Sloppy Joe's
201 Duval Street
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 294-5717
Website
Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 AM
Location: Near the water
Drink: Sloppy Rita
Eat: Full menu featuring Sloppy Joe sandwich
Music: All Day and All Night
Parking: On the street, public lots
Boat Access: No
Unique Feature: World famous, sloppy joe sandwiches
Overview
Sloppy Joe's is one of Key West's most famous bars. Rich in history, Sloppy Joe's has been located at the corner of Greene and Duval Streets since 1937. This Florida beach bar was a favorite place for Ernest Hemingway to hang out. It was Hemingway who gave the place it's name. He told Josie Russell (original owner) “Joe you run a sloppy place, you should call this place Sloppy Joe’s”.
Sloppy Joe's is also located on the corner of the lowest point on Duval Street. When we were there a few years ago, Key West was the benefactor had 15 inches of rain in two days. We were sitting close to the stage and by the side door at Greene Street. It was pouring out. The waitress said that soon the water would be coming into the bar as this was the lowest point in town. Many of the Key West streets were already flooded and impassable.
You have to spend some time at Sloppy Joe's when you are in Key West. Sloppy Joe's is often the first stop for many Key West visitors. This Florida beach bar opens at 9:00 AM and live music starts at noon. Bands and singers perform from stage overlooking the dining and drinking area. Music plays until 2:00 AM. Sloppy Joe's features some of the best bands in town and is always a favorite stop for us.
We have yet to hear a bad band at this bar. Some Key West bars have great entertainment, and Sloppy Joe's is one of them. Brian Roberts plays there often, and he is one of our favorites. Sloppy Joe's has music 3 times a day, at a minimum. Even Pat Dailey, from Put-in-Bay, Ohio stops in to entertain.
You can't beat the food here, especially if you like Sloppy Joe sandwiches. The Original Sloppy Joe Sandwich made the U.S. and Key West famous. The menu has other choices, in case you don't like Sloppy Joe's. Their coasters proudly promote drinks such as the Key West Hurricane and Key West Lemonade. Also, they say their "drinks have a generous pour of 20% more".
You'll usually find this Florida beach bar crowded with friendly people in a party mood. Of course, it's Key West, and everyone in Key West knows how to party in true Florida beach bar fashion.
Sloppy Joe's is a Key West tradition.