Top 5 Places to Grab a Cocktail in Key Largo

Nothing pairs with a tropical escape quite like a handcrafted cocktail — especially when you're surrounded by turquoise waters, ocean breezes, and a laid-back island atmosphere. Whether you're into bold rum buckets, refreshing vodka coolers, or espresso-infused sippers, you'll find plenty of great options just a short drive from Ocean Pointe Suites.

Here are five of the best places nearby to sit back, sip, and soak up the Keys lifestyle.

 

1. The Waterfront Café at Ocean Pointe Suites

Location: 500 Burton Dr, Tavernier, FL 33070

Why go anywhere when one of the best cocktail spots is right where you're staying? The newly reopened Waterfront Café, operated by Island Grill and located onsite at Ocean Pointe Suites, offers the perfect setting to enjoy tropical drinks, tasty bites, and unbeatable ocean views. You can grab a table at the waterfront bar or kick back at the poolside bar while dipping your toes in the water.

With a rotating menu of refreshing cocktails, the drinks here perfectly match the island vibe. Think fruity blends, frozen favorites, and classic tropical pours. It’s the ideal place to start your day with a lunch cocktail or wind down with a drink as the sun sets.

Open daily: 12–9 PM Sun–Thurs, 12–10 PM Fri & Sat

2. Caribbean Club

Location: 104080 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037

Rustic, historic, and famously laid-back, the Caribbean Club is the oldest bar in the Upper Keys and a true hidden gem. Located bayside in Key Largo, this no-frills spot has a loyal following and offers a vibe that's equal parts dive bar and tropical hideaway - think character, live music, and unforgettable views.

Try These:

Key Lime Pie Rum Punch: Silver rum, J.F. Haden’s Key Lime Pie liqueur, coconut water, pineapple juice, and a splash of dark rum.

Cat 5 Hurricane Rum Bucket: A bold mix of Bacardi Limon, Coconut, and Passion Fruit rums, with orange juice, pineapple juice, grenadine, and a dark rum float.

 

3. Sharkey’s Sharkbite Grill

Location: 522 Caribbean Dr, Key Largo, FL 33037

Sharkey’s is the go-to for a fun, energetic vibe with great food, cold drinks, and an extensive tiki cocktail menu. The open-air bar setup and canal-front views make it a great stop any time of day, and the upstairs deck often features live music to round out the island ambiance.

Try These:

Sharkbite Punch: Flor de Caña Dark Rum, Rumhaven Coconut Rum, Passoa Passionfruit Liqueur, orange and pineapple juice.

Lime In The Coconut: Stoli Lime Vodka, Rumhaven Coconut Rum, pineapple juice, and club soda — light, fizzy, and tropical.

 

4. Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill

Location: 104000 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037

If you’re in the mood for a drink with a view and a little local sports history, Big Chill delivers. Owned by legendary football coach Jimmy Johnson, this bayside bar and grill features expansive waterfront seating, live music, and a cocktail menu full of tropical twists. It’s a lively spot that captures the Keys’ high-energy side, perfect for watching the game or enjoying sunset cocktails with a crowd.

Try These:

The Big Chill: A local favorite — Goose Citron vodka, X-Rated Fusion Liqueur, and lemonade.

The Happy Ending: Bacardi Superior, key lime liqueur, crème of coconut, orange and pineapple juices, and a graham cracker–rimmed glass.

5. Bayside Grille

Location: 99530 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037

Bayside Grille brings a more refined cocktail experience to the waterfront with a menu that leans into spirit-forward drinks and elevated flavors. Set above the water with panoramic views, this is a great choice for those who love a sunset paired with a well-balanced cocktail. With soft lighting, live music, and upscale fare, it’s a more relaxed and intimate option.

Try These:

The Revolver: Bulleit Bourbon, Luxardo Espresso Liqueur, orange bitters, served on the rocks — bold and smooth.

Carajillo: Hornitos Reposado, Licor 43, and Luxardo Espresso over ice — a Mexican espresso cocktail that’s both rich and refreshing.
 

Make Ocean Pointe Suites Your Island Home Base

From rum punches to bourbon blends, the Upper Keys are full of unforgettable cocktail spots — and Ocean Pointe Suites puts you right in the center of it all. With spacious one- and two-bedroom suites, private balconies, a marina, beach access, tennis courts, and a stunning waterfront café and pool bar right onsite, you’ve got everything you need for a laid-back island escape.

Ready to sip your way through paradise? Book your stay at Ocean Pointe Suites today and start living the island life.