The Green Parrot
You ain't been here? You ain't been to Key West.
On a (relatively) small island with many many options - this is one of the few "must do" items. The Green Parrot. I've been there early. Been there (very) late. Drunk. Sober. And everywhere in between.
It's a dive bar. Although recently they've upped their craft beer options. Absolutely the last word when it comes to music on Key West. Especially if your taste trends towards blues, jazz or Americana.
TIP: Keep an eye for "Soundchecks" - usually around 5:30 the night's headliner (or sometimes another band) will play for an hour or 2. Not every day - but late in week it seems common. Great time to catch a great act w/ less of a crowd. also...
ANOTHER TIP: If you've hit the point where you're in the Keys w/ the kids - these soundchecks can work for you too. There is liquor store right next door (I think they own it) and you can grab some drinks for the kids - or, in my wife's case, an entire bottle of wine and sit at a barrel table out the side door. Grab some popcorn (free inside) and the kids get a concert to...which reminds me...
MORE TIPS: The Green Parrot popcorn is the best. It really is. Especially with a cold beer (which helps you forget the 1300 people that touched your popcorn before you.)
BACK TO THE KIDS: Remember - its Key West - if you ain't a stick in the mud - bring em inside for Soundcheck. No one cares as long as they're cool. Last trip I have a 1/2 dozen older folks come over to compliment me on giving my (8 year old) son the life experience of music at the Green Parrot. Yes, complimented me on taking my son to a bar. Parenting goals to be sure.
Header image from https://keywest.floridaweekly.com/articles/music-scene-100/
The Green Parrot Bar is an iconic Key West saloon with dive bar credibility where locals come to kick back, enjoy a drink or two and jam to great live music. An eclectic mix of rock, reggae, blues, New Orleans funk and afro-Latin jazz creates concert-like revelry that often spills out onto the sidewalk.
