Sandals: [Target]. Handbag [Cult Gaia summer 2019...available on Poshmark]. Earrings: [Madewell].
In my ten years of living on this island, I have learned that if there is one hobby Keys people are good at, its happy hour. When I moved here, I never quite understood what was so great about going out when the sun was still up. (Except to tailgate for my Wildcats-THAT I understood.) Hurrying to get dolled up in the middle of the day for maybe a few people to see my outfit just seemed pointless to me. But, when I hit 30, it was like a lightbulb turned on. I finally understood that casually dressing up, strolling to your neighborhood watering hole for a bill under $50 & going home before the sun went down was what it was all about. You still have your evening to make dinner, watch Netflix & go to bed at a decent hour. And that my friends, is why people in the Keys love happy hour. They live for it. The bar can be dead all day & when that magical time of day hits, its like Black Friday at the mall. Happy hour has become so popular now that its not only about getting a good drink on sale. The menus are packed with delicious food as well as fun cocktails. So trust me when I say, I know a thing or two about a good happy hour.
I've listed below my top three spots for happy hour & our favorite menu items! Two of the restaurants are not on Duval Street. Because true to my style, I'm here to lead you off the beaten path.
Our favorite spot for happy hour! We always get the buffalo shrimp & a dozen oysters. This spot is on the water in the historic seaport district & the laid back, relaxed atmosphere is so perfectly Keys-y.
Conch is also located on the water & is a short stroll from Duval St. Most drinks are two-for-one, but, only drinks are on happy hour. However with all the money you save on drinks, its worth spending on their food. The calamari & hand breaded chicken tenders are amazing. Plus, one secret menu item that you cannot forget to ask for are the Royal Red Shrimp.
Located at the end of Duval St, near Mallory Square, this spot has a not so typical Keys happy hour menu. Craft cocktails & trendy tapas at affordable prices with a great seat for people watching. If you choose anything, honestly just go there for the lobster mac'n'cheese. Mouth watering goodness. The blueberry basil lemonade is a great choice to wash it down.
Hope you have a chance to visit Key West & try my go-to happy hour spots! Or, if you already live here, hope they are a few of your favorites also.
XOXO,
Ju
