Originally Posted by
pbiflyer
Seconding a couple of drinking choices: You have to drink at
The Green Parrot Bars along Caroline street are usually good. Tourists don't usually wander too far off Duval St.
Schooner Wharf is also interesting.
For breakfast, although the tourists have found it and it is crowded, as stated above, you have to do
Blue Heaven. Still good food and a bit of old Key West.
For the B&B, you may want to check out
Simonton Court. While it is not inexpensive, it is a great B&B. Individual bungalows.
Also, are you flying in, or driving? If you are driving, there are some additional food and drinking choices.
Lorilei's in Islamarada at MM 82. Order your friend a Bushwhacker or 3. Don't drink more than 1 if you are then driving to Key West. Perhaps even stay the night in Islamorada, seeing
Big Dick and the Extenders at Woody's. Stay at
Holiday Isle. Great Tiki bar. Also, if you are into fishing, Islamorada is way better than Key West for fishing options.
And although touristy sometimes,
Alabama Jack's on Cardsound Road is a must.
Thanks for all the recommendations - the Green Parrot bar especially is now in my list of the best bars I've been to. Their jukebox selection alone ensures this but also it's a lesson of how easy it is to get a bar right even though it takes a lot of hard work.
The other great spot in Key West was recommended by all the locals.Alonzo's Oyster Bar right down on the harbour is doing a Happy Hour on all cocktails and appetizers from 4pm-6.30pm.Fantastic value on stuff like oysters,clams and mussels and the cocktails were the real deal too.Ideal for an early evening buzz.
Unfortunately, Holiday Isle in Islamorada was the pits. I know it was out-of-season but the place looked like a bomb site and the room was filthy.
The only poor choice in a great week down in Florida.