Happy Hour Series - Schooner Wharf

Anyone who's ever perched on a bar stool between 4 and 6:30 pm knows it's not just the drink that makes the hour happy. The bartender, the band, the view, and the company absolutely make or break a spot.

In the interest of science, and because we have nothing better to do with our afternoons, we've decided to hit every bar in Key West looking for that sweet mix that makes the perfect happy hour.

Okay, we've just discovered that over 360 places in Key West have liquor licenses so we're narrowing down our parameters to bars we find while wandering around the island.

Schooner Wharf kicks off the series with the earliest happy hour on the island - 7 am to Noon.  You read that right. 7 am.

Since they also serve a great breakfast, Mango Mimosas's are the perfect complement to any item on the menu.

Trust me, there's no better breakfast than one you wash down with a Mango Mimosa.







The music starts at 12 on most days and 6 days a week you'll hear Michael McCloud kick it off. While his dog, Cindy, hangs by his side, Michael will treat you to some outstanding folk tunes. His original music is currently played on five XM/Sirius channels. Be sure to listen for his song about an ex-waitress that he didn't like. It's hysterical. Also, be sure to give Cindy a scritch. She's a sweetie. In the evening, you may hear the Doerfels, a unique and talented family group that is great fun. Look for their guitars made out of old hockey sticks.

Look for us most weekdays around 9am.

 You can check out the place on their webcam


When you leave, be sure to head out along the waterfront. You are sure to see some huge Tarpon lolling around just below the surface or you might even be treated to a Manatee. Manatees are cool.

Manatees!

After living here almost a year, I finally saw Manatees! Technically, a few months ago, I saw the outline of one as it swam under a cluster of tarpon but that doesn't count. We were out for a walk, along the Bight Marina outside Schooner Wharf,  and saw a mama and baby. 








Mark had to point them out to me. I walked right past thinking they were boat equipment.  You can see how much she blends into the bag hanging next to her.  The next night, we saw the mama in almost the same spot. Baby was probably close by. 

I'll have to start carrying my camera with the polarized lens again. 

A Handsome Cock

When you're this beautiful where else would you spend your mornings, but the ladies' restroom at Schooner Wharf Bar?  This guy hangs out on a regular basis and doesn't seem to mind foot traffic to and from the stalls, directly behind him. Some mornings, I can even wash my hands at the sink next to him and he won't move. Nowadays, a chicken at Schooner is a rare sight. The place used to feel like a breeding ground. Hens with chicks wandered through the tables of the open air eatery, and a rooster or two hanging by the entrance. And all looking for a handout. For some reason, the roosters didn't wander through like the moms and babies. The tourists love the sight, but the locals hate them, usually muttering damn chickens, as tourists block the sidewalks or stop their cars in the middle of traffic to take photos.