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Key West, Florida: Bar With Death Chains In The Wall

At least one person was reportedly shackled to the wall and beaten to death in Capt. Tony's Saloon, but that was under previous ownership. A favorite hangout of Hemingway and JFK.

Capt. Tony's Saloon

Address:
428 Greene St., Key West, FL
Directions:
Capt. Tony's Saloon. Between Duval St & Whitehead St.
Hours:
Daily until 4 AM. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
305-294-1838
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Visitor Tips and News About Bar With Death Chains In The Wall

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Bras, dollars, and old license plates.

Bar With Death Chains In The Wall

Also interesting in this bar are the Hanging Tree and collection of bras, dollars, and old license plates!

[Stef, 05/23/2017]
Captain Tony's: Hanging Tree

At one time this was the city morgue. Now it's a bar... built around the "hanging tree" of the city, which still grows in the center of the building. There is also a grave marker to one side of the establishment, which at one time was owned and operated by the colorful Mayor of Key West.

[Phillip Green, 01/13/2014]

We're familiar with Captain Tony's because of its famous Death Chains. The presence of a Hanging Tree makes it even more worthy.

Death chains.

Bar With Death Chains In The Wall

Sloppy Joe's bar is located at 201 Duval but the original Sloppy Joe's (now Capt. Tony's Saloon) is located at 428 Greene St which houses the "Death Chains". Sloppy Joe's moved its business due to increase in rent years ago. The original "Sloppy Joe's" was an ice house, doubled as a morgue, cigar factory, bordello, Blind Pig gambling hall and more. Capt. Tony's is also the oldest licensed saloon in Florida.

[Miss Molly, 09/11/2008]
Bar With Death Chains In The Wall

Sloppy Joe's Bar is best known as the hangout of hard-drinking Ernest Hemingway (and later JFK). Since 1937 it has occupied a building that was built in the 1700s, and has a set of chains in its wall where at least one person was reportedly shackled and beaten to death. Since this is Key West, all stories are suspect -- but if you're out here anyway you might as well check it out.

[RoadsideAmerica.com Team, 06/01/2007]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Mel Fisher Maritime MuseumMel Fisher Maritime Museum, Key West, FL - < 1 mi.
Truman Bronze BustTruman Bronze Bust, Key West, FL - < 1 mi.
Truman's Little White HouseTruman's Little White House, Key West, FL - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Six-Toed Cats of Ernest Hemingway, Key West, FL - < 1 mi.

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