While the people in Times Square freeze waiting outside for hours to watch the ball drop, people in Key West bar-hop and take over Duval Street, which is closed off for the festivities. There are three different places to watch something drop, and each one is unique and embodies the Key West atmosphere in a different way.
The conch shell drop is popular thanks to its location on the roof of Sloppy Joe’s, one of the most popular bars in Key West. Its popularity is partially thanks to the live webcam where friends and family can go online at sloppyjoes.com to watch your antics, but keep that in mind before doing anything too crazy in front of their cameras! The conch shell is also the symbol of the Florida Keys and its location on the heart of Duval Street makes it an excellent choice.
However, people can go on the other end of Duval to watch a person being dropped instead of just an object. Gary Marion, also known as the drag queen Sushi, is lowered down in a huge red high heel near the Bourbon Street pub. Once lowered, Sushi pops champagne at the stroke of midnight as thousands look on.
Lastly, a “pirate wench” is lowered from a ship’s mast at the Schooner Wharf bar, the only waterfront drop of the three. Live music and their very own webcams make this drop a very popular choice.
But before any of these drops, there is plenty to see and do on New Year’s Eve in Key West. Pick a restaurant to start the night off, like Half Shell Raw Bar. Waterfront dining, big po’ boy sandwiches and pitchers of beer in a laid-back seafood shack give you a place to fuel up before hitting Duval Street. Or, select a place near Mallory Square to witness the legendary Key West sunset celebration. After dinner, stop and grab a drink at the Smallest Bar in Key West, a small counter that sits a few feet away from the street and only fits about five people standing at a time. No seating or bar stools here!
If you like frozen drinks, check out Fat Tuesday’s and the Flying Monkey. Both will give you a floater-an extra shot in a test tube-with your concoction, and you can blend flavors like banana and chocolate or pina colada and strawberry.
The Whistle Bar is a great place if you can grab a spot on the balcony and watch the passersby that will do crazy things for .99 cent beads. This bar is part of a three story building with a different bar on each floor including the infamous rooftop Garden of Eden, a “clothing optional” place for adventurous types.
However, some of the best spots in Key West are the bars that sit off of Duval Street, tucked away down back alleys or hidden among trees, like the Smokin’ Tuna Saloon, with a huge outdoor bar and large stage for live music. Hog’s Breath Saloon and The Green Parrot are both fun, must-see off-Duval spots as well.
Key West is wild and crazy year-round, and of course, New Year’s Eve is even wilder. Wear closed-toe shoes, bring some beads, and enjoy ringing in the New Year at the southernmost tip of the United States.