Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Island House

    4.0 (106 reviews)
    PriceyGay Bars, Resorts
    Open Open 24 hours

    Island House Photos

    Business Info

    ISLAND HOUSE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Island House

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Grouper sandwich
    Tiffany L.

    The portions are out of this world , good food , quick and not to bad in the price . I had the grouper sandwich , on a kaiser roll with lettuce tomato and red onion. The sandwich was paired with onion rings, they have a great flavor and are larger than life in size lol .

    6x key lime martinis coming up
    Alexander P.

    It's heaven! Tropical, gay heaven? With a pool + hot tub and everyone's in a good mood from open-bar Happy Hour?! *I can die happy now* (...joking aside...) I haven't stayed at the Island House myself, but this visit makes for the second time in 9 years that I've visited the poolside bar! Yes, there's a clothing-optional aspect to things, but 'ya can also wear clothes too. They have a day pass situation which makes for the following options: -- $0 - ask to go to the poolside bar. Get the drink specials below. $30 - access to locker + pool, hot tubs, sauna, steam rooms. $? - full room experience; during Happy Hour you get free drinks from the open bar as below -- Happy Hour = 5:00-6:30 = two for one drinks on special. 99% sure people reading on here aren't looking for an analysis of the drinks, but -- the Key Lime Martini was creamy perfection and I was so in love that the bartender told me the recipe! If I ever get the chance to stay in Key West, Island House is at the top of the list. Out of curiosity, I had looked for the night I was in town and room prices seemed reasonable around ~$200/weeknight; suppose it depends on when you plan to stay. So, I'll be back. Until then, I will be longingly sipping Key Lime martinis in Ohio, staving off the scurvy until my pale self hobbles back down to bask in the Key West SUN... **OKAY, but seriously, next time, I'm at least getting in the damned pool** ::wink::

    Patio
    Daniel C M.

    This place was great. The staff was helpful and nice. The grounds are great. My only complaints are, The restaurant although very good got a little old. The menu is somewhat limited and when you're staying for a week, you run out of choices. Unfortunately if you want a traditional egg breakfast such as eggs, a meat and potatoes and toast, you have to order separately and it tends to get pricey. My biggest reason for only 3 stars are as follows: I was in a room that has a shared bath. On my last day there, I was in the shower. Suddenly I hear someone talking to me, he had a strong accent and I didn't know what he was saying, he got another staff member to let me know, they wanted me to turn off the water so they could replenish the liquid soap( they actually have to step into the shower stall to do that. I finally asked them to let me finish my shower in peace. Next I was in my room packing up, well before check out time. A staff member let themselves in and processed to start cleaning my room, I felt so rushed that when I got home I realized I had left some gifts for friends last n the room, plus a few of my hangers. Otherwise I would give this place 5 stars.

    Michael, the Island House management team.
    Mark C.

    Perfect 3 night stay! The food, the drinks, the drinks, the pool... the Island House team is always the best! Thank you Michael for getting me into my safe... and getting my drivers license to me, at the airport! Sorry to be a tiny bit high maintenance, but this must be one reason Island House stays full. THANK YOU AGAIN!

    Pool area

    Outstanding in every aspect. Excellent food and service, beautiful pool area. Very sexy place to be naughty and very classy at the same time.

    Pizza is fantastic
    Cory P.

    I love this place but I can only give it 4 stars because it is a little over priced for what they say they offer. 30$ for a day pass but the pool and hot tub are nothing to complain about but also nothing to get excited about. Every time We've gone the men are nothing to complain about but again nothing to get excited about. If you have a partner or play bud - the video room is fun but if you're single and lower expectations, you might find fun. The best and absolutely best part about this place is the cute pool side restaurant. You don't need a day pass to eat here. The menu is huge. Prices and quantity are spot on. We had the tuna, pizza, cordon bleu, chicken club, and carrot cake. All were delicious and made us happy. The drinks were a bit expensive but the bartenders poured really strong. (It felt like a two in one drink so we feel the price verses quality of the drink was satisfactory.) They do have happy hour but they should have all day specials to make paying a high price for a day pass or hotel room more seductive. I do give credit to the owners and they are smart because they have a restaurant that would made us stay in the resort and not want to venture out. -If this place were competitive with their drink prices all day, a person staying there would have no reason to leave.

    Happy hubby about to order breaky.
    Sketch D.

    I would give this place TEN stars if I could! When we booked online, the place touted itself as "The Best Gay Resort in the World". I thought, "how pretentious"... until we arrived and were greeted with an amazing staff, SUPER clean and comfortable accommodations, world-class cuisine, relaxing pool and hot tub experiences, etc, etc! After having stayed there four nights, we totally agree that it really is the best Gay Resort on the planet. Sure, Palm Springs has its clothing optional resorts with pools, play-areas and hot tubs...but they don't serve alcohol (and rarely food) and certainly not 24/7! Sure Puerto Vallarta has the Spartacus club... very similar to Island House in many regards but you cannot spend the night. Sure, other cities have a similar all-gay male experiences but do they also have the walkability that Island House has, surrounded by shops, narrow pedestrian alleys and even a free bus service if you don't want to walk. I know I am starting to sound like a broken record but we were truly impressed. Island House is a unique experience and yes, it was slightly above our normal pay range but it was also worth EVERY PENNY! Did I mention that the bartenders and waitstaff were super cordial and friendly... after five days we were on a first name basis with all of them. As vegetarians, we tried literally everything non-meat on their menu after we realized how great their food was. After a few days, we simply had no reason to actually leave the resort. We even met the owner, Bobi who gave us a history of his place and shared many interesting stories and laughs. Thank you Island House for lifting our spirits, offering us a relaxing vacation and for a great birthday (suit!) gift for my husband. We've already booked our return.

    The fish tacos are incredible!!!! In my opinion, this place is completely worth the trip just for them!

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John S.
    8
    80
    97

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of C L.
    0
    16
    0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Mike C.
    5
    114
    3

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Mark C.
    0
    15
    13

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Andy V.
    1492
    2177
    10963

    6 years ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 2

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cory P.
    635
    691
    2162

    8 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ro C.
    0
    86
    13

    6 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jason H.
    129
    98
    10

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Brian F.
    89
    53
    20

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of G D.
    57
    141
    111

    7 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 0
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0
    Photo of D.S. A.
    9
    411
    469

    12 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Edd R.
    0
    20
    1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bill H.
    1
    26
    12

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of R S.
    27
    333
    5065

    13 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Island House

    Are you guys open with pandemic?

    Obviously. There is a review posted just eleven days ago (and he posted a few Key West reviews that week).

    Recently out 50 year old (with body to match 😳) wanting to get out and spread my gay wings. Will I be too old for IH? If yes, recommendations?

    You'll fit right in, Scott! We cover the gamut when it comes to the guys who book at the Island House. Welcome to the club literally and figuratively! Can't wait to welcome you here with us :-)

    Any suggestions for bi couple(MF)?

    Hey Amy! Right across the street from us is a wonderful LGBT resort that caters to both men and women called Alexander's Guesthouse. They are great neighbors and they offer a great product for a co-ed LGBT resort experience. Enjoy Key West!

    First time , going solo!! Any recommendations for a gay young boy age 26 ? For 5 days !

    Live it up!

    View All 6 Questions

    Review Highlights - Island House

    After having stayed there four nights, we totally agree that it really is the best Gay Resort on the planet.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Better Than Sex - Seating and lighting

    Better Than Sex

    4.5(1.7k reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$

    I have a sweet tooth, a tremendous sweet tooth indeed, For…read moreice cream and desserts are the things that I need. I've had dessert in the desert near Area 51, And underground in Antarctica, far from the sun. I've had it in graveyards, beneath moonlight so fair, And even in a dessert restaurant, yes, I've had dessert there! At Better Than Sex, the Fever was mine, And it tasted so splendid, so luscious, divine. I tried one of their special coffees as well, And it was so delicious, I nearly swooned under its spell. But the night's grandest moment, the finest display, Was when our waiter arrived with the desserts on a tray. He looked straight in my eyes as he named each delight, With a confidence both curious and wonderfully bright. My dessert was a huge phallus, impressive and grand, With two giant balls resting beneath it in hand. It was covered in "splooge sauce," a curious sweet stream, A dessert of such drama it belonged in a dream! I truly enjoyed this place and would gladly return If I lived nearby, where the sweet candles burn. They are masters of dessert, of flavor and flair-- A deliciously mischievous treasure tucked away there.

    We went to Better Than Sex after eating a full meal at Duffy's right in front, so there wasn't much…read moreroom left in us. But oh man was it amazing. An extremely unique ambience and decoration. But it's not too much or too little. The seating is comfortable and private. Our server was very nice, he checked in at all the right times and was sweet. We only ordered one dessert and it got there promptly. Everything on the menu looked excellent and delicious. We settled on the cookie nookie cake, it was super fresh with many contrasting flavors that made every bite a pleasure. Overall had an amazing time and recommend this place for anything from a late night dessert or a full dessert meal. If we're ever around again, we are definitely going back and trying a lot more than just one dessert.

    Photos
    Better Than Sex - Cream in my coffee

    Cream in my coffee

    Better Than Sex - Red velvet cheesecake

    Red velvet cheesecake

    Better Than Sex - Moscato, white chocolate rimmed glass

    See all

    Moscato, white chocolate rimmed glass

    Mary Ellen's Bar & Kitchen - Irish coffee, the best one you'll ever have

    Mary Ellen's Bar & Kitchen

    4.2(214 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    Mary Ellen's Bar and Kitchen…read more From the outside, it's just a plain white building sittin' in the sun nothing flashy, nothing pulling you in. Real easy to walk right past it without a second thought. But step inside... and now you're in a whole different story. The walls, the ceiling, the corners every inch feels like it's been collected over time, layered with memorabilia and personality. And the wild part? It doesn't stay the same. The décor can shift with the mood, like the place is alive and just decides to reinvent itself whenever it feels like it. You go in thinking it's just a quick stop. Then the drinks start flowing, the room starts buzzing, and next thing you know you're laughing louder than you planned, talking longer than you expected. Sure, maybe there was a little drinking involved but truth be told, it's the atmosphere doing most of the heavy lifting. They've got events, music, off-the-wall fun mixed in with a laid-back crowd, and it all just works without trying too hard. The food holds its own too solid comfort stuff that hits right when you need it and the service keeps things moving smooth without missing a beat. It's one of those spots... looks like nothing on the outside, but inside it's a whole experience. Another one of those "hidden gems," yeah but this one earns it the hard way. Mary Ellen's Bar and Kitchen From the outside, it's just a plain white building sittin' in the sun nothing flashy, nothing pulling you in. Real easy to walk right past it without a second thought. But step inside... and now you're in a whole different story. The walls, the ceiling, the corners every inch feels like it's been collected over time, layered with memorabilia and personality. And the wild part? It doesn't stay the same. The décor can shift with the mood, like the place is alive and just decides to reinvent itself whenever it feels like it. You go in thinking it's just a quick stop. Then the drinks start flowing, the room starts buzzing, and next thing you know you're laughing louder than you planned, talking longer than you expected. Sure, maybe there was a little drinking involved but truth be told, it's the atmosphere doing most of the heavy lifting. They've got events, music, off-the-wall fun mixed in with a laid-back crowd, and it all just works without trying too hard. The food holds its own too solid comfort stuff that hits right when you need it and the service keeps things moving smooth without missing a beat. It's one of those spots... looks like nothing on the outside, but inside it's a whole experience. Another one of those "hidden gems," yeah but this one earns it the hard way.

    Mary Ellen's Bar & Kitchen is exactly the kind of place a weary traveler wants to discover in Key…read moreWest: a lively bar, cheap beer, and delicious Mexican food. The prices were friendly, the atmosphere was fun, and the combination of cold drinks and spicy food gave me enough courage to face whatever horrors waited outside. Unfortunately, after ordering my second beer, the lights began flickering and a mysterious voice whispered, "One more round." I assumed it was a ghost until I realized it was just someone at the bar making a recommendation. Then the salsa started moving on its own. I bravely consumed it anyway. By the end of the night, I had defeated the haunted salsa, secured another inexpensive beer, and escaped with my soul mostly intact. Mary Ellen's is a great stop for cheap drinks, Mexican food, and the possibility of being spiritually possessed by a particularly aggressive jalapeño. Five stars, though I recommend keeping an eye on the chips.

    Photos
    Mary Ellen's Bar & Kitchen
    Mary Ellen's Bar & Kitchen - Half Cheeseburger

    Half Cheeseburger

    Mary Ellen's Bar & Kitchen - Vibrator races!!

    See all

    Vibrator races!!

    Blue Heaven - Key Lime Pie

    Blue Heaven

    4.3(5.5k reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    The lobster anything was excellent. I has the shrimp benedict, but everyone else had lobster. The…read morechickens and roosters running around provided entertainment and the atmosphere with the trees and flowers flowing over top make it an experience.

    Blue Heaven is one of those rare places that feels less like a restaurant and more like a second…read morehome you somehow never knew you'd been missing. The food is excellent--flavorful, thoughtfully prepared, and consistently satisfying--but what truly sets this place apart is the service, especially when you're seated at the bar. As a bar guest, I experienced something far above exceptional. It felt like walking into a place I already loved and being shown the very best of it by people who genuinely care. To the bartenders and staff who made every visit feel that way: Dairy-ah (I'm almost certainly butchering the spelling, but the pronunciation stuck with me), thank you for the warmth, the skill, and the way you made the bar feel welcoming every time. Lucy--always with the hat on backwards--you became my spirit animal the moment I realized how perfectly that energy matched the whole vibe of the place. Thank you for being exactly who you are behind that bar. Brittney, the chillest of them all: your calm, easy presence made everything feel lighter and better. Chelsea, I only got to have you serve me once, but that one time was enough to know how good you are at this. And to the Servers, Paul and Lola: even in our brief interactions while I was at the bar, both of you brought such strong, genuine personalities that it elevated the whole experience. Thank you for that. Blue Heaven is an amazing restaurant with great food and even greater service. But more than that, it's the people who make it feel like coming home and being shown the best time in a place you love the most. Thank you--truly--to all of you for making it feel that way. And to Henry, a longtime regular at the bar, who passed away during my visit. "His" presence was clearly part of the fabric of this place, and I'm grateful I got to share that space, however briefly, with the people who knew and cared for him. Thank You All, and sorry if I didn't list your name in this review because there were far more of you than I've mentioned, just Know my early mornings sitting at the Blue Heavens Bar, was the highlight of everyday I spent in Key West. Sincerely, Brian.. (or as my friends call me, "Jonesie")...

    Photos
    Blue Heaven - Bar inside

    Bar inside

    Blue Heaven - Lobster Grits

    Lobster Grits

    Blue Heaven - Key Lime pie with super tall meringue

    See all

    Key Lime pie with super tall meringue

    Island House - gaybars - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...