Captain Tony's Saloon

Discover the Historic Charm of Captain Tony’s Saloon in Key West

Captain Tony’s Saloon, located at 428 Greene Street in the heart of Key West, is a celebrated landmark steeped in Key West history. Originally constructed in 1851 as an ice house and morgue, the building has transformed through the ages—serving as a wireless telegraph station during the Spanish-American War, a cigar factory, bordello, and speakeasy with notable identities including the Duval Club and The Blind Pig. In 1933, it became Sloppy Joe’s Bar, famously frequented by literary icon Ernest Hemingway until its relocation in 1938.

In 1958, the venue was acquired by the charismatic Captain Tony Tarracino, a former mayor, who renamed it Captain Tony’s Saloon. This marked the beginning of a vibrant era of revelry that later inspired Jimmy Buffett’s hit “Last Mango in Paris.” Today, the saloon preserves its old-world allure with a collection of historic memorabilia, nightly live music, pool tables, and even a famous hanging tree. Visitors experience an authentic ambiance that seamlessly blends the venue’s storied past with its spirited present.