Key West's Legendary - Chart Room Bar Closing?

[Parrotthed]

Yes, I agree it would be sad to see such a piece of old Key West disappear, especially one with pop cultural history. However, change is inevitable -- it's the only constant.
Also, how many of us actually spend much time in the Chart Room when we're in Key West? I've been going to Key West regularly for 21 years and have only spent one evening there and that was more than a decade ago when a buddy of mine used to live on the rock.
Still, it was nice to know it was still there when I was in town, even if I didn't go by there.

[Capt Granite]

General Jeff is rolling in his grave right now! Shame on those bastards!

[maineparrot]

as a former resident of key west('69-'72), I can tell you that the number one topic of discussion in all the bars in key west was the amount of god-awfull changes to 'old key west'. I'm sure the subject hasn't changed in the last 30 some odd years; just the butts on the barstools.

The last time I was on the keys(1998) I only stayed for 2 days of a 4 day trip. Too many pretenders and wanna be's trying too hard to have fun.

You couldn't swing a dead six-toed cat without hitting a T-shirt shop.

I've had the good fortune to live in some of the most beautifull places in the USA: the malibu mountains, grand canyon, Kona, and central maine. (i'm not wealthy, I just moved to these places and found jobs).

Thirty five years later, when I look back, I have more fond memories of key west than any other. I stopped going back because my fondness for the keys was changing into contemp. ;WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE, AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO THIS PLACE"

For me key west is a 'state of mind' now. I will always love the keys; but now it's more like the girl who got away.

If you get to the chart room before they make it "wi-fi latte lounge", raise one for old times and older friends.--- Then find a new place and some new friends.

[Couganata]

as a former resident of key west('69-'72), I can tell you that the number one topic of discussion in all the bars in key west was the amount of god-awfull changes to 'old key west'. I'm sure the subject hasn't changed in the last 30 some odd years; just the butts on the barstools.

The last time I was on the keys(1998) I only stayed for 2 days of a 4 day trip. Too many pretenders and wanna be's trying too hard to have fun.

You couldn't swing a dead six-toed cat without hitting a T-shirt shop.

I've had the good fortune to live in some of the most beautifull places in the USA: the malibu mountains, grand canyon, Kona, and central maine. (i'm not wealthy, I just moved to these places and found jobs).

Thirty five years later, when I look back, I have more fond memories of key west than any other. I stopped going back because my fondness for the keys was changing into contemp. ;WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE, AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO THIS PLACE"

For me key west is a 'state of mind' now. I will always love the keys; but now it's more like the girl who got away.

If you get to the chart room before they make it "wi-fi latte lounge", raise one for old times and older friends.--- Then find a new place and some new friends.

You some it up just like my father would! Exactly!

[PA PAR8 HED]

From m'ville.com

THE CHART ROOM BAR
In November 1971, when Jimmy was brought for the first time to Key West by Jerry Jeff Walker and Teresa "Murphy" Clark, the trio's first stop in town was the Chart Room Bar at the Pier House Motel. The bartender on duty was Tom Corcoran, a friend of Jerry Jeff and today an author whose mystery novels are set in Key West and the Lower Keys. Tom gave Jimmy his first beer "on the house" as a welcome to the island. Jimmy saw the freebie and the bar's ambiance as omens of great things to come.
Jimmy began his tropical career playing for drinks in the The Chart Room for treasure divers, pot smugglers, beachcombers, politicians and friends. Some nights he was joined by Vaughn Cochran on washboard ( and today a well-known artist ), Steve Goodman ( writer of Banana Republic and City of New Orleans ),and even Jim Croce. Jimmy's earliest Key West related songs were tested on the Chart Room audience, and he sang a few that might surprise the die-hard fans: Tell Laura I Love Her was a frequent request, as were Danny's Song by Loggins & Messina, and the obscure, beautiful On My Own, written by B. W. Stevenson

[lilsalty]

Is there any update on this? Is it really closing for good, and if so when? I have fond memories of CDIII and I playing trivial pursuit with 3 or 4 locals and the bartender, and we were watching South Park's Mr. Hankey Christmas special while tossing back Red Stripes...

[TropicalTroubador]

as a former resident of key west('69-'72), I can tell you that the number one topic of discussion in all the bars in key west was the amount of god-awfull changes to 'old key west'. I'm sure the subject hasn't changed in the last 30 some odd years; just the butts on the barstools.

The last time I was on the keys(1998) I only stayed for 2 days of a 4 day trip. Too many pretenders and wanna be's trying too hard to have fun.

You couldn't swing a dead six-toed cat without hitting a T-shirt shop.

Hey - if it weren't for those T-shirt shops, a lot of shady-looking Russians would be unemployed. I'm just sayin'.