Straight night clubs near me: Key West Night Clubs, Dance Clubs: 10Best Reviews
Key West Night Clubs, Dance Clubs: 10Best Reviews
Dance the Night Away at These Favorite Key West Bars and Clubs
BY
Claudia Miller
Key West Local Expert
If you’re looking for the big-city nightclub experience, you won’t find it in Key West. Long lines, VIP rooms and exorbitant cover charges, don’t really fit into the laid-back island’s DNA. Instead, you’ll find a more organic approach from couples doing the salsa on Mallory Square at El Meson de Pepe to tourists kicking it with the drag queens at 801 Bourbon.
Live music is a mainstay at most bars and restaurants, so if the mood hits you, it’s perfectly acceptable to shimmy and shake wherever you are. Late in the night, spots like Sloppy Joe’s and Green Parrot clear the tables to make room for a dance floor. “The Parrot” is famous for bringing in the best bands from around the country for a heady mix of gritty blues, rock and funk.
At the classy martini bar, Virgilio’s, the well-groomed hit the outdoor dance floor for live music–usually jazz, blues or Latin.
The vibrant LGBT scene offers the closest thing you’ll find to a traditional dance club at Aqua and Bourbon Street Pub, albeit with an outside tiki bar and male go-go dancers. DJs at Rick’s Upstairs and Fat Tuesday ramp up the beats for a younger crowd, who are fueled by an intoxicating blend of strong drinks and hormones. Here are the ten best places to dance like nobody’s watching in Key West.
Photo courtesy of Irish Kevin’s
At Irish Kevin’s, hilarious entertainers (particularly Pauly from New York) draw people in off the street with a chant of “come on in!” The live performers keep the patrons dancing, singing and entering drinking contests all day long. Music starts most mornings by 10:30 a.m. and goes non-stop until closing time. Most people stop by for a song or the comedy act and end up staying the night.
You have to a have a thick skin, as they do heckle the audience a bit, so be prepared to be a target of a joke or two. Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir shirt with their famous quote: “I came, I drank, I don’t remember!”
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Enjoy the bawdy humor of the musicians at Irish Kevin’s where they interact with the crowd, keep the dancing going and cold beer flowing.
Claudia’s expert tip: Bring your sense of humor. If you’re easily offended, this is not the spot for you.
Read more about Irish Kevin’s →
Photo courtesy of Sam Howzit
You’d be hard-pressed to learn about Key West without hearing of the infamous Sloppy Joe’s bar, where people come to get, well, sloppy. It was Hemingway’s favorite watering hole (“Sloppy Joe” was Captain Joe Russell, the founder and one of Hemingway’s drinking buddies) and remains a popular place for pub grub and live music.
In fairness to historical accuracy, Hemingway probably spent more time haunting the original location (formerly a speakeasy and now Captain Tony’s) until 1937. But the walls are filled with photos and memorabilia devoted to the author, and it overflows with “Papa” doppelgangers during Hemingway Days each July. Attached to the main bar is Joe’s Tap room, with several craft beers on tap. By nightfall, this place starts to get rowdy, and the tables are cleared away to make room for dancing.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Since its origins as a speakeasy during Prohibition, Sloppy Joe’s (Hemingway’s favorite bar) has drawn a crowd for strong drinks, live music and dancing.
Claudia’s expert tip: To beat the heat, try a refreshing Papa Dobles, Hemingway’s fave cocktail, made with Bacardi, Maraschino Liqueur, lime and grapefruit juices
Read more about Sloppy Joe’s →
Photo courtesy of 801 Bourbon Bar
This funky Duval Street bar is a must-do on any Key West itinerary.
Female impersonators take the stage at the cabaret, including the legendary Sushi, who has been making a name for herself on the island for more than 25 years. Expect singing, dancing, a bit of raunchy comedy and audience participation. There are two cabaret showings at 9:00 p.m. and again at 11:00 p.m. nightly. (Note: the late-night show is known to be more R-rated than the early show.) Make sure to bring lots of small bills, as tipping the performers is highly encouraged. Check at your hotel for a coupon for a discount on the cabaret cover charge. On Sundays, drag queen bingo with QMitch is a fave for locals and visitors alike, so get there early to snag a seat. Beware: some of the prizes are rather risque.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: This funky, Duval Street bar is a must-do on any Key West itinerary with its drag queen cabaret, bingo and karaoke.
Claudia’s expert tip: Want to meet some of the drag queens before the show? They usually greet passersby on Duval Street in front of the bar and are happy to pose for photos.
Read more about 801 Bourbon Bar →
Filled with mix of local characters and visitors-in-the-know, “The Parrot,” is not your typical dive bar. As the oldest watering hole in Key West, they’ve got nothing to prove, and their motto, “No Snivelling,” illustrates their no-nonsense approach to slinging stiff drinks. Tropical breezes and ceiling fans keep the open-air bar cool, and the old-school jukebox mixes B.B. King with The Temptations and New Orleans Funk. While they only have popcorn to munch on, the BBQ joint next door, Charlie Mac’s, will send over a waiter who’ll bring you a to-go order. At night, bands from around the country up the ante with a heady mix of gritty blues, rock and funk. You won’t be able to resist the urge to boogie the night away. If you’re not a late-night person, at 5:30 pm the bands do an early sound check set.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: “The Parrot” is best dive bar to enjoy colorful characters, strong drinks and dancing to the top live music in town.
Remember, “No Snivelling.”
Claudia’s expert tip: Try the Root Beer Barrel Shot, a Green Parrot tradition for over 20 years. Drop a shot of root beer schnapps into a highball glass of light beer and toss it back. It’s refreshing and addictive.
Read more about Green Parrot Bar →
Photo courtesy of Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau/HO
With a prime location on the corner of Petronia and Duval Street, this popular gay pub is Key West’s only video music bar and home to the island’s largest television screen. The VJs showcase exclusive videos, and at 10:00 p.m. the Men of Bourbon Street Pub take to the stage for go-go dancing and more R-Rated entertainment. Things get wild at the men-only clothing-optional, Garden Bar, an outdoor theater, tiki bar and pool area. Tuesday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. is the only time the Garden Bar is open to everyone. Check their website for the different events and drink specials each night like Martini Tuesdays ($4 Stoli martinis) and Red Hot Mondays ($4 Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey).
Wednesday through Sunday, you can enjoy Drag Queen Jukebox with Jessica Grabbit, who will sing your requests.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: This popular gay pub features strong drinks, studly male go-go dancers, live VJs, drag shows and a clothing-optional men-only Garden Bar.
Claudia’s expert tip: Several areas are men-only, and an anything-goes atmosphere pervades late-night in the entire complex. If you are on the prudish side, this might not be the best stop for you.
Read more about Bourbon Street Pub →
Photo courtesy of Caribe of Key West
Cuban culture is an integral part of Key West’s DNA, and at El Meson de Pepe, you can salsa the night away. At sunset, the Latin band, Caribe of Key West, creates a festive atmosphere, while people dance and mingle outside at the patio bar. The restaurant serves up classic Cuban dishes like roast pork, picadillo, ropa vieja, plantains and flan in a historic red brick building off of Mallory Square.
You can choose to sit inside on the warmer days, or enjoy outdoor dining with chickens running across the patio. Order one of their signature mojitos, a Cuban cocktail made with fresh mint, lime and rum. Yes, they’re a little pricey but oh so worth it. Reservations are recommended.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Get ready to salsa and merengue to the lively band, Caribe of Key West, each night on Mallory Square.
Claudia’s expert tip: Don’t miss their signature mojitos, a Cuban cocktail made with fresh mint, lime and rum.
Read more about El Meson de Pepe →
Photo courtesy of Rick’s Key West
With eight bars built in to this complex, you can easily party all night at Rick’s Key West. The Duval Street institution offers late night karaoke (until 4:00 a.m.), the Durtbags cover band, and several DJs that turn up the bass into the wee hours of the morning. The live music roster is sure to have patrons on their feet with rock-and-roll covers of bands like Blink 182, Godsmack, AC/DC and others.
The Durtbags alone are worth coming out to see; they rock the stage. At Rick’s Upstairs, the DJs spin the best beats seven nights a week, while patrons shimmy on the multi-level dance floor under the mirrored disco ball.
Read more about Rick’s Key West (Durty Harry’s) →
Photo courtesy of Aqua Nightclub
This all-welcome, gay night club has creative events every day of the week from afternoon to evening. Stop in for no-limit Texas Hold’em poker tournaments, Aqua’s American Idol karaoke with proceeds that go to charity and dueling bartenders who sing as they shake and stir their cocktails. Their nightly drag shows, featuring the Aquanettes, get rave reviews from locals and tourists alike for the caliber of the performances and the hilarity that ensues. The performers get the audience involved, so if you don’t like to be in the limelight, choose a seat away from the walkways. After the shows, the bar becomes an all-out dance party that is not to be missed.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: This all-welcome, gay night club features over-the-top drag performances and non-stop dancing til 2:00 am.
Claudia’s expert tip: The performers get the audience involved which makes it even more fun! If you don’t like to be in the limelight, choose a seat away from the walkways.
Read more about Aqua Nightclub →
Photo courtesy of Elin B
It may be a chain bar, but Fat Tuesday always promises a good time, especially since their famous frozen daiquiris are some of the strongest on the island. During the day, you can cool down with some mellow reggae grooves. (They even serve up non-alcoholic versions, so everyone can imbibe.) At night the dance floor comes out, and the bar turns into a club scene where a younger crowd boogies down. The DJs start spinning at 9:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and the party continues late into the night.
The rainbow wall of swirling slushis can make it hard to choose a flavor with everything from the classic margarita to 190 Octane orange punch. You can create a custom mix to suit your mood, and the friendly bartenders will even provide samples. For extra value, consider their refillable mugs or sports bottles.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: The heady mixture of the thumping DJ’s beats and the strongest drinks on the island equals uninhibited dancing from a younger crowd.
Claudia’s expert tip: Don’t miss happy hour from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday for $4.50 daiquiris.
Read more about Fat Tuesday →
Photo courtesy of Kristen Livengood
Tucked behind La Trattoria restaurant, Virgilio’s (named after the founder of the restaurant) is an elegant indoor/outdoor cocktail bar popular with the swanky over 30 crowd. Perfectly mixed martinis are the house specialty in yummy flavors like mint chocolate chip and Key lime pie.
If you have trouble choosing from their extensive selection, the bartenders can help you find the right drink to fit your mood. Kick back either on the outside patio or at the second bar under the roof. Every night people hit the dance floor for live music, usually jazz, blues or Latin. If you’re feeling peckish, you can order Italian fare from a full menu until 10:30pm, and from a limited menu until close.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: For a more upscale experience, Virgilio’s is an elegant indoor/outdoor bar with live music, dancing and the best martinis on the island.
Claudia’s expert tip: Be there when it opens on Martini Mondays. Their delicious concoctions are only $5, and the place gets packed.
Read more about Virgilio’s →
Meet Claudia Miller
Claudia Miller has been writing about South Florida for over 17 years–seven from Key Largo.
A budding photographer, she can usually be found stalking a sunset. Despite being a tad… More About Claudia
Best Nightlife in Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs’ Best Nightlife Options: Where to Party after Dark
BY
Marissa Willman
Palm Springs has long had a reputation for its toned down nightlife, but with an influx of new bars and younger crowds, Palm Springs has become a popular destination for Los Angeles and Orange County night owls looking for a party. With casinos, clubs, trendy bars and late night happy hours, there’s little reason to stay home in Palm Springs on any night of the week. Before retreating to your hotel, spend a few hours enjoying all that the local nightlife scene has to offer.
If it’s craft cocktails and DJ-spun sets you’re after, don’t miss the aptly named Bar on Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs.
A favorite for its handcrafted drinks and nightly live entertainment, this intimate watering hole has quickly become a Palm Springs favorite since opening in 2013. Nearby, you’ll also find plenty of live music and free-flowing drinks at Village Pub, another late-night staple in the desert.
Feel like dancing the desert night away? Don’t miss Zelda’s or Toucan’s, two of Palm Springs’ top spots for tearing up the dance floor. On the east end of the valley, you’ll find plenty of local bands and beers at watering holes like The Hood, Schmidy’s and The Red Barn. Or you can take center stage yourself at Neil’s in Indio, where karaoke fiends converge nightly.
If you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience, The Amigo Room at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club is always a sure bet. On any given night, The Amigo Room could host bingo, stand-up comics, a dance party or an arts and crafts session. This hipster-heavy spot offers something quirky and indie on almost every night of the week.
Photo courtesy of The Red Barn
It’s not hard to miss this bar and music venue–it is, after all, a giant red barn. Despite the farm-inspired architecture, the venue doesn’t feature much in the way of country music. Local bands–mostly rock and reggae–often take to the Red Barn’s graffiti-lined stage to flaunt what they’ve got. When local bands aren’t playing, a jukebox fills the bar with rock and roll classics. In true dive bar fashion, the Red Barn offers cheap drinks, stiff pours and friendly bartenders. For a low-key night with laidback locals, head to the Red Barn in Palm Desert.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Red Barn is a local dive in Palm Desert, known for offering nothing but libations, pure and simple.
Marissa’s expert tip: Eat before you come or be prepared to go on a liquid diet for the night. The Red Barn prides itself on being a “real bar,” meaning they don’t serve appetizers or dishes.
Read more about Red Barn →
Photo courtesy of Village Pub
From dance floors to foosball tables, the Village Pub has entertainment for everyone. For live entertainment lovers, the ground floor of this downtown pub is the place to be. Village Pub offers live music every night of the week, plus there’s no cover charge to enjoy the tunes.
The bar has 13 beers on tap and a full menu, as well as an outdoor fire pit where you unwind with the live entertainment still in the background. With a friendly staff that won’t kick you out until 1:30 a.m., the Village Pub is one of Palm Springs’ more versatile venues for live music.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Village Pub offers both live music and a DJ-fueled dance floor, as well as cheap drinks and late-night hours.
Marissa’s expert tip: If you’re looking for live music, stick to the downstairs level. DJ-spun tunes typically dominate upstairs.
Read more about Village Pub →
Photo courtesy of Zelda’s Nightclub
If you want to dance your cares and the night away, head to Zelda’s for the desert’s largest dance party. For more than 35 years, Zelda’s has remained one of the only true nightclubs in the desert. Just south of downtown Palm Springs, Zelda’s offers an upscale atmosphere, a state-of-the-art sound system and sets spun by the hottest local DJs. Club promotions include short skirt nights and bikini contests. With weekly appearances by an all-male revue show, Zelda’s is a popular spot for bachelorette parties or a girls’ night out. Whether you’re ready to mingle or just looking to dance, a night out at Zelda’s is sure to entertain.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Zelda’s Nightclub is one of the desert’s most popular nightclubs.
Marissa’s expert tip: Book a private table or reserve the skybox for a private retreat between dance sessions.
Bottle service comes with unlimited mixers and scores your party a private area where you can recharge after a few dances.
Read more about Zelda’s Nightclub →
Photo courtesy of Western Grill
While this old-time, Western-themed saloon is a great watering hole, Neil’s Lounge’s true claim to fame is its famous karaoke nights. Locals, tourists and even celebrities drop into this dive bar for a stiff drink and a few minutes of fame on the karaoke stage.
Drink specials are offered every night and the restaurant side of the bar, Western Grill, has an all-day $5 menu with bar-friendly fare like tri-tip sandwiches and beef melts.
Karaoke begins every night at 8 p.m., so plan accordingly. On Fridays and Saturdays, the bar quickly fills up to standing room only status. For those who aren’t inclined to sing, two pool tables are available in the back room.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Neil’s Lounge is one of the desert’s most popular karaoke options.
Marissa’s expert tip: Drop by Neil’s Lounge during the annual Stagecoach Country Music Festival. Not only is this a popular bar for festival after parties but celebrities like Keith Urban have been known to sing a round of karaoke at Neil’s after Stagecoach.
Read more about Neil’s Lounge →
Welcome to the jungle in the heart of the desert. This gay nightclub in downtown Palm Springs loves to party, and whether you’re gay or straight, you’re sure to have a good time in this high-energy club. With themed dance parties every night, no two visits to Toucans are ever the same. Nightly events include “Jungle Boogie” dance parties and “Double the Fun Thursdays,” and on any given night, you might spot the “Go Go Boys” dancers taking the stage. While you can always count on Toucans for strong drinks, friendly atmosphere and fun dance music, you won’t want to miss the Sunday night cabaret shows. At 8 p.m. and 10 p.
m., the divas of drag take to the Toucans stage for their popular “Playgirls” performance.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Toucan’s Tiki Lounge is one of Palm Springs’ most popular gay clubs, with drinks, dancing and weekly entertainment.
Marissa’s expert tip: Being that Toucan’s is one of the most popular clubs in the Coachella Valley, it can get really packed, really quick. Arrive before 10 p.m. to avoid the long lines that form later in the evening.
Read more about Toucan’s Tiki Lounge →
Photo courtesy of Schmidy’s Tavern
Sometimes, all you need from a bar is a relaxing, laid-back atmosphere and a handful of well-crafted beers on tap. When it comes time to skip the rowdy crowds and late-night bar-fights, it’s time to head to Schmidy’s in Palm Desert. This watering hole tends to attract a more low-key crowd who come for the quality beers and late-night entertainment, ranging from acoustic bands to karaoke nights.
Weekly beer tastings and a monthly beer dinner add to this bar’s reputation as one of the desert’s best for craft beers. A full menu is also served all day, and the bar is open late all week long.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Schmidy’s Tavern is known for its hefty craft beer offerings and nightly entertainment, ranging from live local bands to karaoke.
Marissa’s expert tip: Don’t miss the weekly beer tastings, which introduce patrons to the latest and most notable offerings in the craft beer world.
Read more about Schmidy’s Tavern →
Photo courtesy of Richard Thomas
Forget noisy nightclubs and dive bars�if you’re looking for a hip night on the town, head to the Ace Hotel and Swim Club. This hipster haven offers a quirky take on nightlife, offering offbeat options like bingo or arts and crafts hour in the Amigo Room. Local comics also take to the Amigo Room to bring on the funny, and DJ-hosted dance parties are a frequent occurrence.
Poolside parties engulf the outdoor patio on weekends, bringing DJs, live music and dancing to the Ace. Also held poolside is the monthly Full Moon Party, which celebrates the full moon with a drum circle, tarot card readings and free-spirited dancing.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Ace Hotel & Swim Club offers a wide range of nightlife options, including pool parties, bingo, stand-up comedy and karaoke.
Marissa’s expert tip: The Amigo Room offers a number of signature cocktails that shouldn’t be missed. For a refreshing cocktail, try the cucumber- and mint-infused Desert Facial. Need to satisfy a sweet tooth? Opt for the Funky Pirate, which blends spiced rum with guava puree and lime juice.
Read more about Ace Hotel & Swim Club →
Photo courtesy of Village Pub
While Coachella Fest is a strictly seasonally event, The Hood in Palm Desert keeps the tunes and soul of the music festival alive all year long.
This bar and music venue has made a name for itself locally by hosting both local and mainstream bands. Local bands play at The Hood every weekend and on Wednesdays, local musicians hit the stage for “Open Mic” night.
While The Hood has a soft spot in its heart for local music, this dive bar has also seen the likes of larger names like British pop band Modern English. The Hood offers dive bar prices on its drinks and pizza. Add in some live entertainment, and it’s easy to get lost in the good vibes of The Hood.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: The Hood Bar & Pizza is a Palm Desert nightlife staple, thanks to its drink specials, popular pizzas and live music.
Marissa’s expert tip: Since it doesn’t look anything like a bar from the outside, The Hood is difficult to spot from Highway 111. Look for a large grey building between two strip malls. The sign is neon green but easy to miss in this long stretch of business complexes and strip malls.
Read more about The Hood Bar & Pizza →
Photo courtesy of Bar
Opened in early 2013, Bar combines handcrafted cocktails and live music in downtown Palm Springs. The decor draws on downtown’s signature modern style, but there’s a hint of dive bar soul in these walls.
From the lounge at Bar, you can enjoy local up-and-comers during a singer-songwriter night or a popular indie band on the weekends. The typical live music lineup includes indie, experimental, acoustic and electronica acts. The stage and lounge are intimate, perfect for those who want to sit back with a craft cocktail or get into the groove on the dance floor. An affordable bar menu with bites like bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with bleu cheese is also served throughout the night.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Bar offers craft cocktails, a tailored small bites menu and nightly entertainment, from live music to DJs.