Walk Around Town

The Green Parrot

If you know where the ‘No Sniveling’ sign is in Key West, you’ve been to the world-famous Green Parrot bar. It’s a must-see stop on any Key West itinerary. While there, check out the quirky and cool decorations, every single sign on the walls (and ceiling) holds a great story from days gone by.

One of the oldest bars in Florida, the Green Parrot opened in the 1890s and maintains its rich and nostalgic history even as the island around it changes. The building that started as a grocery store eventually turned into a corner dive bar that became a famed hangout for an unlikely blend of locals, Navy sailors and hippies.

During the late ‘80s, the Navy crew would arrive in dress whites and sit on one side of the bar, with the local hippies on the other. Today, it’s still a favorite local hangout — and the Navy personnel and happy hippies sit together.

The Parrot is one of the best bars you’ll ever visit and in my humble opinion the classiest music venue in Key West, loved by locals and visitors alike.

The music is its draw when it comes pouring out of the bar’s giant windows and always-open doors. It sucks me in as I’m riding my bike around the corner of Whitehead and Southard, or driving by with the car windows down. The Green Parrot’s combination of great music, colorful Key West characters, amazing staff and the historic mojo of the building itself helps make the place the heartbeat of the island.

Ask any local if they’ve been to the Parrot for sound check and the answer undoubtedly will be yes. The bar’s live music schedule is exemplified by one of its famed mottos, “Excess in Moderation.” On the weekends, the bands that are invited to play usually perform nine sets of music over three days. The sound-check set is every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The other sets of music start at 9 and 11 p.m.

You’ll always find dancers on the dance floor, free popcorn, 100 different beers and super sweet sounds mixed to perfection. The music drifts into the sidewalk, where you’ll often find overflow crowds dancing.

And did you know that the door behind the stage leads to the Green Parrot band house for out-of-town performers? It’s a funky, two-bedroom apartment that helps lure talented music makers from other cities to our remote island.

Over the decades, thousands of musicians have graced the stage, and I asked local players if they could sum up what it means to play at the Parrot. They all mentioned how great the staff is, saying that Jim and John and the whole Green Parrot crew always make it feel like home.

The music that fills this “Sunny Place for Shady People” is played by bands from around the country and around the corner. There’s gritty rock, funk and blues, as well as folk and jazz. There are tribute cover bands, and all-original music bands. There’s even a local ukulele group that takes the stage once a month to add to the magic.

The lure of the Green Parrot is you’ll never know what you’re going to get and you’ll always leave with a soul full of music. The Green Parrot, where No Sniveling is allowed, is an iconic landmark that stands the test of time, and a very special part of Key West.

Green Parrot
601 Whitehead St., Key West
greenparrot.com