Barbados Bars and Restaurants

Barbados bars and restaurants generously offer up daily Happy Hours and other drinks specials throughout the week. Some bars, especially those catering to the tourist market, actually have Happy Hour twice a day - the first usually around noon and another in the evening/night.

What we love most about the Barbados drinking scene is the diversity of experiences available in such a small island. If you're looking for a lively crowd then the bars in Holetown are the place to be on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. For a full party atmosphere then head to Drinks Free nights at Harbour Lights nightclub or party at the trendy Red Door Lounge.

For a quieter ambience, check out some of the restaurant bars such as On The Bay, Captain Charlie's, and Cafe Luna.

Sports fans will definitely want to stop by Bubba's, a fun sports bar with an extensive menu and daily happy hour. Large screen TVs show NBA, NHL, tennis, football, cricket, etc. and passions can run high with devoted fans. This is a favourite spot for locals during the big sporting events. Another great sports bar option is Lucky Horseshoe which has 2 branches - one on the south coast and one on the west. Like Bubba's, Lucky Horseshoe combines a great family-friendly menu with super drinks.

Which bar in Barbados has the most scenic setting? Well our favourite is Round House with sweeping views of the ocean pools and foaming surf at Bathsheba.

The traditional Bajan rum shop remains a must-do for many locals. Here we meet up after work and on the weekends to 'fire a rum' with friends and discuss the issues of the day. I must warn you though that you are likely to hear some hmmm let's say 'colourful' language in the rum shops! Don't be alarmed... there's no malice or anger, just an overly exhuberant way of talking usually fueled by a couple of beers or rum & cokes. Some of the most popular shops are John Moore Bar, Kermitt's Bar and Braddie's Bar.

There is also a gentrification element to the rum shops. This can take the form of upgrades to an existing shop, or a cultural fusion which captures the friendliness and camaraderie of the traditional rum shop but in a more upscale setting.

Many rum shops are also opened during the day, serving up authentic dishes such as macaroni pie with grilled fish, chicken peleau, and chicken liver cutters. Several shops also have a small village store attached to them where residents of the surrounding neighbourhoods buy staples including tinned goods, rice, flour, sugar, eggs, etc.