Mary Ellen's Bar & Restaurant — Restaurant in Key West

Hands down our favorite experience in Key West!

Mary Ellen’s Bar hosts the legendary—let’s call it—a battery-powered derby, and it’s every bit as outrageous and hilarious as it sounds. Picture an adults-only version of the Kentucky Derby: less horsepower, way more vibration, and an incredible amount of laughter.

Each race begins with a shockingly competitive auction where guests bid on creatively named contestants. My personal favorite, “Notorious V.A.G.,” didn’t quite make it to the winner’s circle—defeated by something sparkly and unstoppable from Lane 4. The competition is fierce, the names are hysterical, and the crowd energy is pure joy.

But here’s the best part: all of this riotous fun is for a truly meaningful cause. Every dollar raised goes straight to local charities. The night we attended, funds supported the local schools’ art departments. Over time, Mary Ellen’s has raised more than one million dollars for Key West organizations. That’s a whole lot of good powered by a few AA batteries and some island creativity.

This unassuming little bar has taken the quirky, generous spirit of Key West and turned it into something genuinely special. If you’re in town and up for some adult-rated fun with a charitable twist, this...

Mary Ellen’s – Late-Night Comfort in Key West.

If you're looking for a spot with good vibes and even better late-night food, Mary Ellen’s in Key West is where you need to be. My girlfriend and I were on the hunt for a bite to eat after a night of bar hopping, and after a few failed attempts to find an open kitchen, we found Mary Ellen’s—and thank goodness we did!

Despite arriving as it started to pour, the staff quickly welcomed us inside while our food was being prepared. What we thought was just a kitchen turned out to be a cozy bar too, perfect for grabbing a drink while waiting for our food. Special shout-out to Jamison, the bartender, who kept the atmosphere lively and made sure we were taken care of. His friendly service really added to the experience.

Now, the food—absolutely hit the spot! It was clear that the kitchen staff knows what they’re doing, and everything came out fresh and delicious. We were so satisfied with our meal that we couldn’t resist staying for more drinks and even a few celebratory shots!

Overall, Mary Ellen’s saved the night with their late-night eats, welcoming service, and laid-back bar atmosphere. If you’re in Key West and in need of a place to grab a bite or a drink, especially after hours, this...

A local gem conveniently located steps off the main drag Duval, this bar / specialty kitchen is tucked away down a romantically lit side street and a magical experience as you waltz up to the take out window of the kitchen or once stepping foot inside the main bar.

You're greeted warmly with twinkling lights and refreshing A/C, and featured live music making for a great ambience. It being a unique bar with specialty cocktails coupled with an unconventional and superbly creative kitchen, there's something for everyone here.

Armored with an impeccable staff throughout, youll feel nothing short of overjoyed.

The kitchen specializes in food you won't find anywhere else on the island. An adventurous take on traditional favorites any foodie will be sure to love indulging in, their menu features an array of inventive culinary creations. Showcasing a vast array of delicious options from grilled cheeses with fun ingredients, to treats like buffalo cauliflower, sweet potato waffle fries, and soups that will delight your senses and warm the heart.

In summary I highly suggest you stop to get the full Mary Ellen's experience.

Bravo to the owners, staff, and clientele that make this a MUST SEE on your...