Picture this: you’re sipping a tropical cocktail under swaying palm trees, the ocean breeze is doing its thing, and your favorite team just scored a touchdown on the big screen TV right in front of you. Welcome to sports watching, Key West style—where game day meets island vibes and somehow makes perfect sense.
Look, we get it. You didn’t come to the Keys to spend your entire vacation glued to a screen. But when your team’s playing in a crucial game or it’s NFL Sunday and you’ve got fantasy football bragging rights on the line, you need a solid sports bar that won’t disappoint. Lucky for you, Key West’s got a surprisingly strong lineup of spots where you can catch all the action without sacrificing that laid-back island atmosphere.
Whether you’re looking for a classic Duval Street experience with wall-to-wall HD TVs, a cozy Irish pub vibe, or a local dive with character (and cheap beer), this guide breaks down the best sports bars in Key West. We’re talking about places with NFL Sunday Ticket, friendly staff who actually care about your team, and menus that go way beyond soggy nachos.
Jack Flats: The Duval Street Champion
Let’s start with the obvious choice—Jack Flats on Duval Street. This place is basically sports bar central in Key West, and for good reason. With roughly 19 big screen TVs scattered around the perimeter (some locals swear there are even more), you’re guaranteed a good view no matter where you sit.
Here’s what makes Jack Flats special: on big game days, they actually ask what team you’re there to watch and try to seat you near other fans or at least where you can see “your” screen. It’s like having a personal sports concierge, which is pretty genius when you think about it.
The menu hits all the right notes with U.S. 1 sliders, pretzel bread, wings, and nachos that locals rave about. Plus, the AC is cranked up—a blessing when you’re dealing with Key West’s year-round summer vibes and the excitement of a close game.
Fair warning though: this popular spot fills up fast on Saturday and Sunday game days, especially during football season. Arrive early or call ahead to secure your spot, because nobody wants to watch the big game standing in the back.
Pickles Pub & Sandbar: The TV Powerhouse
Remember the old World of Beer spot? It’s now Pickles, and they’ve kept the sports bar legacy alive with about 40 HD TVs throughout the complex. This place is serious about sports coverage—they tout having most major sports packages including NCAA, NFL, NBA, and NHL.
What sets Pickles apart is their late-night kitchen, open until 2 AM. Perfect for those West Coast games that start at 10 PM Eastern, or if you’ve been bar hopping on Duval Street and need some proper food to soak up all those tropical cocktails.
The space is large and lively, making it ideal for groups or when you want that classic sports bar energy. Their game day menu includes wings, burgers, tacos, and yes—pickle shots for the adventurous.
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Brady’s Pub: Irish Charm Meets Sports
Sometimes you want to watch the game without feeling like you’re in a football stadium. Enter Brady’s Pub, an Irish pub-sports bar hybrid that advertises “every NFL game all day” (though it’s worth double-checking their Facebook for specific game availability).
Located at 1900 Flagler, Brady’s offers a more relaxed pub atmosphere with 11 big screen TVs plus a giant screen for featured games. They’ve got that authentic Irish pub feel with perfectly poured Guinness, traditional pub fare, and friendly staff who know their regulars by name. Plus, free parking—a rare gem in Key West.
The vibe here is less “scream at the TV” and more “enjoy a proper pint while your team hopefully doesn’t break your heart.” They also feature live music, trivia nights, and even showcase local artists in their Barking Parrot Gallery.
Old Town Tavern & Beer Garden: Craft Beer Central
Not technically branded as a sports bar, but Old Town Tavern on Duval Street deserves a spot on this list. They boast the largest selection of craft beers in Key West and support both international and American sports on their screens.
This is your go-to if you’re the type who appreciates a good IPA with your football or wants to try local Key West brews while watching the game. The menu leans upscale with items like pork belly and artisanal flatbreads—perfect for when you want something beyond typical bar food.
The dual appeal here is real: you get sports coverage plus a more sophisticated bar atmosphere that works whether you’re watching the game or just hanging out with friends who couldn’t care less about sports.
Island Dogs: Front Street Favorite
Over on Front Street, Island Dogs consistently makes the sports bar lists for good reason. They offer solid game day specials, especially during NFL games, and if you’re craving hot dogs (obviously), this is your spot.
But here’s the insider tip: their Key lime martini is surprisingly excellent. It’s like having dessert while watching your team hopefully not fumble away their chances at the playoffs.
Mary Ellen’s: The Local Secret
Sometimes the best sports bars are the ones that don’t necessarily advertise themselves as sports bars. Mary Ellen’s has multiple TVs and the menu is comfort food heaven—think grilled cheese and tomato soup, but elevated.
The real MVP here? The frozen Irish coffee topped with cookies. It’s basically a dessert drink that somehow makes losing teams more bearable. Locals love this place because it feels authentic and unpretentious.
Don’s Place: Dive Bar Charm
For those who prefer their sports with a side of authentic Key West character, Don’s Place offers that perfect dive bar atmosphere. It’s a tiki-sports bar combo with TVs, pool, darts, and foosball.
The vibe here is relaxed and local, perfect for when you want to escape the Duval Street tourist crowds but still catch your team’s game. It’s the kind of place where the bartender might remember your order by your second visit.
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Other Mainstays
Durty Harry’s (part of Rick’s complex) appears on most “best sports bars” lists and for good reason—it’s perfectly positioned for the walking crowd with multiple bar spaces and that anti-formal energy Key West does so well.
Celtic Conch Public House combines solid TV coverage with live music, giving you options if the game gets boring or if your team is getting destroyed.
Sloppy Joe’s, while famous for live music and being a Key West institution, sometimes has games playing. It’s worth checking if you’re already planning to visit this historic Duval Street staple.
Pro Tips for Sports Bar Hopping in Key West
Timing is everything: Happy hour deals can make expensive tourist town prices more manageable. Many bars offer specials from 4-7 PM.
Check social media: Follow your favorite spots on Instagram or Facebook for special events, game announcements, or live entertainment schedules that might conflict with sports.
Ask about games: If you fall in love with a bar that has TVs but isn’t necessarily a sports bar, just ask if they can put your game on. Most places are accommodating, especially during slower periods.
Plan for crowds: Popular spots on Duval Street fill up fast during football season and special events. Arrive early or have a backup plan.
Embrace the island vibe: Remember, you’re watching sports in paradise. Sometimes a frozen daiquiri and chicken wings while your team plays is exactly what vacation should feel like.
Game Day Paradise
Finding the perfect sports bar in Key West isn’t just about finding the most TVs or the cheapest beer (though both help). It’s about finding that sweet spot where you can cheer for your favorite teams while soaking up the unique energy that only Key West can provide.
Whether you end up at Jack Flats screaming at the big screen, sipping craft beer at Old Town Tavern, or discovering your new favorite dive bar, you’re guaranteed to have a different kind of game day experience. The kind where palm trees frame the parking lot, the ocean is just a few blocks away, and even if your team loses, you’re still in Key West—which means you’re still winning.
So grab your lucky jersey, practice your best “touchdown celebration” dance, and get ready to experience sports bars, Key West style. Just maybe pace yourself on those frozen drinks—football season is long, and your liver will thank you.
