Sloppy Joe's located at the corner of Duval & Greene since 1937.
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Sloppy Joe’s Bar

4.5
·14k reviews·Key West, United States

Iconic Key West bar since 1933, famous for live music, strong drinks, and dollar-bill-covered walls.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdMedium
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Sloppy Joe's located at the corner of Duval & Greene since 1937.

Sloppy Joe’s Bar

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic Key West bar since 1933, famous for live music, strong drinks, and dollar-bill-covered walls.

4.5
(14k reviews)

"It's touristy, but in the best way—full of life, tradition, and that carefree island spirit."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Beat the Rush

Arrive early, especially on weekends or holidays, to avoid long waits for a table .

💸 Staple Your Dollar

Bring a dollar bill and a stapler to join the tradition of decorating the walls!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 14,945 reviews

Type

Bar

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dollar Bill Walls

Dollar Bill Walls

Throughout the bar

Witness the unique tradition of dollar bills stapled to every surface, a colorful testament to countless visitors.

Live Music & Energetic Atmosphere

Live Music & Energetic Atmosphere

Main bar area

Feel the pulse of Key West with live bands playing daily, creating an unforgettable party vibe.

The Original Sloppy Joe Sandwich

The Original Sloppy Joe Sandwich

Restaurant menu

Savor the namesake sandwich, a classic comfort food that's a must-try for any visitor.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Duval Street Buzz

Sloppy Joe's is right on the famous Duval Street, meaning it's always lively. Expect crowds, especially during peak times and events like Fantasy Fest.Instagram Arrive early or be prepared for a wait, particularly on weekends or holidays.Reddit

History Meets the Party

This iconic bar is steeped in Key West history, famously frequented by Ernest Hemingway.Instagram While it's a historical landmark, it's also a vibrant party spot with live music and strong drinks, offering a unique blend of past and present.

Best Times

When
Weekday evenings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Lively music & atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
During Fantasy Fest
Why
Unmatched energy & events
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Sloppy Joe's Bar is a historic institution in Key West, Florida. This iconic bar has been serving up cold drinks since 1933, and its rich history has made it a must-visit spot for locals and tourists alike. Joe Russell, the founder of Sloppy Joe's Bar, was known for his no nonsense sentiment. In the 1930s, Ernest Hemingway and his friends would often visit the bar to enjoy Russell's cheap drinks a...
@livinginkeywest
8.1K likes • 347K views

🎯 Beat the Rush

Arrive early, especially on weekends or holidays, to avoid long waits for a table.Reddit

💸 Staple Your Dollar

Bring a dollar bill and a stapler to join the tradition of decorating the walls!

Sloppy Joe’s is a historic bar and restaurant located in Key West, Florida. It was a favorite of the writer Ernest Hemingway when he lived in Key West, and he even mentioned it in his novel “To Have and Have Not.” #ernesthemingway #keywest #sloppyjoes
actionkidtv
267 likes • 4.3K views
Famous bar in Key West full of dollars. Sloppy Joe’s Bar! Sloppy Joe’s is a famous bar in Key West, Florida, known for its iconic tradition of customers stapling dollar bills to the ceiling and walls. The bar has been a Key West staple since 1933 and was a favorite haunt of Ernest Hemingway, who spent many hours drinking and writing there. The tradition of stapling dollar bills to the ceiling is...
sergey_muretov
10 likes • 949 views

🎶 Catch the Music

Check the schedule for live music acts; they're a huge part of the Sloppy Joe's experience.Instagram+1

📸 Wave to Home

Utilize their cameras to wave to loved ones back home – a fun, unique touch!

Sloppy Joe’s Bar Fridays are the place to be & the hottest live music ticket in town!! The birthdays 🥳 and post-turkey 🦃 vibes were lively 🔥🔥. Tampa Bay Band, Flo-Raw rocked the house to a jam-packed crowd and will return TONIGHT!! Huge shout out to Paul, JJ, all SJ staff, and Ryan Dickie for providing the best sound in all of KEY WEST🤩!!
florawband
0 likes • 960 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Beat the Rush

Arrive early, especially on weekends or holidays, to avoid long waits for a table.Reddit

💸 Staple Your Dollar

Bring a dollar bill and a stapler to join the tradition of decorating the walls!

🎶 Catch the Music

Check the schedule for live music acts; they're a huge part of the Sloppy Joe's experience.Instagram+1

📸 Wave to Home

Utilize their cameras to wave to loved ones back home – a fun, unique touch!

🍹 Try a Matty Mojito

Ask for Matty's signature mojito; reviewers rave about its deliciousness!

What Travellers Say

4.5
(14k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Sloppy Joe's Bar is a beloved Key West institution, celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere, live music, and historical charm tied to Ernest Hemingway. Visitors consistently praise the friendly staff, strong drinks, and the unique tradition of dollar bills adorning the walls. While it can be touristy and crowded, the energetic vibe and solid food offerings make it a memorable stop.

"This is always a stop on our visit to Key West!! We love it here. We met a spectacular bar tender Matty this time. We picked the first drinks; rum punch and blackberry tequila and then went with his suggestion of the Matty Mojitos. They were delicious!!! Also shared a quick key lime cream shot with the folks at the small front bar. Great stop!!! Thanks Sloppy Joe’s!!!"

Joseph Beatty

"Great bar, with a fun and open atmosphere! We loved that they had cameras so we could wave to our loved one's back home. There was live music and the staff were super friendly. I definitely recommend for a cold beer and some reprieve from the Key West sun!"

Sara Waeltz

"Sloppy Joe’s Bar in Key West is an iconic spot with a lively atmosphere, great drinks, and plenty of history tied to Ernest Hemingway. The bar is always buzzing with live music, friendly staff, and a fun crowd, making it a must-visit for anyone in the area. The drinks are well-made, the food is solid, and the energy of the place really captures the Key West vibe. It’s touristy, but in the best way—full of life, tradition, and that carefree island spirit."

Robson Carvalho

What People Like

Lively atmosphere
Live music daily
Historic Hemingway connection

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Tourist-focused

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Sloppy Joe's is located right on Duval Street in the heart of Key West, making it easily accessible on foot if you're staying nearby. Parking in Key West can be challenging, so consider walking, biking, or using a ride-sharing service if you're coming from further afield. Many visitors find it a central point on Duval Street for exploring.Instagram

Street parking is available but often scarce and metered. There are also several paid parking lots and garages within walking distance of Sloppy Joe's. Be prepared for higher prices due to its prime location on Duval Street.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, tickets are not required to enter Sloppy Joe's Bar. It's a walk-in establishment, though you may encounter wait times to get a table, especially during peak hours or special events.Reddit

Sloppy Joe's Bar does not take reservations. They operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so be prepared for potential waits, particularly during busy periods like holidays.Reddit

Sloppy Joe's Bar typically opens in the morning and stays open late into the night, often around 11 AM to 2 AM, but hours can vary. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours, especially around holidays.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Sloppy Joe's is known for its lively, energetic, and often boisterous atmosphere. It's a place filled with music, conversation, and the unique tradition of dollar bills adorning the walls.Instagram+1 It captures the quintessential Key West party vibe.

Yes, live music is a staple at Sloppy Joe's Bar, with bands playing throughout the day and into the night. The music adds significantly to the vibrant and fun atmosphere.Instagram+1

Sloppy Joe's Bar has cameras set up that allow visitors to wave to loved ones back home, a unique feature that adds to the fun and connectivity of the experience.

It's a long-standing tradition where patrons staple dollar bills to the walls and ceiling. You'll see thousands of them, each representing a visitor's memory of their time at Sloppy Joe's.Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Sloppy Joe's offers a menu of classic American bar food, including their famous Sloppy Joe sandwich, burgers, seafood, and appetizers like cheese fries. They also have a separate tap room for a more casual dining experience.Instagram

The Sloppy Joe sandwich is their signature dish and is generally well-regarded by visitors. It's a hearty and flavorful option that lives up to the bar's name.Instagram

Besides the Sloppy Joe sandwich, popular items include cheese fries, fish bites, Cuban sandwiches, and burgers. Reviewers often praise the taste and portion sizes.Reddit

While the menu leans towards classic American bar fare, some items like salads or appetizers might be adaptable. It's best to inquire with your server about current options.

📸 📸 Photography

The most iconic photo op is with the dollar-bill-covered walls and ceiling.Instagram You can also capture the lively atmosphere with the bands playing, the bustling bar scene, and the exterior on Duval Street.

Yes, you are welcome to take photos inside Sloppy Joe's Bar to capture your memories. The vibrant decor and energetic environment make for great shots.

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