“Hogs breath is better than no breath at all” is of course the saying of the world famous Hog’s Breath Saloon in Key West.  It has been a popular spot in Key West with a history of good times for over 25 years.  Located at the corner of Front and famous Duval Street it is centrally located in the heart of Old Town and very close to Mallory Square.

History

The original location, or shall we say the first location, was in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, way back in 1976.  It was opened by Jerry Dorminy.  He came to Florida from Birmingham, AL.  When Jerry came to the gulf coast of Florida he needed a place for him and his friends to hang out after a day of sailing or fishing. Viola, the birth of Hogs Breath.  Quickly, it became the place for everyone to hang out.  Credit for their famous saying is given to Jerry’s grandmother who used to say “bad breath is better than no breath at all”.  In no time, Hogs Breath became better!

In 1988, Jerry began to look for a new location.  Key West was perfect.  Since opening the Key West Hog’s Breath, it has become a favorite spot of not only the locals but tourists.  This Key West watering hole offers everything anyone would want… great entertainment, a great time with an outdoor tropical setting.

Hog Heads

Jerry wants to spread the word about his faithful followers, affectionally known as Hog Heads.  Stop by the store and buy one of the famous t-shirts and show your Hog Head pride.

There even is a place on the website to post a picture of yourself proudly wearing your Hogs Breath stuff in unique places (keep it PG).

Hogs Breath Stuff

If you are lucky enough to be in town to browse the store, you will find just about anything.  They have the standard t-shirts and shot glasses but they also have gourmet food items.  Not lucky enough to be in town?  Surf over to their website and order from their online store.

Hog Trot

November marks the 5k Hog Trot.  It’s a race for charity and always a good time for everyone involved.  Free t-shirts are handed out and after the race, stop by Hogs Breath for free beer.  Not planning a trip to Key West in November, well, this may be a great reason to do so!  Who can pass up free beer?

Party Room

The Key West location offers a great party room.  It’s on top of the Hogs Breath Key West location and overlooks Old Town and the famous Key West sunset.  If you are coming to town to host a special occasion, this may be your spot.

Food and Drink

Hog’s Breath features a full menu from appetizers, a raw bar, and entrees.  Try the shrimp ceviche or some local seafood from the raw bar.  In the mood for a hot dog?  Have the World Famous Hog Dog.  A favorite menu item is the Key West Grilled Platter.

Not feeling like another beer?  (really?)  They do have a full service bar and offer great specialty drinks.  How about a Hog Snort?  It’s an Ice Blue cocktail.  In the mood for an orange drink?  Check out the Hog Wash, it may make you go Hog Wild!  Or want to stick to something more tropical?  The Havana Hog Punch is a blend of rum and fruit juices.  Nothing says Island time more than rum and fruit juice!  Happy Hour is 5 – 7pm every day.

Some people have complained about the noise while eating.  As with most places in Key West, they are not quiet.  It’s all about having fun and listing to great music.  If you prefer to eat in a quieter place, Hogs Breath may not be for you, but plan to stop by to enjoy a drink, or two, and listen to the music.

Entertainment

Hogs Breath has daily live entertainment.  Local and national bands play the stage.  Want to keep up with who’s playing or what’s going on?  Check out one of their three live webcams.  On the live cams, be sure to check out the Bar Cam, the Raw Bar Cam, or the Stage Cam.  In town?  Check out the calendar for all of their great live music.

We find it a little awkward to see the bands playing if we are in the dining room, but you can still enjoy the music.  Of course in beautiful Key West, this is no shortage of places to enjoy a cold drink and great food.  Other popular bar options include Irish Kevin’s Bar or Sloppy Joe’s Bar.  Looking for another Key West web cam?  Both Irish Kevin’s Bar and Sloppy Joe’s Bar offer a live webcam of their bar area.