The Rusty Anchor

Overview

The Rusty Anchor is a beachfront bar located in Key Lento, Leonida Keys, that is set to appear in Grand Theft Auto VI. Situated near the northwestern coast of Key Lento, the bar features a pier for smaller fishing and recreational boats, outdoor picnic tables for al fresco dining and drinking, and a fully accessible interior. The venue also functions as a popular music spot, hosting live acts on a regular basis.

The Rusty Anchor was first mentioned in the September 2022 leak, where its name appeared on two music flyers found inside the Jack of Hearts strip club. The bar was later prominently featured in the game's second trailer at approximately 1:19 and 1:29, as well as in multiple official screenshots showing characters Jason, Cal Hampton, and Brian Heder at or near the venue.

Exterior

The Rusty Anchor's exterior is defined by its waterfront location and relaxed, weathered aesthetic. The bar sits near a pier that accommodates smaller fishing and recreational boats, reinforcing the establishment's connection to Key Lento's maritime culture. Multiple picnic tables are arranged outside for outdoor dining and drinking, giving the venue the feel of a casual seaside hangout.

One of the most distinctive features of the exterior is a wooden rooftop windmill, which has become closely associated with the bar's identity. The windmill is featured prominently in the bar's logo and on branded merchandise, including shirts worn by bartenders and by Cal Hampton in the second trailer.

Interior

The Rusty Anchor's interior is fully accessible to players. The walls are decorated with vintage alcohol signage, posters, stickers, and license plates from both the states of Leonida and Gloriana, creating a cluttered and lived-in atmosphere typical of long-established dive bars. A functional, wall-mounted television is also present inside the bar, suggesting that players may be able to watch in-game broadcasts while visiting.

Key Facts

Music Venue

The Rusty Anchor doubles as a live music venue, with posters inside and around the bar advertising performances by acts such as Gutless Wonders and The Hummers & The Strummers. This musical identity is consistent with the real-world Florida Keys bar culture, where small waterfront establishments frequently host live bands and solo performers.

Real-World Inspiration

The Rusty Anchor is inspired by the Caribbean Club, located at 104080 Overseas Highway in Key Largo, Florida. The parallels between the two are extensive: the interior design, overall layout, and the on-site pier all closely mirror the real-world establishment. The Caribbean Club is one of the most famous dive bars in the Florida Keys, known for its laid-back atmosphere, waterfront location, and live music.

The Rusty Anchor's distinctive rooftop windmill is inspired by the Caribbean Club's original design when it first opened in 1938. The original Caribbean Club building featured a windmill as part of its hotel section, a design element that has been carried over into the GTA VI version as a signature architectural feature.

Trivia

• Branded shirts featuring artwork of the bar's logo and exterior, including the wooden rooftop windmill, can be seen worn by bartenders and by Cal Hampton in Trailer 2.

• The license plates on the interior walls come from both Leonida and Gloriana, the neighboring state, suggesting a clientele that crosses state lines.

• The bar's name, "The Rusty Anchor," fits the nautical theme of the Leonida Keys and suggests a long-standing establishment that has weathered years of salt air and island life.

• The Rusty Anchor is one of the most frequently featured locations in official GTA VI promotional materials, appearing in both trailer footage and dedicated screenshots.