June 01, 2022

A Last Little Piece of Old Key West

Schooner Wharf Bar

Steps from our resort, located at the foot of William Street on the historic harbor walk, is where you'll find one of the coolest and most eclectic open-air watering holes and dive bar on the island. Welcome to Schooner Wharf Bar, a little last piece of Old Key West. Morning, noon, or night this place is packed with locals and visitors enjoying another day in paradise.

There’s no glitz or glamour, it’s iconic, and it’s a funky open-air dive bar and hangout surrounded by ships and schooners with great food, drinks, live music, and one of the few places that offer two happy hours: 7 am-Noon and 5 pm - 7 pm. It also has a second-floor deck with spectacular views of Key West's historic seaport.

A Little Bit of History

The Key West Bight (aka Historic Seaport) is where the Key West fishing fleets traditionally made their home. In the 1800s, hundreds of turtling, sponging, and fishing boats were anchored in its protected waters. When shrimp beds were discovered west of Key West, starting a rush for “pink gold,” the bight became the epicenter of the shrimping business. Docks were installed and so many shrimping boats were berthed there that it was possible to cross the width of the bight from boat to boat without touching the water. Shrimp processing facilities were built along the shore, and today many of the buildings fronting the water are former packing and icing houses. In the 1990s, the city of Key West purchased the bight area to preserve its historic, working waterfront character. The Schooner Wharf Bar is partly housed in an old shrimp house, and it is surrounded by sailing ships, all upholding the deep history of the area.

Oh, the people you’ll meet!

Thanks Schooner Wharf Bar in Key West for a great afternoon yesterday. #barattheendoftheworld ~ Kenny Chesney

No trip to Key West is complete without visiting Schooner Wharf Bar! Who knows, you might even see a celebrity or two. (Photo credit: Kenny Chesney Facebook Page.)

Schooner Wharf Bar Annual Events

Photo credit: Schooner Wharf Bar

Did you know Schooner Wharf hosts more than 30 events annually, including the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, Wreckers Races, Minimal Regatta, The Battle of the Bars, Fantasy Fest Costume Party events, and the Lowering of the Pirate Wench on New Year’s Eve?

The Minimal Regatta takes place on Sunday, May 29th. Minimal construction and marginal seaworthiness will produce maximum hilarity at the 31st Annual Schooner Wharf Bar Minimal Regatta. Only boats made of plywood and duct tape are allowed in our offbeat Memorial Day Weekend regatta.

Photo credit: Schooner Wharf Bar

On New Year’s Eve at the Seaport, Schooner Wharf Bar has a tradition, “The Lowering of the Pirate Wench,” from the towering mast of the tall ship America 2.0 docked in front of the bar in the Key West Bight at midnight. The Pirate Wench is Evalena Worthington, owner of Schooner Wharf.

There’s always something happening at Schooner Wharf Bar. View the Schooner Wharf events calendar.

Schooner Wharf Bar is Pet Friendly

I can’t even remember stepping foot in Schooner Wharf, where we didn’t see Fido taking a nap while parents were sipping on cocktails, grabbing a bite to eat while listening to music at our favorite Key West dive bar at the Seaport.

The Food & Drink

Eat, drink and be merry morning, noon and night. You’ll hear the sounds of the best musicians in the Keys, taste the freshest local seafood in town, meet the most eclectic mix of customers and have the best drinks on the island.

Voted Most Local Popular Bar Since 1993 - Raw Bar with Fresh Gulf Shrimp & Oysters - Tempting Island Cuisine & Munchies - Serving a Great Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner & In-Between. Open 7:30 am - 2 am. View the Menu.

When you step foot in Schooner Wharf, you’re taking a step back into old Key West. It’s not just a bar; it’s about the people you are about to meet, the stories and storytellers, the entertainment, and the atmosphere.

Learn more about Schooner Wharf Bar in Key West, Florida.

If you're looking for an original Key West experience, visit Schooner Wharf Bar. You won’t be disappointed, and you just might fall in love with a little piece of old Key West. #lovethemarker

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