Live Your Best Lives
  1. Travel FAQs
  2. United States
  3. Florida (FL)
  4. Florida Keys
  5. Key West

The Boathouse at Turtle Kraals

Anyone know why The Boathouse hasn’t opened the Tower Bar? It was quite popular when it was Turtle Kraals.

The Boathouse at Turtle Kraals is indeed a popular spot in Key West, and the Tower Bar was a key feature when the restaurant operated under the Turtle Kraals name. However, the reason the Tower Bar hasn’t reopened under the new ownership or management may involve several factors. As of now, the official reason has not been publicly stated, but here are some possible reasons why the Tower Bar hasn't opened yet:

  • Renovation and Restoration Delays: The building and structure that houses the Tower Bar may have undergone or is undergoing renovations. After Hurricane Irma in 2017, many buildings in Key West, including restaurants, had to make significant repairs. This could have caused delays in reopening some sections of the establishment, including the Tower Bar.
  • Management Changes and Business Focus: Since the transition from Turtle Kraals to The Boathouse, the new management may have refocused their efforts on the main restaurant area, perhaps adjusting to post-pandemic conditions or staffing challenges. The Tower Bar might not fit into their current vision or business strategy at this time.
  • Staffing and Operational Challenges: Like many businesses in Key West, the hospitality industry has faced staffing shortages in recent years, making it difficult for some establishments to fully reopen all their services. The Tower Bar may not be operating because there are not enough staff or resources to manage it properly.
  • Seasonal Operations: It's also possible that the Tower Bar is a seasonal operation. Some venues in the Florida Keys open and close based on the peak tourist seasons, and it's possible that the Tower Bar is only open during high season or certain times of the year.

For now, it looks like the Tower Bar is not in operation, but it’s worth keeping an eye on the Boathouse’s official announcements, as plans might change in the future. In the meantime, you can still enjoy the main Boathouse restaurant, which offers great food and drinks, with a fantastic view of the water and the Old Town area.

More Key West Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

new

Popular Destinations

Rushan
Moon Lake
Du Jinsheng's former residence
Tongli Ancient Town

Popular Travel Questions