Whether you’re winding down after a day of fishing, soaking in a sunset over the water, or just looking to enjoy a laid-back island vibe, Islamorada has no shortage of great places to grab a drink.
A nice, tropical cocktail pairs perfectly with the island lifestyle and will put you immediately in an island state of mind. Which is perfect because this slice of the Florida Keys is the perfect place to sip, relax, and take in the views.
From lively tiki bars with live music to quiet hidden gems ideal for a sunset toast, here are great spots in Islamorada to enjoy a drink.
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Places to Grab a Drink on the Water
The reason I didn’t call this category “waterfront bars in Islamorada” is because while you could treat each of these spots as a bar, most of them are actually more restaurant-type of spots. You definitely don’t have to eat at any of them and many of them do have a bar area.
Lorelei’s
Lorelei’s is probably the most well-known spot on the water in Islamorada; it’s also known as one of the best Islamorada restaurants. This place is huge with tons of tables to grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The views here at sunset are a great way to end the day.
If you’re just there for a drink, there’s a nice bar area. And no matter where you are, there are great views of the water! They also have plenty of live music throughout the week.
What to order: the “world famous” key lime colada
As a bonus, if you have room, I highly recommend the key lime pie here. It’s frozen so it’s a unique take on key lime pie!
Lazy Days
Lazy Days is also right on the water with both indoor and outdoor seating. They have plenty of adirondack right on the water for you to enjoy your drink with a good view. And of course, live music throughout the week.
If you’re hungry, they serve fresh seafood as well as classic food like salads, sandwiches, burgers, and steaks.
What to order: One of their specialty drinks (there are so many to choose from!) My favorite is Lazy Days (In the Keys) which has Captain Morgan, coconut rum, pineapple and orange juice, and a splash of cranberry.
Wahoo’s Seafood Bar and Grill
You won’t be toes in the sand here, but the views are out of this world. The bar area here is on the second floor where you’ll have views of the marina and looking out towards the Islamorada Sandbar. The water here is the bright turquoise water you can expect in the Keys.
It’s one of my favorite spots to grab a drink because the water in this spot is about as good as it gets! They also have a great happy hour.
This is also a restaurant that serves seafood and American classics. We usually order an appetizer with our drink.
What to Order: Spicy Candy Mango Margarita or a beer – they’re always ice cold here!
Marker 88
Marker 88 has a tiki bar and it’s especially a great spot to watch the sun set. Their seafood restaurant offers a full menu and plenty of good craft cocktails. There is a dock, beach area, and they often have live music. There is also indoor seating if you prefer that.
What to Order: Pineapple Coconut Margarita
Morada Bay Beach Café
This is another spot that’s great place at sunset. They have plenty of adirondack chairs while you enjoy the sunset. They have a full menu and the brightest tropical-colored chairs which gives such a tropical vibe. The atmosphere is upscale yet casual and has stunning bay views.
What to Order: Sangria
Tiki Bar (Located at the Three Waters Resort and Marina)
The Tiki Bar is a classic. This is located at the Three Waters Resort and Marina (Formerly the Postcard Inn). The Rumrunner was invented here in 1969. They serve plenty of tropical cocktails here and also serve Keys-inspired food.
What to Order: Rum Runner
Hog Heaven
Hog Heaven is a BBQ restaurant and I wasn’t sure whether to put it under the waterfront category (it is) or the dive bar feel category (it also is, at least in my opinion). It is a popular spot, but it feels like a small-town bar in the midwest.
They often have live music (especially on weekends), there are pool tables, a bar outside right on the water, and really good BBQ if you are hungry.
What to Order: An ice cold beer goes down smooth here!
Breweries
Islamorada is home to two breweries. They’re located pretty close to each other so it’s easy to visit both (which I recommend, if you can!) I love both of them so much and they each have their own unique feel.
Islamorada Brewery & Distillery
The Islamorada Brewery is decorated in bright yellow and so much fun. There’s a large outdoor area where they often have live music. They have an on site food truck if you’re hungry. They serve appetizers, burgers, and sandwiches.
But something unique about this brewery is that because they also have a distillery, you can also order a cocktail. You can even order a cocktail flight! This is pretty unique for a brewery and great for anyone visiting who doesn’t want to order a craft beer.
What to Order: Sandbar Sunday (a classic, named after the infamous Islamorada Sandbar), No Wake Zone (my favorite – it’s a coconut key lime blonde ale so it won’t be for everyone but it tastes like vacation) or the Frozen Key Lime Pie Cocktail (they also serve this as a non-alcoholic option!)
Florida Keys Brewing Company
Florida Keys Brewing Company is also very bright and colorful, but it’s more of a tie dye. They also have a huge outdoor area with plenty of live music. They also have a resident cat that you might meet if you’re lucky enough! There is a food truck on site (Jalisco tacos) and their tacos and chips and salsa are so good.
What to Order: Honey Bottomed Blonde (it’s made with local Keys honey!)
Places With a Dive Bar Feel
The Whistle Stop Pub
This spot is a perfect setting for relaxing. It has a laid-back vibe and there are plenty of TVs and pool tables. They also serve good food and have live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
What to Order: Your drink of choice – they have craft cocktails, beer, and wine.
Oceanview “OV”
This might be one of the most underrated spots in the Keys. It’s a sports pub with indoor and outdoor seating. We prefer to sit outside which feels like one giant tiki bar. Of course, there are plenty of TVs for watching the game. While you won’t necessarily see the water from wherever you grab your drink, it is technically waterfront and you can come by boat.
What to Order: The OV Painkiller
Other Good Spots
These are a few of my favorite spots that don’t fit neatly into any of the other categories.
Islamorada Wine Co.
The Islamorada Wine Co is a laid back wine bar with light bites like charcuterie boards, salads & small plates. And of course, a wide variety of wines! Their menu is constantly changing which makes each visit exciting.
Crooked Palm Cabana
Crooked Palm has the same owners as the Islamorada Brewery. Long before they opened this spot, they were serving their drinks at the Islamorada Brewery.
We’ve been enjoying their Crooked Palm drinks for years, which is vodka soda (pineapple is my favorite flavor!) so we were excited when they opened up their own standalone location. We always buy a pack to have in our hotel room.
At the Crooked Palm Cabana, they have plenty of custom-created island-inspired cocktails. They also have food. Overall, it’s a bit of a smaller menu yet still has plenty of options (salads, pizzas, and full entrees like pasta and steak).
What to Order: Spicy Grapefruit which has spicy pepper vodka, lemon and grapefruit juice, cinnamon, and simple syrup
Final Thoughts
Key West might have the big reputation for bars in the Florida Keys but as you can see, Islamorada also has plenty of options too!
No matter your vibe—whether it’s sipping hand-crafted cocktails with your toes in the sand or enjoying a craft cocktail with a view—Islamorada delivers when it comes to unforgettable drinks in an unforgettable setting. With so many fun and scenic spots to choose from, the hardest part might just be narrowing it down.
Cheers to island time and embracing the Florida Keys atmosphere!
