nice, small patio bar, ambiance

the wife and i on our first visit come december will plow thru the first day or two and then we just want a nice, relaxed, small patio bar - bar area - to sit and discuss the plan for the rest of the week. ambiance - that is the key to this thread. doesn%26#39;t have to be on the water, doesn%26#39;t have to be on duval, just has to be within 5 miles of key west and outdoors. favorite ';just chat with SO place?';

nice, small patio bar, ambiance

Depends on the time of day, but I like Schooner Wharf Bar. If you go early enough in the day, it%26#39;s fairly quiet; later it gets really busy -- I like it both ways.

I like Flying Monkey Bar at Fogarty%26#39;s, too, but for different reasons. They have good frozen drinks and you can sit at the bar and people watch. When we were there this past weekend, music was playing but it wasn%26#39;t so loud we couldn%26#39;t carry on a normal conversation.

nice, small patio bar, ambiance

I recommend the Afterdeck bar at Louie%26#39;s. It%26#39;s o/s, on the water, and away from the commotion on Duval. If you go there in the afternoon, it will be quiet and peaceful.

I too suggest Louie%26#39;s Afterdeck.

I like Louies but it%26#39;s pricey and on the south end of the island although, it%26#39;s within your 5 miles of Key West requirement.

I think as you wander around Key West, you%26#39;ll find your own little spot. They%26#39;re not hidden! Upstairs at the Rum Barrel. Outside the White Tarpon near Damn Good Food To Go. Crabby Dick%26#39;s (I KNOW! I wouldn%26#39;t EAT there but ya gotta admit, the bar is kinda cool) On the upper porch overlooking Duval at Cheeseburgers etc.

We like the Tikki Bars at Sunset Pier and Galleon.

PJ

We spent alot of time at Flying Monkey%26#39;s. Loved the bartenders and the location. And the food at Fogarty%26#39;s was good too!!

If you go up here 3:00 - 4:00 ish, you will have the place, especially the outside bar or a table, to yourselves...

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Pjk

Louie%26#39;s Afterdeck, Duval Beach Club, The front porch at Grand Vin.

I like the Afterdeck, too, but here%26#39;s a suggestion that may fit your requirements:

Take the tour of the Southernmost House (south end of Duval). It will cost you $5 each. The tour is interesting; it%26#39;s a beautifully restored home with lots of history and some remarkable presidential memorabilia, too. With your tour admission you gain all day access to the pool area/bar and one drink at no additional charge. The disappearing edge pool overlooks the Atlantic, the bar is nearby, take out food is available within a block%26#39;s walk or bike ride. It is rarely crowded, very peaceful and a great way to while away an afternoon making plans.

How in the world did I forget Grand Vin?! I agree that would also be a good spot but its beer and wine only. I would still pick Louie%26#39;s as my first choice.