p*** on it - not worth it . . . trust me, I lived there for awhile) and Fort Zachory which is cool but hey, you only have so much time.

This is a good idea, plus gottagofishin's idea of BO's...the best fish sandwich anywhere ! One time on a cruise that landed in Key West, we rented one of those cute little golf cart that look like VW's. It rained for a short while and we were covered (all the other tourists got wet) . And we zipped around up and down the streets, saw a LOT of stuff. Turned it in and walked up and down Duval shopping and drinking until time to head back to the ship. Or rent scooters.
ok now I can't wait to get back to Key West.

I hate the scooters but only because I lived there. That noise does get to you after awile . . . but they are a necessary survival tool for tourists without much time.

If you want to get truly adventurous get a scooter swing by the cemetery and find the tombstone with the epitaph "Told You I Was Sick" on it . . . that s*** is cool.

[cowboyjunkie]

Just spent a week there. Not much has changed. There is a new place on Duval called, quite simply, Rum Bar. I highly recommend it for a launching point before moving down Duval.

Vigilio's was hopping both times I went there and Willie T's had a sweet band the other night.

If I ever leave Hawaii, Key West will do nicely.

[pojo]

I just came back from a cross country to Key West.... Duval St. is nice, but ask the locals about other bars off the beaten path (ie. Caroline St.) and LOCAL places to eat (non of the tourist trap places)... That's what we did and it was more enjoyable... Walk where ever you need to go... its the best exercise and you don't have to worry about paying horrible parking fees or trying to find a place to park.

Yes, Margaritaville is done there, but you should really focus on seeing other parts of the island... If you get a chance go out to Fort Jefferson (Dry Tortugas)... that's one way to get away from the crowds! Take an ultralight plane ride... its a little pricey, but EXTREMELY worth it.

[Quint]

If you like rum, stop by the Rum Barrel on Greene Street and try the Pyrat XO Reserve. WOW!!. When I was there in April I sat next to the bartender on the flight from Miami to KW. He hooked us up. I wish I could remember his name. KW is the best. Can't wait to go back next year.

Or you could try the Rum Barrel on Front St. I hear that one is better

[Karacal]

I just came back from a cross country to Key West.... Duval St. is nice, but ask the locals about other bars off the beaten path (ie. Caroline St.) and LOCAL places to eat (non of the tourist trap places)... That's what we did and it was more enjoyable... Walk where ever you need to go... its the best exercise and you don't have to worry about paying horrible parking fees or trying to find a place to park.

Yes, Margaritaville is done there, but you should really focus on seeing other parts of the island... If you get a chance go out to Fort Jefferson (Dry Tortugas)... that's one way to get away from the crowds! Take an ultralight plane ride... its a little pricey, but EXTREMELY worth it.

The ultralight sounds very interesting. I used to be very nervous about flying but 2 years ago we went to Alaska and did 2 small plane rides. One to Mt. McKinley and the other was a float plane. It was the coolest thing ever! Now I love to fly! All the suggestion here are very good, can't wait to go.

[ColdWaterConch]

If you are hitting KW on a cruise stop, you wont be able to go out to Ft. Jefferson.

If you will be in KW for a couple of days, you really should go out to the fort. It is way way way off the beaten path, and one of the Keys' hidden treasures. I also recommend the seaplane ride out there...you fly low enough that you can see sharks, dolphins, and turtles the whole way out. The fort is basically built on a sand dune in the middle of the Dry Tortugas. Bring lunch and snorkel gear.

If you are really adventerous, you can camp out there. However, it is a pack it in/pack it out campsite. There really is nothing there but the fort.


http://www.nps.gov/drto/

http://www.fortjefferson.com/home.htm


And for breakfast or a light snack (they only do bfast, brunch, and lunch), I suggest Croissants de France on Duval: http://croissantsdefrance.com/ Ridiculously good!

[carolinagirl]

Thanks so much everybody! Since it is a cruise we will be in Key West from 7am to 3pm. I wanted to take in as much Buffett stuff as possible. The info posted here will be very helpful. Looking forward to my first time in Key West and know it won't be the last.

If you only have that little then I wouldn't do the tour . . . find Caroline Street (not hard) and walk up it until you hit Pepe's (not far) and grab beer . . . look accross Caroline and you will see an old beat up bar or two (one of them is the Schooner Warf) and a beat up white shack somewhere adajacent to it in the parking lot . . . that is Shrimp Boat where Jimmy sometimes records . . . get in a taxi (not alot of money) and tell him/ her to floor it down Simonton (Duval has too many tourists and will take too long) and around the corner to Louie's Back Yard and next door to that great establishment (or a couple houses down I forget) is Jimmy's old pad . . . one of the locals will show it to you . . . you don't need to spend money to see it.

Then race back up Duval and stop in Margaritaville if you must - I don't recommend it and then hit the Green Parrot and Captain Tony's like I posted earlier around the back and down a block or two . . .

There - Key West in a nutshell . . . . you miss Smather's Beach (overrated), Southernmost Point (locals p*** on it - not worth it . . . trust me, I lived there for awhile) and Fort Zachory which is cool but hey, you only have so much time.

Barbara,
I'm so glad you are going to Key West!!! I agree with about everything Drunk Pirate says her, altho you DO have to see Margaritaville Cafe.

We've been going to Key West for 20 years, and went to the first Margaritaville when it was just a T-shirt shop in 1987.

We never went to Pepe's until 2004, for breakfast on Frank's 50th birthday, and who was in line waiting for a table in front of us -- Mac McAnally! and Bill Payne from Little Feat. They were recording at Shrimpboat Sound. Photo below is when I was coming out of Margaritaville two days earlier. We ran into Mac three times over three days. It's a little island! Or we know where to go...

But there's no way you can see the best spots in Key West in a day. Try it, then you gotta go back for longer.

I agree with citcit, you gotta go to B.O.'s just for the ambiance. The grouper sandwich is good, but more expensive than you'd expect. Good place to get lunch.

[gottagofishin]

If you like rum, stop by the Rum Barrel on Greene Street and try the Pyrat XO Reserve. WOW!!. When I was there in April I sat next to the bartender on the flight from Miami to KW. He hooked us up. I wish I could remember his name. KW is the best. Can't wait to go back next year.

Or you could try the Rum Barrel on Front St. I hear that one is better

After a few of those Pyrat's I can;'t even remember what street I was on. Thanks for the fix!!.

[Karacal]

Thanks so much everybody! Since it is a cruise we will be in Key West from 7am to 3pm. I wanted to take in as much Buffett stuff as possible. The info posted here will be very helpful. Looking forward to my first time in Key West and know it won't be the last.

If you only have that little then I wouldn't do the tour . . . find Caroline Street (not hard) and walk up it until you hit Pepe's (not far) and grab beer . . . look accross Caroline and you will see an old beat up bar or two (one of them is the Schooner Warf) and a beat up white shack somewhere adajacent to it in the parking lot . . . that is Shrimp Boat where Jimmy sometimes records . . . get in a taxi (not alot of money) and tell him/ her to floor it down Simonton (Duval has too many tourists and will take too long) and around the corner to Louie's Back Yard and next door to that great establishment (or a couple houses down I forget) is Jimmy's old pad . . . one of the locals will show it to you . . . you don't need to spend money to see it.

Then race back up Duval and stop in Margaritaville if you must - I don't recommend it and then hit the Green Parrot and Captain Tony's like I posted earlier around the back and down a block or two . . .

There - Key West in a nutshell . . . . you miss Smather's Beach (overrated), Southernmost Point (locals p*** on it - not worth it . . . trust me, I lived there for awhile) and Fort Zachory which is cool but hey, you only have so much time.

Barbara,
I'm so glad you are going to Key West!!! I agree with about everything Drunk Pirate says her, altho you DO have to see Margaritaville Cafe.

We've been going to Key West for 20 years, and went to the first Margaritaville when it was just a T-shirt shop in 1987.

We never went to Pepe's until 2005, for breakfast on Frank's 50th birthday, and who was in line waiting for a table in front of us -- Mac McAnally! and Bill Payne from Little Feat. They were recording at Shrimpboat Sound. Photo below is when I was coming out of Margaritaville two days earlier. We ran into Mac three times over three days. It's a little island! Or we know where to go...

But there's no way you can see the best spots in Key West in a day. Try it, then you gotta go back for longer.

I agree with citcit, you gotta go to B.O.'s just for the ambiance. The grouper sandwich is good, but more expensive than you'd expect. Good place to get lunch.

I can't believe this will be our first time in Key West. Have wanted to go for a very long time, it just didn't work out. I know we will go back. The cruise only gives us a short time. All the info is great. Love the picture of you and Mac!

[popcornjack]

gottagofishin--please tell me you were at Camden. What a great show.

As for 8 hours in Key West (and 7-3 no less ) it's what you want to look for. Lots of shops? Still closed, even though they know the cruise ships are in. Lots of bars? Duval street and they're open (Be lucky you come and go when you do. I used to see on a weekly basis people on a late cruise asking for directions to the airport to catch up with the boat. ) There's a ton of stuff to do, and the cruise isn't nearly enough time to do it. Best thing you can do is just start wandering (and keep an eye on your watch) When you have an hour left, start asking how to get back to your ship. If they laugh when they tell you, ask someone else (They ain't all nice to off-the-boat tourists) I can tell you now, though, as a parrothead, the first thing you'll say when you get back on that boat is "When can we come down here for a week?" (or sixteen months. Or a lifetime....)

[gottagofishin]

gottagofishin--please tell me you were at Camden. What a great show.

I did make it although I got the dreaded "stomach virus" Monday night. I wanted to get down to the other lot to meet all you guys but I spent most of the tailgate in my lounge chair out of commission. I have a few post concert posts on the other page. "Pre Concert Gatherings. Gret show but I thought the sound was not as good as years past. I loved the set list. I'm getting pumped up for AC tomorrow night.

[Karacal]

gottagofishin--please tell me you were at Camden. What a great show.

As for 8 hours in Key West (and 7-3 no less ) it's what you want to look for. Lots of shops? Still closed, even though they know the cruise ships are in. Lots of bars? Duval street and they're open (Be lucky you come and go when you do. I used to see on a weekly basis people on a late cruise asking for directions to the airport to catch up with the boat. ) There's a ton of stuff to do, and the cruise isn't nearly enough time to do it. Best thing you can do is just start wandering (and keep an eye on your watch) When you have an hour left, start asking how to get back to your ship. If they laugh when they tell you, ask someone else (They ain't all nice to off-the-boat tourists) I can tell you now, though, as a parrothead, the first thing you'll say when you get back on that boat is "When can we come down here for a week?" (or sixteen months. Or a lifetime....)

Good points. I know the time we will be there is a bummer. We were invited on the cruise by some friends. I would much rather have more time in KW but at least I will get to go. The cruise does offer the Trails of Margaritaville tour as an excursion so I thought this would be a quick overview and you will get back to the ship on time. Thanks!

[popcornjack]

The cruise does offer the Trails of Margaritaville tour as an excursion so I thought this would be a quick overview and you will get back to the ship on time. Thanks!

If you do the tour and you get Frank Everhart as your guide, tell him Jack says hi, and ask him who Sam the Bellhop is.

[Lake Effect Parrot Head]

If you like rum, stop by the Rum Barrel on Greene Street and try the Pyrat XO Reserve. WOW!!. When I was there in April I sat next to the bartender on the flight from Miami to KW. He hooked us up. I wish I could remember his name. KW is the best. Can't wait to go back next year.

Try the Guatemalan rums. they're even better. (I was one of the original bartenders at the Rum Barrel. What a sweeeeeeet job.)

Any recomendations?? I also tried the Ron Lacappa and I like that. The rum barrel was very good. We eaton the outdoor deck upstairs and had the yellowtail snapper. It was excellent.

The Ron Lacappa is great. To be honest, it's been a year since I worked there, so the names escape me. When you go, ask for the rum bible. It's a book that lists everything they pour rum wise. There are only 2 or 3 Guatemalan rums, they are all excellent, and les sthan you would pay for an equally good rum from somewhere else. (Also while you're there, ask if Jodi is working. If she is, tell her Jack from Connecticut says "Hi.". Or Tony, he might still be there. It's hard to keep track. Restaurants have a high turnover in staff to begin with, and Key West is that times ten.)

The places I liked to go when I lived there were Schooner Wharf, and I recommend the magic show with Frank Everhart, Jr. (once again, tell him I say hi.) Irish Kevins (it can be loud and obnoxiously touristy, but still fun, even for someone who lived there) the second floor of the bull and whistle, and the gem of gems, the Galleon resort's Tiki bar. It's all the way at the end of Front street ( a block east of Rum Barrel) but it's a lttle tiki bar on the water with an amazing view of the sunset.

As a note - isn't the second floor of the Bull and Whistle the Garden of Eden - (a clothing optional bar)? One must go at least once in their life to Blue Heaven off Thomas.

[pojo]

If you like rum, stop by the Rum Barrel on Greene Street and try the Pyrat XO Reserve. WOW!!. When I was there in April I sat next to the bartender on the flight from Miami to KW. He hooked us up. I wish I could remember his name. KW is the best. Can't wait to go back next year.

Try the Guatemalan rums. they're even better. (I was one of the original bartenders at the Rum Barrel. What a sweeeeeeet job.)

Any recomendations?? I also tried the Ron Lacappa and I like that. The rum barrel was very good. We eaton the outdoor deck upstairs and had the yellowtail snapper. It was excellent.

The Ron Lacappa is great. To be honest, it's been a year since I worked there, so the names escape me. When you go, ask for the rum bible. It's a book that lists everything they pour rum wise. There are only 2 or 3 Guatemalan rums, they are all excellent, and les sthan you would pay for an equally good rum from somewhere else. (Also while you're there, ask if Jodi is working. If she is, tell her Jack from Connecticut says "Hi.". Or Tony, he might still be there. It's hard to keep track. Restaurants have a high turnover in staff to begin with, and Key West is that times ten.)

The places I liked to go when I lived there were Schooner Wharf, and I recommend the magic show with Frank Everhart, Jr. (once again, tell him I say hi.) Irish Kevins (it can be loud and obnoxiously touristy, but still fun, even for someone who lived there) the second floor of the bull and whistle, and the gem of gems, the Galleon resort's Tiki bar. It's all the way at the end of Front street ( a block east of Rum Barrel) but it's a lttle tiki bar on the water with an amazing view of the sunset.

As a note - isn't the second floor of the Bull and Whistle the Garden of Eden - (a clothing optional bar)? One must go at least once in their life to Blue Heaven off Thomas.

the Garden of Eden is the 3rd floor of the Bull. Blue Heaven is 2 blocks off of Duval on Pretonia St.

[carolinagirl]

Oh I almost forgot. When you step off the ship onto the excursion area look for a short guy holding a sign that says Ghosts and Legends. Stop by and say hi

Hey, Quint... parrotthed, keet and I will come by and look you up some time this week!