Key West: Off-Duval Cocktail Crawl

If you’re looking to explore Key West’s vibrant bar scene beyond the touristy Duval Street, the Key West: Off-Duval Cocktail Crawl offers an engaging and flavorful experience. Priced at $90 per person and lasting 3 hours, this tour takes you through five carefully selected local bars. Led by passionate guides, the tour promises dining and drinking at hidden gems, along with stories behind iconic drinks like the Hemingway Daiquiri. The tour is perfect for those wanting a relaxed, upscale outing with no lines or hassles and an emphasis on local ambiance.

While this experience doesn’t include hotel transportation, the meeting point at Mary Ellen’s Bar is easy to find, and the small group size ensures personalized attention. Expect a leisurely pace with a little over half a mile of walking across the tour. The tour’s highlights include photo opportunities of flaming cocktails and balcony views, learning about Key West’s drinking culture, and sampling creative craft cocktails. It’s an ideal choice for adults over 21 who enjoy drinks, stories, and discovering lesser-known venues.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $90 per person and lasts 3 hours.
• Locations Visited: Over five local bars, including a historic hospital bar, a microbrewery at PanAm’s birthplace, and a tiki bar.
• Highlights: Hidden off-Duval bars, craft cocktails, local stories, and photo-worthy drinks.
• Small Group Experience: Led by passionate guides, ensuring personalized attention.
• Includes: Five pre-selected alcoholic drinks, two food tastings, an e-guide, and recipe collection.
• Exclusions: No hotel pickup or drop-off; walk or taxi recommended.
• Accessibility: Suitable for wheelchair users and English speakers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point at Mary Ellen’s Bar

The tour begins inside Mary Ellen’s Bar, a well-known local spot with a lively atmosphere. The guide will meet you here, and from this central location, the group will set out through Key West’s side streets, avoiding the busier Duval Street. Parking is available across the street on Appelrouth, but walking or taxis are recommended to keep things simple.

This meeting point offers a cozy, authentic vibe, setting the tone for the casual yet upscale experience ahead. The small group size enhances interaction with the guide, who shares local insights and stories about the city’s rich drinking history.

Visiting Key West’s Hidden Bars and Unique Venues

Unlike typical bar crawls, this tour takes you into locally-loved venues that most travelers don’t discover on their own. Each stop has a distinct character, from a sleek historic hospital bar to a microbrewery inside the original PanAm building, and a tiki bar that transports you to an island paradise.

These stops are carefully curated to showcase Key West’s diverse drinking scene. You might find yourself sampling fresh spins on old classics or trying new craft cocktails crafted with local ingredients. Many venues offer excellent decor, balcony views, and flaming cocktails for eye-catching photos.

The Craft Cocktail Experience and Drink Selection

All drinks are pre-selected, with most venues offering multiple options for you to choose from. While substitutions are not available, the variety and quality of each beverage make up for it. Expect to sample five different drinks throughout the tour, each showcasing innovative twists on traditional recipes or tiki-era favorites.

The tour emphasizes learning the stories behind iconic drinks, including the famous Hemingway Daiquiri, which you’ll get to try inspired by the drink Hemingway himself enjoyed. This adds a historical layer to the tasting experience, making it both fun and educational.

Exploring Old Town and the Side Streets

Between bar visits, the group strolls through charming Key West neighborhoods, passing protected wild chickens and historical landmarks. The guide shares interesting tidbits about the town’s history, architecture, and local culture, enriching the experience beyond just drinks.

The walk is about half a mile over the course of the 3 hours, which keeps the pace relaxed. This is an excellent opportunity for photos of the colorful streets, balcony views, and decorative signage that characterize Key West’s unique charm.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Guide and Overall Atmosphere

The tour is led by passionate local guides like Maxwell, Rose, and Sharon, who are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling skills. They make the experience engaging, sharing historical anecdotes, recommendations for restaurants and attractions, and local secrets.

Guests consistently mention the guides’ enthusiasm and ability to enhance the experience. The atmosphere is upscale but relaxed, making it suitable for adults over 21 seeking a quality outing with no rush or crowds.

Value, Extras, and Additional Perks

Included in the tour are five drinks and two food tastings, offering good value for a curated, small-group experience. Participants also receive an e-guide of Key West, with restaurant, attraction, and shopping recommendations.

A signature e-recipe collection allows guests to recreate favorite cocktails at home, extending the memories beyond the tour. Plus, shopping coupons and privileges at partner restaurants are available for further exploration during your stay.

Booking, Cancellation, and Accessibility

Reservations can be made with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility in planning. Guests can reserve now and pay later, which is convenient for flexible travel plans.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and led exclusively in English. To participate, travelers must bring a passport or ID and be over 21. The tour does not include hotel transportation, so plan to walk or take a taxi to the meeting point.

The Ideal Guest for the Off-Duval Cocktail Crawl

This tour suits adults who enjoy craft cocktails, local history, and exploring lesser-known venues. It’s perfect for those seeking a relaxed, upscale experience with friendly guides and personalized attention. The small group size and storytelling element appeal to travelers who value learning while having fun.

While it’s not designed for pregnant women or children under 21, the experience offers a fantastic way to see the authentic side of Key West’s nightlife without the chaos of touristy streets.

Key West Off-Duval Cocktail Crawl: A Flavorful, Local Experience

In sum, the Key West: Off-Duval Cocktail Crawl offers a well-rounded introduction to the city’s hidden bar scene. You’ll sample creative cocktails, learn about iconic drinks, and enjoy small-group, guided exploration of Key West’s charming neighborhoods.

The curated venues and knowledgeable guides make this experience stand out, especially if you want to avoid the crowds and find authentic local lounges. While drinks are pre-selected and not customizable, the quality and variety make this a delightful outing for adults over 21 who love good drinks and storytelling.

For those looking for a relaxed-paced, immersive way to experience Key West’s drinking culture, this tour offers fantastic value and lasting memories—plus, the chance to recreate your favorite cocktails at home with the included recipes.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby