Best Bars in Key Largo: Hidden Speakeasies, Waterfront Drinks and Local Favorites

Key Largo’s bar scene is less about velvet ropes and bottle service and more about character. Some of the best spots aren’t just bars, they’re living pieces of Florida Keys history. In this post, I've included three standouts that each offer a completely different take on what a “great bar” can be in Key Largo.

The Armory

The Armory

The most intriguing and arguably most unique bar in Key Largo is The Armory Speakeasy. It’s not just a place to grab a drink; it’s an experience built around secrecy, storytelling, and atmosphere. I was fortunate to meet a local who gave me the passcode and invited me for a drink.

With passcode in hand and wedding party guests in tow, I headed to the Armory to see what this clandestine venue was all about.

The Armory is designed as a hidden, military-themed speakeasy, tucked behind a bunker-style entrance ...

... and accessed through a tunnel.

As opposed to the Caribbean Club, which you'll read about later in this post, The Armory is built around historical homage rather than being historic in and of itself. The speakeasy format evokes the secrecy of Prohibition-era bars, but this speakeasy is reimagined through a military lens.

The Armory pays tribute to military service and camaraderie, while simultaneously providing a playful, immersive, nightlife experience.

Oh, and it also has really cool, neon, back lit menus and great cocktails.

The Armory is a hidden gem on an island filled with tiki bars and sunset decks, which I also loved. At the Armory, you can sit in plush, leather banquettes and sip on cocktails or dance the night away. This place is a must visit in Key Largo.

Mrs. Mac's Kitchen

Mrs. Mack's Kitchen

Next up is Mrs. Mac's. While technically more of a restaurant, I came for happy hour and am therefore placing it firmly in the bar category. Established in 1976, Mrs. Mac’s is a Key Largo institution where the bar scene blends seamlessly with comfort food and community.

Interestingly, it was the first place I stopped in Key Largo after driving in from Islamorada, and what should I find, but an ode to Islamorada. Mrs. Mack's pours small batch hibiscus gin brewed and distilled on the nearby island of Islamorada.

Having never tried hibiscus gin, I decided to give it a whirl (literally). The server told me to do so in order to really appreciate the color. That bright purple color is actually imparted by pea flower extract, not by the hibiscus.

The flavor contribution of the hibiscus is the lovely floral notes, whereas the gin imparts that unmistakable, crisp juniper element. Together they create a refreshing, light bodied spirit that is lovely to sip on in the Key Largo heat, when poured over ice. I'm not sure if it was the vibrant color, the warm hospitality at Mrs. Mac's or the 40% ABV of the gin, but something had me feeling strong island vibes.

Caribbean Club

The last of the three bars I recommend is the The Caribbean Club.

The Caribbean Club

The Caribbean Club opened in 1938, making it the oldest bar in the Upper Keys and one of the last true relics of Old Florida. It gained national fame as a filming location and inspiration for the classic film Key Largo starring Humphrey Bogart.

The place was originally built as a modest fishing retreat. It wasn't until later that it evolved into a gambling hotspot and then a movie location. Today it is a beloved local haunt.

The Caribbean Club is located right on Blackwater Sound, providing gorgeous views at any time of day, but especially at sunset. (I've already told you about the epic sunset watching in Key Largo.)

The Caribbean Club is a no frills, cash only spot that serves drinks alone. Head out back however, and you'll find a food truck where you can buy some snacks or a meal.

Get comfortable at the Caribbean Club and swap stories with locals and/or travel back in time to the 1940s, immersed in this bar's celebration of film noir.