Key West Bar — Restaurant in Carbondale

We play APA pool league here occasionally and that's the only reason I would ever go in there. It smells. Always. It smells like some industrial cleaning fluid mixed with rancid beer. I think it's permanent- like the BO that infected Jerry's car in that Seinfeld episode. There's usually a couple of ner do wells sitting in front of the electric gambling machines losing what little money they have to the spinning wheels. They have a kitchen that's never open. Several 3rd parties have tried to use the kitchen and all have failed. The last group moved out - Keepers Quaters - and have a decent restaurant in town but everyone always abandons Key West. How this place has not been shut down by health and safety inspectors is beyond me - electrical sockets hanging from their boxes, uneven floor tiles, the smell - somebody is getting paid off is all I can surmise. And don't get me started on the decor. Although it's actually improved over the last couple of years it still has a long way to go to rise above...

First, I will say their bartender, Lauren, is wonderful, & they have a decent bar selection & are affordable. I like that they have pool tables.

However, this place has fallen further and further into disrepair over the years. When they fix anything, it is such a shoddy-looking job it's comical. Their "decor" would give an interior decorator a heart attack. I'm talking impressionist paintings bordered by Nascar posters stuck to the wall w/colored masking tape or duct tape. One end is festooned w/the oldest, saddest, dustiest fake poinsettias ever seen. They have had 2-3 restaurants operating out of there in the past few years, but they never last, so there are long stretches w/no food at all. It's not beyond salvation, as it has redeeming qualities as well as potential. Lots of room for improvement, and this could be...

Most comfortable bar I have been too in Carbondale so far. Not pretty or super cool or anything, just quaint. Not a ton of places to sit. Went on a Thursday night for karaoke and was able to sing many songs and listen to others sing. Also played water pong on a table in the bar with some friends. Ordered a few drinks. Not sure if they serve any food, we didn't try to order any. Several pool tables in the other room, casino slot games, and (maybe a dart board?) I had heard some people say it was a seedy place before going but I thought it was just fine. Felt comfortable...