Tuesday 23rd of December 2014 07:20:00 PM

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The drive to Key West is like escaping to another world. A birds eye view of the trek takes you adventurously far out into a vast ocean. Along the way you'll pass a multitude of small islands, colorfully variegated water, wildlife, and plenty of beach towns. Key West features two small breweries. Kelly's Caribbean Bar, Grill and Brewery occupies a sprawling white wooden two-story structure. Parking is metered along the streets. The building was the original office of Pan American Airways in 1927, which had the first regularly scheduled international flights from the US. The original owner and namesake of this bar is actress Kelly McGillis, famous for her role in Top Gun, and her jacket from that movie hangs in the bar area. This is the southernmost brewery in the continental US. Enter through a brick walkway underneath their second floor patio. The place is divided into multiple dining rooms, and on the right is a large 3-sided bar. Near the bar area is also some outdoor deck seating. The bar is steel topped with 27 propeller inspired stools, some inside and some outside under their covered deck area. Straight ahead is there large outdoor brick patio which has many tables and palm trees illuminated with string lights. Just off the patio are glass doors that open to their brewhouse. The brewery itself is nano sized and they carry three house brews: Clipper Wheat, Golden Ale, and Havana Red. In the back of the small room are two small stainless steel brewing vessels and the rest of the room has four small stainless steel fermenters and tanks. The house beer is available by glass or sampler flight, and unfortunately, I found them to be rather dismal. In addition to the house brews they offer 9 guest taps of national craft beers, and bottles of common bar standards. Their food menu features a good variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrees. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, and feature specialty cocktails. The service is friendly and welcoming, though can be a little slow if they get crowded. This place has a great Floridian atmosphere and is quite charming.

Friday 18th of March 2011 04:43:09 PM

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Kelly's Caribbean is a must for anyone who loves craft beer. Key West has a number of great watering holes and it is easy to miss Kelly's. Most of the numerous bars in Key West have happy hour and Kelly's is one of the best. $2.00 beers and good cheap margaritas. The wings at happy hour are super. Service is very quick. There are not many tourists at Kelly's during happy hour, the locals seem to outnumber the out of towners. This is a great place to have a lively conversation with a great variety of people.

Kelly's brews only three types of beer, a wheat, a red, and a golden ale. My pick is the golden ale because it is more hoppy then it sounds.