Amazing Pubs, Breweries, and Distilleries in The Florida Keys
21 Feb 2023
When it comes to amazing places to get a drink, The Florida Keys does not disappoint. With stunning views of the ocean and unique flavours everywhere you turn, there’s no better way to quench your thirst than with a trip down to this South Florida corner of paradise.
The Florida Keys is home to some of the best pubs, breweries, and distilleries in the world. From traditional pubs with their signature hand-crafted beers and trendy distilleries with artisan cocktails, you’ll find plenty of thrilling experiences in The Florida Keys.
Let’s take a closer look at some of our favourite Pubs, Breweries, and Distilleries in The Florida Keys.
Florida Keys Brewing Co.
Are you looking for something unique and fun on your vacation to the Florida Keys? Look no further than a tour and tasting at the Florida Keys Brewing Co. This local hot spot offers craft beers perfectly brewed with passion in a lively atmosphere.
Whether you’re a beer connoisseur looking for an unforgettable experience or just want to enjoy some good conversation and delicious brews, this is the place for you. This hidden gem will make sure your trip down south isn’t complete without trying out at least one of their signature flavors. From light ales to dark stouts – there’s something here everyone will love.
You can either enjoy a pint in the tasting area, or take it outside to the Beer Garden, where you just may find a band strumming some island tunes under a canopy of palm trees. And there are lots of games to keep you entertained as well. And don’t forget too grab a delicious bite from the onsite food trucks – Jalisco Tacos (Monday to Saturday) or A Moveable Feast (Sunday only).
With its laid-back atmosphere, this beloved local brewery offers everything from handcrafted beers to creative cocktails that’ll make any adventurous tourist go wild. Enjoy all the character of Key West with some of the best locally brewed drinks you can find in southern Florida.
Suggested Beverages
Iguana Bait Kölsch (5.2% ABV 21 IBU – honey hibiscus kolsch made with local Keys honey and hibiscus), Sun Session IPA (5.1% ABV 42 IBU – full-flavored, low alcohol IPA with a citrus hop character), and Starvin Marvin Dunkelweizen (5% ABV 14 IBU – Dark wheat with hints of clove).
Location
Florida Keys Brewing Co is located at 81611 Old Hwy in Islamorada, Florida.
First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery
The Florida Keys is home to exotic marine life, tropical sunshine, and one of the most unique restaurants in the country: First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery. Located in Key West, this hidden gem offers a unique dining experience unlike any other – delicious fresh seafood dishes prepared with local ingredients, and specialty craft beers brewed in-house. And, you can choose between dining indoors, or Garden Canopy Dining on their amazing outdoor patio.
The menu items are inspired by regional favourites found throughout the Caribbean. From freshly shucked oysters on ice paired with beer flights featuring creations crafted right onsite at their brewery – First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery offers an atmosphere like no other.
This historic building was the birthplace of Pan American World Airways and is full of intriguing history, flavour-packed cuisine, and brewed beverages from across the globe. Experience an unforgettable night out with friends or family at one of the premier restaurants and breweries in The Florida Keys.
Pro Tip: Get the Key Lime Pie for dessert. It’s in an Oreo cookie crust with pieces of cookie in the pie. Not traditional, but a nice distraction from what everyone else is doing in The Keys.
Suggested Food
Diver Scallops (Pan seared diver scallops, chorizo-pesto risotto, sweet corn salsa), Brewery Wings (Jumbo wings, breaded or not, house-made ranch), Di Parma Flatbread (Prosciutto, arugula, mozzarella, rosemary infused olive oil), Deviled Eggs (House made recipe, beer battered jalapeño), Swordfish (Grilled swordfish, roasted jalapeño cream sauce, avocado-jasmine rice, asparagus), Caribbean Pork (Mojo glazed pork tenderloin, Caribbean red beans & rice, sweet plantains).
Location
First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery is located at 301 Whitehead Street in Key West, Florida.
Islamorada Brewery & Distillery
From tropical fruit-inspired cocktails to smooth craft brews, a visit to the Islamorada Brewery & Distillery is an absolute must while in the Keys. Nestled in the tropical paradise of The Florida Keys, this innovative brewing and distilling facility delights their guests with its exquisite handcrafted beer, artisanal spirits, delicious food, and laid-back atmosphere. Islamorada Brewery & Distillery is one of the most popular destinations in The Florida Keys.
This unique coastal distillery offers guests a chance to relax and enjoy some finely-crafted beers, spirits, and more. From craft beers and specialty cocktails to live music and entertainment, this lively venue has something to offer everyone. No matter which libation you choose you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable time at Islamorada Brewery & Distillery.
Whether it’s day or night, visitors will enjoy this establishment’s laid-back atmosphere as they sample some great brews and cocktails. Discover why this popular brewery and distillery continues to captivate locals and tourists alike.
Pro Tip: Don’t leave without trying the Frozen Key Lime Pie Cocktail. You can thank me later.
Suggested Beverages
Islamorada Ale Citrus Ale (5% – Crisp blonde ale with zesty lemon and orange), No Wake Zone (5% – Coconut Key Lime Blonde Ale), Local Color Key Lime Hibiscus Blonde Ale (5% – Beautiful rosy color, touch of fruity tartness), and Frozen Key Lime Pie Cocktail (7.9% – The one and only, tastes just like dessert).
Suggested Food
Pub Pretzel (giant baked pretzel, topped with salt & served with mustard & beer cheese), Smoked Chicken Wings (dry rubbed wings smoked with apple & hickory wood served with ranch & BBQ), Conch Fritters (bite sized fritters, served with tangy Caribbean aioli), and Smoked Deviled Eggs (house smoked & deviled stuffing, sprinkled with paprika, scallions & bacon).
Location
Islamorada Brewery & Distillery is located at 82229 Overseas Hwy in Islamorada, Florida.
Overseas Pub and Grill
If you are looking for a fun place to grab drinks and food in Marathon, then a visit to Overseas Pub and Grill is on order. This iconic restaurant is located on the Overseas Highway and serves a wide selection of both local craft and international beers, premium wines, and endless waves of mouthwatering seafood dishes and local delicacies. Themed décor includes rustic wooden boats, antique buoys and plenty of nautical charm for an authentic Caribbean experience.
The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed. If you’re looking for a great spot to enjoy a meal or drink while in Marathon, be sure to check out the Overseas Pub and Grill.
Suggested Food
App Coco Shrimp (delicately hand-breaded in a crispy & sweet coconut bread crumb coating. Served with sweet chili sauce), Shrimp Basket (jumbo shrimp breaded and fried), Seafood Ravioli (shrimp, clams, mussels and calamari simmered in a provencal sauce over cheese ravioli, served with garlic bread), Ultimate Crab Cakes (house-made crab cakes served with veggie of the day, mashed potatoes and gravy), Coco Shrimp Dinner (delicately hand-breaded in a crispy and sweet coconut breadcrumb coating and served with mashed potatoes & gravy along with veggie of the day). Save room for dessert! Key Lime Pie (a smooth & creamy, light textured pie that is full of the tangy taste of genuine Key Limes, resting on a delicious graham cracker crust).
Location
Overseas Pub and Grill is located at 3574 Overseas Hwy in Marathon, Florida.
Papa’s Pilar Rum Distillery, Hemingway Rum Company
If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in Key West, take a tour of the Hemingway Rum Company. Located in historic old town and steps away from Ernest Hemingway’s former home, visitors can witness firsthand how this lively Caribbean spirit is made from start to finish at this legendary distillery.
Hear the stories from your knowledgeable guide about how each barrel is carefully prepared to produce a smooth and flavourful spirit that pays homage to Ernest Hemingway’s iconic writing style.
Stick around after the tour and satisfy your thirst with handcrafted cocktails washed up with time-honoured recipes handed down through generations – all while taking in scenic views of picturesque Key West. Travellers are sure to be delighted by the unique taste of Hemingway’s award-winning rums as well as marvel at their innovative aging process using vintage whiskey barrels that have been repurposed into genuine prototypes.
If you’re looking for a fun, educational activity while in Key West, be sure to check out the Hemingway Rum Company.
Suggested Cocktails
Hemingway Daiquiri
1.75 oz Papa’s Pilar® Blonde Rum
0.75 oz fresh Lime juice
0.5 oz Ruby Grapefruit juice
1 tsp Maraschino liqueur
1 tsp Sugar (Papa went without)
1 peel of Grapefruit (as little white pith as possible)
Shake all ingredients and pour into a Coupe glass. Garnish with a dehydrated Grapefruit slice. If you want to make it how Papa drank it, double the rum and make it a Papa Doble!
Papa Libre
2 oz Papa’s Pilar® Dark Rum
0.5 oz Key Lime juice
3.0 oz Fever Tree Distiller’s Cola
Serve over ice. Garnish with Lime wedge.
Pilargo
2 oz Papa’s Pilar® Blonde Rum
4 oz Coconut Water
Splash of Pineapple juice
Build cocktail over ice. Serve in a rocks or highball glass.
The Old Hem
2 oz Papa’s Pilar® Dark Rum
1/2 tsp Demerara or Turbinado sugar
3 dashes Angostura bitters
1 Large ice sphere or cube
Orange peel
Combine sugar and bitters with a dash of water in a glass & muddle. Pour rum serving and add ice, stir. Squeeze orange peel around the rim of the glass and use as a garnish for the cocktail.
Reef Runner
1.5 oz Papa’s Pilar® Blonde Rum
3.0 oz Pineapple juice
1.0 oz Real Mango Purée
0.5 oz Passion Fruit Purée
0.5 oz Lime juice
Combine all ingredients in a shaker and pour over ice. Garnish with a cherry.
Location
Papa’s Pilar Rum Distillery, Hemingway Rum Company is located at 201 Simonton Street in Key West, Florida.
No Name Pub
If you’re looking for a down-to-earth, friendly atmosphere to enjoy some delicious food and cold drinks, then No Name Pub in Big Pine Key, Florida is the place for you. With its unique atmosphere and friendly staff, this popular pub has been drawing people from all over to experience an unforgettable time – but that’s if you can find it! It’s kinda hidden on Big Pine Key, and you’ll pass lots of Key deer on the way. Just don’t ask them for directions!
This beloved dive bar has been around since the early 1930s, serving up creative cocktails and unforgettable memories of good times spent with old friends and new acquaintances alike.
There are lots of good eats on the menu at No Name Pub, but it’s the gourmet pub pizzas you’ll want to dig into.
Don’t forget to tape a dollar bill on the wall with your name on it like so many before you have – it’s the stamp that you’ve been there.
Suggested Food
Caribbean Chicken (Marinated Chicken Strips, Green Onions), Shrimp (Key West Pinks, Green Onions), White Shrimp (Tomato, Spinach, Ricotta), and Meathead (Pepperoni, Sausage, Ham, Meatballs, Bacon).
Location
No Name Pub is located at 30813 Watson Blvd in Big Pine Key, Florida.
Eat, Drink, and be Merry in The Keys!
The Florida Keys is the perfect place destination for great pubs, distilleries, and craft breweries. No matter what your spirit preference is, you’ll find plenty of places to enjoy yourself in the Keys. If you’re looking for amazing views and even better drinks, make sure to put these locations on your list of places to visit.
Cheers,
Big Daddy
If you are a PR agency or brand and would like me to review a travel destination, vehicle, restaurant, product or service, please send me an email.
Craig Silva
Craig is a husband, a father, team leader, travel and food writer, senior youth group coordinator, designer, brander, community builder, volunteer, and social media strategist. Craig likes to travel, go camping, go on road trips, watch movies, build stuff, operate the grill, and sing with his band. Craig is a member of the Travel Media Association of Canada. In June 2017, PR firm Cision identified Craig as one of Canada’s top 10 most popular male bloggers in the parents and family space.
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