Become a Virtual Tourist Member Today!  Sign Up for Free | Sign In
Sloppy Joe's, Key West
Search:

Home » Travel Guides » North America » United States of America » Florida » Key West » Restaurants » Sloppy Joe's Reviews

Key West Hotels

Real reviews from real travelers.

Sloppy Joe's, Key West

Sloppy Joe's - Key West
Sloppy Joe's
by cobrioc
Dining reviews and photos of Sloppy Joe's posted by real travelers and Key West locals.
• 14 Photos
• 15 Reviews
• Satisfaction Index:

See all Key West Restaurants
Sort By:  Most Recent | Best Rated
Sloppy Joe's: Once a Hideaway for a Literary Giant
  • Tip Rating:
  • starship
  • Updated By starship on May 3, 2006
  • Key West Page by starship
  • Sloppy Joe's - Key West
    by starship
    In the mid to late 1930s, the famous writer, Ernest Hemingway, called Key West his home. During the better portion of these years, Hemingway was exceptionately productive as an author. One of his favorite places was the bar at "Sloppy Joe's Saloon." Today, "Capt. Tony's Saloon" stands on the spot of the ORIGINAL "Sloppy Joe's." The present day "Sloppy Joe's" is only connected to Hemingway by the name.

    The owner of "Sloppy Joe's" (now "Capt. Tony's Saloon") was Josie Russell, who cashed a $1,000 check for Hemingway when the banks would not. This was on Hemingway's first visit to Key West and from then on Josie and "Papa" Hemingway were fast friends. They took fishing trips to Cuba and Hemingway incorporated Russell into his book, "To Have and Have Not" as Capt. Freddie. Hemingway met a cadre of people during his stay in Key West which eventually became characters in his many books. It was also at "Sloppy Joe's/Capt. Tony's" where Hemingway met his 3rd wife, Martha. Hemingway eventually moved to Cuba with her.

    It's said that Hemingway's favorite drink was "Teachers", a cheap scotch and soda drink, but bartenders also like to make "Papa Dobles" for him though his favorite remained scotch and soda.

    Hemingway's barstool remains today at Capt. Tony's!

    Leave a Comment

  • Theme: Other
  • Comparison: about average
  • Address: 428 W. Green Street, Key West
  • Website: www.capttonyssaloon.com
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful

    Visiting Key West?

    Read reviews about Key West Hotels

    Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.

    Sloppy Joe's: You've just got to.....
  • Tip Rating:
  • Zlur
  • Updated By Zlur on June 5, 2003
  • Key West Page by Zlur
  • Sloppy Joe's Bar - Key West
    Sloppy Joe's Bar
    by Zlur
    Be it a smoothie or just a plain old regular joe! You can't go to Keywest and not go to Sloppy Joe's! It's packed with Ernest Hemingway photographs hung up on the wall and memorablia... he used to hang out there a lot, and most of the locals still remember him! There's also a competition every year for the Ernest Hemingway look-a-like contest! :)

    Leave a Comment

  • Theme: American
  • Comparison: about average
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Sloppy Joe's: You Must Have a Sloppy Joe Here!
  • Tip Rating:
  • Satisfaction:
  • FatesWarn
  • Updated By FatesWarn on June 21, 2007
  • Key West Page by FatesWarn
  • I have only had two things here: the Sloppy Joe and a side of French Fries. Their fries are just right, and their Sloppy Joes are incredible. I typically go in at lunchtime and there are plenty of available tables, live music, and sometimes a few chickens running around.

    I'm sure their other food is good, but I will never get past the Sloppy Joe - they're much better than you remember as a kid. Just be sure to give it a minute or two to cool down, it's seriously hot and you want it to be cool enough to taste how good it is.

  • Theme: American
  • Price: US$11-20    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: about average
  • Address: 201 Duval Street, Key West
  • Phone: 305-294-5717
  • Directions: A few blocks from the waterfront in any direction!
  • Website: http://www.sloppyjoes.com
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Sloppy Joe's: Famous
  • Tip Rating:
  • grandmaR
  • Updated By grandmaR on July 5, 2005
  • Key West Page by grandmaR
  • Photo from car window - Key West
    Photo from car window
    by grandmaR
    I am not sure whether this is a tourist trap or a must-see or a shopping tip or a restaurant tip.

    I have not been to Sloppy Joes, since I don't do bars, and am not quite so enamoured of Hemingway as to want to go to one just because Hemingway did.

    But I did take a photo as my husband was driving down Duval.

    The website says:
    Since 1933 Sloppy Joe’s hospitable staff has welcomed patrons daily. Visiting the Internationally known bar, guests are instantly enveloped by the history of Sloppy Joe’s, Key West and Ernest Hemingway.

    Beginning at 9:00 a.m. customers enjoy their favorite beverage with something from the menu, or can shop at Sloppy Joe’s world-famous Retail Shop with over 300 souvenirs to choose from.

    Leave a Comment

  • Theme: American
  • Address: 201 Duval Street.
  • Phone: (305) 294-5717
  • Directions: Corner of Greene and Duval
  • Website: http://www.restaurants.com/Ads.asp?URL=http://www.sloppyjoes.com/&RefNo=3052945717
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Sloppy Joe's: In orlando you can eat in so...
  • Tip Rating:
  • Ine_Timmers
  • By Ine_Timmers on August 27, 2002
  • Key West Page by Ine_Timmers
  • Sloppy Joe's - Key West
    by Ine_Timmers
    In orlando you can eat in so many places but mind if you don't want to eat in Mc Donalds restaurants are a bit expensive.
    In miami I found a great place to eat in Bauside Marketplace it is on the first floor of the mall. There is an enormous food court .
    In key West try Sloppy Joes especially Key Lime Pie or the Sloppu Joes Burger.(picture)
    Try also theme restaurants especially in Orlando. It is a restaurant were you can eat while watching a show or performance.

    Leave a Comment

  • Theme: Other
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful

    Visiting Key West?

    Read reviews about Key West Hotels

    Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.

    Sloppy Joe's: A LITERARY BANQUET. Americans arent particularly...
  • Tip Rating:
  • Michael_D
  • By Michael_D on August 25, 2002
  • Key West Page by Michael_D
  • Sloppy Joe's - Key West
    by Michael_D
    A LITERARY BANQUET. Americans arent particularly well versed in literary heros(even their own)...but Pappa Hemingway represents a literary hero that even most Americans recognise in that he created them AND was one himself. ---This is the house where Hemingway lived with his 3rd wife from 1931-61 ultimately his most productive years. It was actually built in 1851 but Hemingway added some essentials like a swimming pool and a legion of cats, some descendents still roam the grounds. Some of the plumbing fixtures are ruputed to have been lifted from Sloppy Joes Bar...but its never been substantiated. People tended NOT to confront ol Ernie because he had a rather consistent habit of calling people outside bars from Havana to Paris and boxing their ears. Its tended to cut down on the overall volume of unsubstantiated vicious rumors ill bet. AH the good old days...it was all part of Papa's CODE of HONOR.

    Leave a Comment

  • Theme: Other
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Sloppy Joe's: A Key West Tradition
    lolitajane
  • By lolitajane on May 9, 2003
  • Key West Page by lolitajane
  • The official beginning of this bar was in 1933.
    According to history, it was Hemingway himself who suggested the name "Sloppy Joe's". The writer used to spend a lot of time there, and when he left Key West left a lot of memorabilia today found at the bar.
    The place is lovely, there's good food, live music and entertainment. There's also a Retail Store where you can buy shirts, shot glasses, books, etc. with their logo.

    “Full Moon” Sandwich--Batter dipped, deep fried, and smothered with
    peppers, onions, mushrooms, and cheese...Yum, Yum! It was delicious!
    They have a great variety of beers --local & imported-- I had a cool Rollin' Rock.
    Don't forget to try the famous "Key Lime Pie".

    Leave a Comment

  • Theme: American
  • Price: US$11-20    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: about average
  • Address: 201 DUVAL ST, KEY WEST
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Sloppy Joe's: C'mon, they can do better!
  • Satisfaction:
  • By rockycomfort on February 19, 2009
  • Key West Page by rockycomfort
  • Sure its a forever landmark and they could serve pelican urine only and remain crowded, but why let the food quality and drink strengths decline so much? We've been visiting there for years and sadly watch this slide downwards...and what? No more popcorn shrimp? Is everything here from pre-packaged, big-box, major food vendors?

    Leave a Comment

  • Theme: Local
  • Price: US$11-20    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: about average
  • Address: 201 Duval Street, Key West
  • Phone: 305-294-5717
  • Directions: A few blocks from the waterfront in any direction!
  • Website: http://www.sloppyjoes.com
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Sloppy Joe's: The oldest bar in Florida
    cobrioc
  • Updated By cobrioc on December 5, 2002
  • Key West Page by cobrioc
  • Captain Tony's Saloon - Key West
    Captain Tony's Saloon
    by cobrioc
    Captain Tony's Saloon the oldest bar in Florida, is home of the original Sloppy Joe's.

  • Theme: Wine Bar/Wine Tasting
  • Price: US$21-30    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: about average
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Sloppy Joe's: Historical Bar
    GUYON
  • By GUYON on December 10, 2002
  • Key West Page by GUYON
  • Sloppy Joe's - Key West
    Sloppy Joe's
    by GUYON

    Leave a Comment

  • Theme: American
  • Price: US$21-30    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: about average
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    More Key West Tips
    Overview
     
    Hotels and Accommodations
    Tips: 250 - Photos: 206
    Things To Do
    Tips: 551 - Photos: 757
    Nightlife
    Tips: 192 - Photos: 156
    Transportation
    Tips: 141 - Photos: 122
    Restaurants
    Tips: 360 - Photos: 282
    Shopping
    Tips: 58 - Photos: 59
    Off the Beaten Path
    Tips: 136 - Photos: 170
    Tourist Traps
    Tips: 71 - Photos: 39
    Warnings or Dangers
    Tips: 91 - Photos: 69
    Local Customs
    Tips: 75 - Photos: 76
    Packing Lists
    Tips: 36 - Photos: 18
    Sports Travel
    Tips: 39 - Photos: 36
    General Tips
    Tips: 169 - Photos: 176
    Flights
    Tips: 12 - Photos: 0

    Best Key West Travel Deals

    American Express Package
    Receive Complimentary Nights With The Ritz-Carlton Hotels & Resorts.

    Key West Hotel Deal
    Reach Resort: Book a 3-Night Stay Online Here & Get 4th Night Free!

    5 Star Hotel
    Exclusive Luxury Resorts & Hotels Choose from the World's Top Hotels.

    Lime Tree Bay Resort
    Reserve your cottage in the Florida Keys today!

    Casa Marina Resort
    Official Site: A Premier Key West Hotel. Book Online For Low Rates!

    Sponsored Links

    More Key West Travel Deals

    Keys Luxury Hotels
    Save Time & Money With Easy Booking & Great Deals. Search Bing™ Travel!

    Key West Hotels
    Save Up to 50% with Hotels.com Book Now & Get Low Rate Guarantees

    Key West Hotels
    Going to Key West? Use Travelzoo To Compare Hotel Rates. Search Now!

    Sponsored Links


    Key West Hotels





    About VirtualTourist |  10 Great Things to Do On VirtualTourist |  Contact Us |  Press Center |  Help |  User Agreement |  Privacy Statement
    Virtual Tourist® ©1994-2009 VirtualTourist.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.