Just to be clear, although we sometimes mention it, we do imbibe alcohol, moderately and only occasionally. Having said that, we do want to recognize that although bars and restaurants may be the sole image people have of Key West (well, add nudity, music, sunshine and palm trees), that is not accurate. However, there are over 400 bars/restaurants in this small town. That does seem like a fairly large number for a town of only 25,000 year- round residents.
Many of the bars are very average, like you'd find anywhere, but with slightly higher prices which in turn makes happy hours seem even more happy. Many, far more than you might think, have live music and more than an island vibe which somehow automatically makes them more inviting.
Some have history, like being in the original Pan Am headquarters or being where Jimmy Buffet first played (a single guitar guy trying to make a living on tips). Some have locked bathrooms that you need a code to enter (no riffraff here, nosirree).
Some have an ocean view as their main attribute. Others do seem like an afterthought to an eating space. There are even a few romantic places like the one we discovered one night down a dimly lit alleyway. Many have a singular personality, like Kelly's in Westport. Practically all are pretty clean and attract friendly people whose first question is, "Where are you from?" Most open very early and stay that way until very late.
We went to a place cleverly (?) christened the Dive Bar which had board games and a community puzzle. While we were munching on a plate of the Dive's tacos, a group of nearly 40 thirty-somethings arrived in costume. Each person was their interpetation of a corporate mascot, like the Energizer Bunny or Tony the Tiger. Next party idea, friends?
Just prior to the Chief's game, we joined a group of fans (Eagles and Commanders) at Brady's Irish pub which had cheap, for Key West, drinks and good grub. Most didn't stick around for the really important game when I took this video. But the point here, certainly not made overt, is that drinking establishments can be, in themselves, an enjoyable time. You don't even have to drink.
Anyway, we're saying goodbye to several places we've really, really enjoyed. It's not the drinks we remember, although the bright green key lime martini at Latitudes was so startling and tasty, I forgot to take a picture. No, it's the feeling we get as we sit there, usually at the bar, listening to loud rock'n'roll or country but sometimes to mello jazz trio or a solo guitar artist.
We do hate to leave, but there's no better place to watch the Super Bowl this year (again) than in K.C.! (Since, last we checked, we won't be going to New Orleans where ticket prices are from $4,000 to $10,000 each . . . ) Farewell, Key West. You should put it on your list.
P.S. In the meantime, if you have a favorite bar-ish hang-out in K.C., let us know.
Коментарі