Bars & Saloons
Smallest Bar
124 Duval St, Key West, FL
The Smallest Bar occupies 72 square feet at 124 Duval Street in Key West's Old Town, holding the distinction of being the smallest bar in the United States. The venue traces its origins to a cigar stand in the 1930s, pivoted to sodas and candy, and by the 1940s became a bar—the logical conversion when operating on Duval Street in Key West. The compact footprint accommodates just a few bar stools, yet the space has reportedly held up to 48 people, demonstrating efficient use of its tiny footprint. Connected to the Smallest Bar Inn, a 3-star guesthouse with six rooms, the bar operates as an open-air outdoor counter rather than an enclosed structure.
The bar's identity centers on its historical trajectory and novelty factor as the nation's tiniest licensed bar space. The venue serves tropical cocktails, beer, and signature shots including the Key Lime Pie shot with a trade secret recipe and the Key West Root Beer shot. The social ritual of the 'Shotski'—shared shots consumed before departure—has become embedded in the visitor experience. Despite its minimal dimensions, the bar maintains a full liquor license and operates as a genuine neighborhood establishment within the Old Town historic district.
Common Questions
How did the Smallest Bar come to be located on Duval Street?
The space originated as a cigar stand in the 1930s, shifted to sodas and candy, and became a bar in the 1940s as the practical next step for a small Duval Street location.
What are the signature drinks at the Smallest Bar?
The venue is known for tropical cocktails, beer, and signature shots including the Key Lime Pie shot and Key West Root Beer shot, with the Shotski ritual being a visitor tradition.
What is the Smallest Bar's relationship to the Smallest Bar Inn?
The bar is connected to the Smallest Bar Inn, a 3-star guesthouse located at the same address at 124 Duval Street with six guest rooms.