Sloppy Joe's Bar and Restaurant

There is no way you can make a trip to Key West without dining and drinking in Hemingway's favorite haunt. Since 1933 Sloppy Joe's has welcomed patrons. Visiting the internationally known bar and restaurant, guests are instantly enveloped in the history of Sloppy Joe's, Key West and Ernest Hemingway. When Joe officially opened the bar, Hemingway and his "Mob" of cohorts were enthusiastic regular customers. In fact, the author once called himself a co-owner or silent partner in the enterprise. The "Mob" was comprised of some of the literary lights of the day as well as a variety of famous and infamous local residents: John Dos Pasos, Waldo Pierce, J.B. Sullivan, Hamilton Adams, Captain Eddie Saunders, Henry Strater. They wrangled, drank, and philosophized the days away, never knowing they were building a legend.

In its early days in Key West, Sloppy Joe's boasted several trademark "fixtures" besides Hemingway. There was "Big" Skinner, the hearty black bartender who tipped the scales at 300 pounds and served Sloppy's customers for more than two decades and and the infamous rum runner Habana Joe. The long bar curved rakishly; gambling and the requisite pool tables were in the rear.

Sloppy Joe's has been located at the Corner of Greene and Duval streets since 1937. A move occurred in 1937 when the rent at the original location was increased from three dollars a week to four. The patrons literally picked up their drinks, the fixtures and walked to the new location which opened within a matter of minutes! Service resumed with barely a blink. The new Sloppy Joe's boasted the longest bar in town, a walled-off room often used for gambling, and life-size paintings of fighters on the walls. Also adorning one wall was a 119-pound sailfish caught by Hemingway, and Skinner had pride of place above the huge bar.

On one hand you know that the menu at Sloppy Joe's has to have been updated and on the other hand it's a little disconcerting to see chicken tenders in this historic restaurant. Anyway, we recommend the fish sandwich served blackened or fried. The burgers are also great as are the fries and onion rings. On our most recent trip we ordered the crab cake sandwich an enjoyed it immensely. The menu also includes pizza, salads and wraps. The Key Lime Pie is legendary, like the place, although we were annoyed that it was served in a plastic take-out box! If you'd like to know more about teh menu or the restaurant use the following underlined link, Sloppy Joe's Bar and Restaurant Key West Menu.

The real deal here is the drinks and the place. Just tell your waitress to keep the liquor flowing and soak up the history and ambiance of what has to be one of the coolest, most authentic places to drink and dine in the United States. This my friends is a true example of ongoing American history.