Best Dive Bars in Florida Keys (not in Key West)

Having spent 30 years traveling to fishing and even working in the Florida Keys, which is less than 90 minutes from my house, here are some of my favorite dive bars for a beer, bite and a view. So just kick back, roll down the windows and listen to some Jimmy Buffett as you drive down the Overseas Highway.

Key largo

Alabama Jacks, Card Sound Road

This family-friendly biker bar serves great local seafood and fish dip and live music, all with a waterfront view.

Islamorada

Islamorada is my favorite destination in the Florida Keys for fishing and for a day trip for lunch at one of the following favorite dive bars:

Wahoos Bar & Grill MM 88.3

Awesome marina and ocean views including the local sandbar. Food is great too from local caught fish and raw bar. Bonus, they will also cook your catch known locally as “hook and cook.”

Loralei

A couple miles south of Wahoo’s and on the bay side, this laid back bar and restaurant also has live music and great sunsets.

Robbies Marina MM 77.5

Not technically a dive bar, but a series of shacks selling tourist stuff and a few open air bars and restaurants. Robbies is a great stop to see and feed the resident tarpon in the marina. Great for kids of all ages!

Marathon

Porky’s Bayside Restaurant and Marina at MM 47.5

If you miss the parking lot entrance you will cross the Seven Mile bridge and in effect make a 14 mile mistake getting here!

Once here Porky’s has a great dive bar vibe and great BBQ, local seafood and will also do a great “hook and cook.”

Castaways Waterfront Restaurant

Literally an off the beaten path dive bar that serves local sea food and “hook and cook.” Pro tip, careful stepping out of the men’s room as one false step you will fall into the marina.

Key West

Too touristy for my personal tastes, but I do like Hogs Breath when I’m down there.