You’re walking down Duval Street. It's hot. The air smells like salt, exhaust, and expensive sunscreen. Suddenly, squeezed between two buildings like an afterthought, you see it.
The Smallest Bar in Key West.
It’s not a marketing gimmick. Well, it is, but it’s also literally a tiny, functional watering hole that fits about three people if they’re willing to get uncomfortably close.
Honestly, if you blink, you’ll miss it. Located at 124 Duval Street, this place is essentially a glorified hallway. It measures roughly 72 square feet. To put that in perspective, that’s about the size of a standard jail cell or a very modest walk-in closet.
Why the Smallest Bar in Key West is Actually Worth the Squeeze
Most people think this place is just a photo op. They snap a picture of the "Smallest Bar" sign and keep walking toward Sloppy Joe’s. That’s a mistake.
The charm isn't just in the dimensions; it’s in the sheer absurdity of it. You’ve got maybe two or three barstools. The bartender is usually within arm’s reach of everything in the building. There’s something remarkably democratic about a bar this small. You can’t be a wallflower here. If you’re in the bar, you’re part of the conversation.
The walls are covered in tropical kitsch—think hula girls, license plates, and enough neon to give you a slight headache. It’s the antithesis of the polished, corporate "islands" vibes you find at the newer resorts.
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The Famous Key Lime Pie Shot
You don't go here for a craft cocktail with hand-carved ice. You go for a shot. Specifically, their Key Lime Pie shot.
It’s sweet. It’s tart. It’s topped with whipped cream. Is it sophisticated? Not even close. But it’s a rite of passage. If you’re doing the Duval Crawl, this is usually the spot where things start to get a little blurry.
They also serve cold beer and standard rail drinks. Just don't expect a wine list.
The History Nobody Mentions
While everyone talks about the size, few people realize the building actually has a history beyond being a squeeze-thru pub. It’s part of the Smallest Bar Inn (formerly known as the Old Customs House Inn).
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The inn itself is a 3-star guesthouse. Imagine staying in a room where the entrance is literally through the smallest bar in town. It’s quirky, but it’s loud. Duval Street doesn't sleep, and neither will you if you stay here during Spring Break or Fantasy Fest.
The bar basically acts as the threshold to the property. It’s a transition from the chaos of the sidewalk to the (slightly) quieter courtyard behind it.
Size Matters (But Not the Way You Think)
There is a constant debate among travelers: is it actually the smallest bar?
There are "bars" in London and Tokyo that claim similar titles. But in the context of the United States and the Florida Keys, this 72-square-foot footprint is hard to beat.
The physical structure is basically a converted alleyway. In the old days of Key West, space was at a premium, and every inch of Duval was utilized. This bar is a relic of that "waste not, want not" island mentality.
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Survival Tips for Your Visit
- Watch your elbows. If you move too fast, you’ll knock over someone’s drink.
- Bring cash. It’s just faster.
- Talk to the bartender. They see the weirdest side of Key West from that tiny vantage point.
- Time it right. Go mid-afternoon. If you go at 11 PM on a Saturday, you won't even be able to reach the counter.
Key West is full of legends—Hemingway, the six-toed cats, the Southernmost Point. But the Smallest Bar in Key West is one of the few places that doesn't take itself seriously. It’s a reminder that paradise is often found in the most cramped, ridiculous corners.
If you're planning your trip, start at the 100 block of Duval and work your way south. Don't look for a grand entrance. Look for the gap in the wall.
Check the weather before you go. If it’s raining, this bar offers zero protection unless you’re one of the lucky three people on the stools. But hey, that’s just the Key West experience.
Plan your route so you hit the bar after a visit to the Key West Shipwreck Museum. It's a five-minute walk, and you'll need a drink after learning about all those sunken treasures. Stick to one Key Lime Pie shot—any more and the sugar crash will end your night before the sun even sets at Mallory Square.
Next Steps for Your Key West Adventure
- Map it out: Save 124 Duval Street in your Google Maps so you don't walk right past it.
- Pack light: You cannot bring a large backpack or luggage into this bar; there is physically no room.
- Bring a camera: The "Smallest Bar" sign is arguably the most Instagrammed spot on the island for a reason.