Bartender Frank Roads pours a cool Tiki Cocktail

Bartender Frank Roads pours a cool Tiki Cocktail -

Backspace Bar & Kitchen

Backspace Bar and Kitchen on 321 Grinnell Street pays tribute to late and famous Key West writers. A bottle of whiskey signed by Hunter S. Thompson is next to an original hand-typed piece of Hemingway’s work. And décor heavy with antique typewriters is off set by an antique-y bar in the space formerly known as Finnegan’s Wake.

Try the signature rum cocktails like the Backspace Rum Diary— Sailor Jerry spiced rum, Pilar Light and Malibu Coconut and a blend of fruit juices. Or sip the Planters Punch — Meyers Dark Rum blended with fruit juices and a dash of nutmeg. Both drinks were inspired by the famous novel “The Rum Diary” by Thompson.

The outside patio has an island vibe, reminiscent of Hawaii. Tiki Cocktails accompany the island atmosphere like the Beachcomber— Dark Jamaican and Barbados Golden Rum mixed with fruit juices and served in an Easter Island Tiki.

When the lights go down Backspace closes the kitchen and turns into a bar. The transformation happens at 9 p.m. with live music from bands including The Greens and Michael McCloud and a new Rot Gut Menu. Well drinks are just $2.50 Friday and Saturday nights. Happy hour is daily from 4-6 p.m. The bar open daily at 11:30 a.m.