In the 1970s and early 1980s, Key West was a gathering place for some of America’s most influential writers. Novelist Tom McGuane, Vietnam war memoirist Phil Caputo, self-proclaimed “gonzo journalist” Hunter S. Thompson and poet/novelist Jim Harrison were among those who reveled in the raffish vibe, stalked gamefish in area waters and spun tales over cocktails at local bars.
If those creative renegades walked the island’s streets today, they’d probably spend their evenings at Bar 1, enjoying libations with salt-seared fishing guides, visiting celebrities and other colorful cohorts.
Located at the Key West Cooking School, upstairs in a historic building at 291 Front St., Bar 1 pays tribute to the literary legends who found inspiration, camaraderie and adventure in Key West and its surrounding waters. Together they created a legacy that, even now, continues to draw world-class writers to the island.
It’s a legacy that dates back to Ernest Hemingway’s nearly decade-long residence in the 1930s, when he wrote classic novels and pursued giant marlin on his fishing boat Pilar. The Hemingway spirit is well represented at Bar 1, where items on display include a vintage typewriter, a detailed model of the Pilar, a rod and reel he might have favored, and mounted trophy fish handed down from his longtime pal Charles Thompson.
Like Hemingway, the literary bad boys of the ’70s and ’80s were intrigued by Key West’s freewheeling, adventurous character.
Bar 1 suggests that character with comfortable leather couches, tropical-style rattan chairs, sportsman’s memorabilia and restored wood floors from the building’s 1856 construction. Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, it’s the kind of place where anglers and guides plan the next day’s fishing trip, locals enthrall visitors with rumrunning legends and a writer scribbles notes between sips of his drink.
Patrons can order their favorite cocktails or explore unique offerings that salute Key West’s creative heritage and maverick atmosphere. Each featured concoction carries a story, recounted by bartenders whose tales are as appealing as the drinks they serve.
Standouts include the distinctive Death in the Afternoon, conceived by Hemingway and named for his nonfiction bullfighting book; the Rum Runner that recalls the island’s Prohibition-era alcohol smugglers; and the Curry Old Fashioned, honoring 19th-century tobacco warehouse owner William Curry and incorporating a hint of tobacco bitters.
Patrons eager to learn about mixology — and how to make Key West and Caribbean libations themselves — can join a hands-on Bar 1 cocktail class.
“Rum Revelations” and “Key West History through Craft Cocktails” are offered each day, and reservations are required. Call 305-294-2665). At each “spirited” session, lasting from 90 minutes to two hours, attendees create two drinks, sample three others, and discover the lore and traditions behind all five.
Last Call
Drink of the Month: Classic daiquiri. Containing white rum, lime juice and house-made simple syrup, the classic daiquiri was allegedly invented by a 19th-century American mining engineer stationed near the tiny Cuban village of Daiquiri. Ernest Hemingway was among famous fans of the refreshing and versatile cocktail.
Helpful Bar Hack: When making a classic daiquiri, shake the ingredients with ice for at least 30 seconds — ensuring it’s properly chilled, blended and slightly frothy — before straining it into a chilled glass.
Thirsty for more? Visit keywestcookingschool.com.
