- Attraction: Green Parrot Bar
- Location: 601 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040
- Industry: Bar
- Website: https://greenparrot.com
Where else can free-roaming roosters wander through an open-air dive bar while blues legends jam until 4 AM?
The Green Parrot Bar stands as Key West’s most authentic watering hole, a place where locals and lucky tourists converge for an experience that’s equal parts gritty and magical.
Since transforming from Anthony Sanchez’s 1890s grocery store into a legendary music venue, this corner institution has earned recognition from Playboy Magazine as one of America’s top bars and has been voted Key West’s Best Live Music Venue for 11 consecutive years.
You’ll discover why this weathered dive bar has captured hearts for over a century.
The motto hanging over the booze shelves says it all: “No Sniveling” – this is a place where pretense dies at the door and authentic Key West spirit comes alive.
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Keep Exploring →From its historic roots serving submarine sailors during WWII to its current status as a beloved local landmark, the Green Parrot delivers an experience that’s impossible to replicate anywhere else on the island.
What Makes The Parrot Special
The Legendary Jukebox: The carefully-curated vintage 100 CD Rowe jukebox is arguably the hearth of The Green Parrot, featuring everything from Afro-Cuban Funk to eclectic Folk, sultry Blues, Trojan Records reggae, NOLA funk compilations, and local music spotlights.
When live bands aren’t playing, this musical treasure provides the soundtrack to countless memories and late-night conversations.
Live Music That Never Disappoints: You’ll witness some of the best regional and national acts performing on the intimate stage.
Shows typically happen Thursday through Sunday during peak season, with many bands doing sound checks around 5:30 PM before the main performance at 10 PM. The music ranges from blues and folk to rock and Latin funk, ensuring every night brings something different.
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Discover MoreFree Popcorn Machine: The fresh, hot, free popcorn machine has become a beloved fixture mentioned in dozens of reviews.
You’ll find yourself mindlessly munching this salty snack while soaking in the atmosphere – it’s the perfect bar food that keeps you hydrated and ready for another round.
Signature Drinks Worth Trying: The Root Beer Barrel has achieved cult status among regulars. This root beer schnapps concoction is traditionally chugged from a plastic cup, though you can sip it slowly if you prefer.
The Parrot Punch, made with Sailor Jerry spiced rum, orange and pineapple juice, and grenadine, captures the tropical spirit in liquid form.
Pool Table and Dart Boards: You’ll find entertainment beyond the music with a well-maintained pool table and dart boards that attract both locals and visitors looking for friendly competition.
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Keep Exploring →Many visitors specifically search for “darts bars” and discover the Green Parrot, ending up throwing darts with welcoming locals who make the experience memorable.
Atmosphere & Décor
Open-Air Island Vibes: The windows and doors are always open, giving this indoor bar an outdoor feeling that’s quintessentially Key West.
Even when crowds overflow onto the street during weekend nights, you’ll still hear the music perfectly thanks to this open-air design.
Authentic Dive Bar Character: You’ll step into a space that’s refreshingly unpretentious, where weathered wood, eclectic local art, and decades of stories create an atmosphere that can’t be manufactured.
The Green Parrot has “an engagingly louche clientele” and “odd art” that perfectly captures the spirit of old Key West.
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Discover MoreHistoric Building Charm: Set in a 100-year-old building that was once a grocery store, the space retains its original character while embracing its evolution into a music venue.
You’ll feel the weight of history in every corner, from the original structure to the stories echoing off the walls.
Mixed Crowd Energy: You’ll encounter an fascinating blend of characters – from tattooed bikers and sailing crews to music-loving tourists and longtime locals.
This diverse mix creates an atmosphere where “anything is possible, anytime” and people share stories “stripped of veneer, of pretense and of charade.”
Other Considerations
Reasonable Pricing: You’ll find drinks priced fairly for Key West standards, making it accessible for extended visits. Happy Hour specials run Monday and Tuesday from 4-7 PM, offering even better value during these times.
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Keep Exploring →The free popcorn and no-cover-charge policy for most shows add to the overall value.
Parking Situation: You’ll need to find street parking in the area, which can be challenging during peak tourist seasons and weekend nights. Plan to arrive early or be prepared to walk a few blocks from available parking spots.
Hours and Timing: The bar is open daily from 10 AM to 2 AM (Sunday-Thursday) and 10 AM to 4 AM (Friday-Saturday), giving you plenty of flexibility for visits. You’ll find the atmosphere more mellow during daytime hours and progressively livelier as the evening progresses.
No Food Service: The Green Parrot focuses purely on drinks and entertainment – you won’t find a food menu here. However, Charlie Mac’s BBQ next door provides convenient dining options when hunger strikes.
Smoking Allowed: You’ll encounter cigarette smoke inside since smoking is permitted, though the open-air design helps with ventilation.
Non-smokers should be prepared for this aspect of the authentic dive bar experience.
Special Events: You can catch Charity Bingo every Monday from 7-9 PM (bingo cards are $1 each), and Ukulele Night on the first Wednesday of each month at 8 PM.
These community events showcase the bar’s role as more than just a drinking establishment.
Green Parrot Bar
📍 601 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040
