It was in November 1984 when Paul and Evalena Worthington quietly sailed into the Key West Bight on their classic 1926 Alden Schooner Defiance. Anchored by sea battered shrimp boats and buffered by wooden shanties selling nautical wares, the rough and ramshackle harbor front was a sight to behold.
Entrepreneurs that they were, the seafaring couple immediately got to work on establishing the largest marine fuel dealership south of Miami. They also set their sights on an even bigger challenge: transforming the Key West Bight into a thriving Historic Seaport District. Their sheer resolve and hard work paid off. Schooner Wharf is now home to the largest working fleet of Schooners on the East coast.
But that’s only the back story.
In 1986 – just a short two years after they arrived in Key West – they also opened the now-infamous Schooner Wharf Bar. Originally located aboard the Brigantine Diamonte, it became a floating “living room” for the colorful waterfront community. Eventually, the Worthington’s moved their boat bar ashore where a diving board served as the bar top, a filing cabinet housed the top-shelf liquor, and local marine salvage became “eclectic” decor.
Today, this last little piece of old Key West keeps getting better with time. The funky open-air bar — located on the site of the old Singleton Shrimp factory — is a beacon for both locals and visitors.
But don’t be fooled by the looks of this rustic dockside “dive.” The food here may not be fancy, but it’s sure damn good. Fresh stone crab claws, peel-and-eat shrimp, fresh-shucked oysters, and, of course, conch chowder and fritters headline the no-frills menu. You can also get Schooner Wings with a choice of sauces, big chargrilled burgers, grilled or blackened fish sandwiches, and lots of other handhelds, as well as several hearty Galley Plates.
Good food, exceptional live local entertainment, and a colorful cast of customers keep this last little piece of Key West one of the island’s coolest hangs.
You can find SWB at 202 William Street, on the historic Key West Harbor Front’s docks, in Old Town Key West. Info: 305-292-9520; schoonerwharf.com.
Glad to see you’re still there. It’s been many years since I lived there. I’ll be down for Conch Republic Days. See you at the Pirates Ball.
Your servant I remain,
Commodore Gregor MacHenry, POFW
I am glad to hear that you’re still there and thriving haven’t been down in a while. I’ve celebrated many birthdays with my best friend purple. We did a lot of dancing boating drinking and just plain having fun. Thanks for all the memories
I’ve NEVER been but dream about it DAILY… I Watch your webcam and close my eyes to listen to paradise…
Anyone want to sponsor a 40yr old blonde and her parrot, hit me up! I color and cut hair for a living!
We will be down there in December 2021…can’t wait to see it.
I’ll be heading down for the first time with my wife in July 21 see see then
Is Michael McCloud still with us? I didn’t see him in January.
We sure miss Jabor’s you guy’s were always our first stop of the day and our last drink of the night.
See you in October.
Every year our first stop when we arrive in Key West is Schooner Wharf. This Saturday 4/10/21 will be our 14th year and will do the same. It sets the stage for our most relaxing week every year. We love Key West!
Been going for years and Schooners is our favorite. Even joined Matthew McConaghey in a movie scene ” Beach Bum ” while sitting at the bar drinking a beer. He and Evalena were both very cordial . See y’all soon.