An Insider Guide

If you are looking for the authentic Florida Keys vibe, you have to get off the Overseas Highway and onto the water. While many visitors stay anchored to resort bars, the real Key Largo local scene lives at canal-side pubs and historic watering holes.

Whether you are a diver fresh off a morning charter or a boater searching for a true dock-and-dine experience, these are the five Key Largo bars locals actually go to.

1. Caribbean Club

Historic Landmark and Sunset Favorite

Located at Mile Marker 104, the Caribbean Club is the oldest bar in the Upper Keys and a true piece of Key Largo history. It famously appeared in the 1948 film Key Largo and has kept its no-frills character ever since.

Why locals love it

  • Prime sunset views over Blackwater Sound

  • Live music most evenings

  • A relaxed, come-as-you-are atmosphere

Local tip
This is a cash-only bar, but there is an ATM on site. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 4 PM to 6 PM.

2. Sharkey’s Pub & Galley

The Diver and Boat Captain Hangout

Tucked into a residential canal at Mile Marker 100, Sharkey’s is a neighborhood favorite and a gathering spot for dive pros and marina regulars.

What sets it apart

  • Over 30 craft beers on tap

  • Second-floor deck with constant ocean breeze

  • Strong connection to the local boating community

What to order
Fresh local seafood pairs perfectly with post-reef stories from the day.

3. The Armory Speakeasy

A Hidden Nightlife Gem

If you are looking for something different after dark, The Armory delivers. Hidden inside VFW Post 10211, this WWII-themed speakeasy offers one of the most unique nightlife experiences in Key Largo.

The experience

  • Immersive military decor

  • Craft cocktails made properly

  • A quieter, more refined crowd

How to enter
Guests access the bar through a hidden bunker tunnel and provide a daily password, usually posted on Instagram.

4. Dive Bar on the Bay

Casual Bayside Views Without Resort Prices

Located at Mile Marker 105, Dive Bar on the Bay offers front-row views of Blackwater Sound in a laid-back, neighborhood setting.

Why locals go

  • Friendly crowd and Keys-casual atmosphere

  • Excellent sunset watching

  • No pretense, just drinks and water views

This is one of the easiest places to enjoy the bay without paying resort-level prices.

5. Pilot House Marina

A Marina Icon and Local Hub

A Key Largo staple since 1950, Pilot House sits at Mile Marker 99.5 and remains the heart of the local marina scene. It has even been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

Why it stands out

  • Dock-and-dine convenience

  • Nighttime views of tarpon and manatees in the lighted basin

  • A classic Keys menu done right

Must-order
The Harvey Fish Sandwich, the dish that put them on the map.

Planning a Trip to Key Largo?

Knowing where to drink is just the beginning. We put together a Complete Insider’s Guide to Key Largo featuring hidden snorkel spots like Carysfort Reef, the best places to see manatees, and a free wetsuit rental code for your next adventure.

👉 Download the Free Key Largo Insider’s Guide PDF Here

Key Largo Travel FAQ

What is the oldest bar in Key Largo?
The Caribbean Club, opened in 1938, is the oldest bar in the Upper Keys.

Where can I dock my boat and eat in Key Largo?
Pilot House Marina and Sharkey’s Pub both offer convenient canal-side docking for boaters.

What are the best non-touristy things to do in Key Largo?
Locals recommend visiting the History of Diving Museum, exploring trails at Dagny Johnson State Park, and snorkeling the reefs near Carysfort Lighthouse.