The brainchild of local architect Michael Ingram, Key West’s new Aquaplex is the talk of the town.
Ingram originally bought the property in 2013 and recently transformed what was then known as Aqua Nightclub into an eye-popping, state-of-the-art entertainment complex. His bold concept is utterly amazing and includes five separate venues in one bustling compound.
Connecting it all is SideBar@504, a world class dance club with high tech lighting, cutting edge deejays and a hip, industrial vibe. It’s also the place to catch some great live singing, Duval Street’s best daily happy hour which goes until 11 pm and the Plex’s renowned Karaoke show which happens very Monday at 8 pm.
Just next door in the rear courtyard is the Back Bar, a hidden respite in an intimate tropical garden where you can kick back with a cocktail and immerse yourself in little piece of paradise.
The Aquaplex garden is also home to Poké in the Rear. Don’t be fooled by the risqué name because this fun backyard eatery dishes up some really yummy Hawaiian style fare including a variety of authentic Poké Bowls, flatbreads and daily specials. Best of all, they serve a full menu daily from 11:30 am until 11 pm.
If you want a good laugh, pop into Aquaplex’ 22&CO Bar. Renowned for its tutu-wearing clientele, unicorns, neon flamingo décor, and amazing glittering cock-tails, it’s truly a sight to behold and there’s always a party going on.
One thing that’s not new but just keeps getting better at Aquaplex is the Aquanettes Show. Considered one of Key West’s hottest tickets, the Aquanette Girls still reign supreme as the best drag show on the island. You can catch their side-splitting “Reality is a Drag” show every Monday 
through Wednesday at 9 pm and on Thursday through Sunday at 7 and 9 pm. Also on the Aquaplex stage are “The Boys” who perform pop, rock, R&B and Broadway favorites on Sundays from 3 – 6 pm and on Mondays from 5 – 8 pm. Island favorite, Jeff Moss takes over the mike on Thursday and Friday from 4 – 6 pm.
If you’re looking for a fun night on the town, make the rounds at Michael Ingram’s new Aquaplex which is open from noon ’til late night. You can enter through the SideBar@504, at 504 Angela St or at 711 Duval St. Info: 305-294-0555; aquakeywest.com.
Mikey – you done good!
