11 Best Bars in Barbados

Background Illustration for Nightlife

When the sun goes down, Bajans "lime"—which can mean anything from getting together for a drink and casual chat to enjoying a full-blown "jump-up" or street party. Most resorts have nightly entertainment in season, and nightclubs often have live bands for listening and dancing. The busiest bars and dance clubs rage until 3 am. On Saturday nights, some clubs—especially those with live music—charge a cover of $20 or more. Many bars and nightspots feature happy hours.

Barbados supports the rum industry with more than 1,600 "rum shops," simple bars where (mostly) men congregate to discuss the world or life in general, drink rum, and eat a cutter (sandwich). In more sophisticated establishments, you can find upscale rum cocktails made with the island's renowned Mount Gay and Cockspur brands—and no shortage of Barbados's own Banks Beer.

Copacabana Beach Club

Fodor's choice

This lively, family-friendly club—complete with beach chairs, bars, good food, and shower facilities—is on a beautiful calm beach with excellent snorkeling spots. Lounge under an umbrella on the sand, cocktail in hand, or enjoy fresh fish tacos while watching a sports match on an indoor screen. This is also a venue for concerts and outdoor movie screenings during the Barbados Independent Film Festival. Day passes include use of amenities and act as credit that guests can redeem at the bar and restaurant.

Oistins Fish Fry

Fodor's choice

This is the place to be on Friday evening, when this South Coast fishing village becomes a lively and convivial outdoor street party suitable for the whole family. Barbecued chicken and a variety of fish, along with all the traditional sides, are served fresh from the grill and consumed at roadside picnic tables. Servings are huge and prices are inexpensive—about $15–$20 per plate. Recommendations include lionfish, plantain, and breadfruit. Drinks, music, and dancing add to the fun. To avoid the crowds, come any day but Friday for lunch or dinner.

Bubba's Sports Bar

During the day, this is a family-friendly restaurant. At night, merrymakers and sports lovers find live action on three 10-foot video screens and nearly two-dozen TVs, along with bar food and local Banks beer on tap.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Dis Ole House Kitchen and Beer Garden

This is a quaint unexpected spot for great food, live music, brunch, and delicious cocktails. Enjoy juicy ribs with a beer (or a full flight) in the tropical back garden, which has been designed with coziness in mind. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available. Remember that it's cash only.

Long Bay, Sunbury, Barbados
246-571–0502
Nightlife Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tue.

Drift Ocean Terrace Lounge

Sophisticated in style and seductive in setting, this is a romantic place to enjoy some Champagne, a tropical cocktail, or a glass of wine before heading out to party in Holetown.

Halo Ultra Lounge

Party in the open air or in one of the customized (or VIP) areas with friends for themed nights, karaoke, and a mixture of reggae, Latin, Afrobeat, and soca music. Formerly known as The Ship Inn, this party spot, which opened in 2021, also treats guests to floor shows and DJs who keep the crowd partying well into the wee hours of the morning. 

Harbour Lights

This open-air beachfront club claims it's "the place to be." Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday nights (during high season) are the hottest, with pulsating local, regional, and international rhythms. There's an entrance fee ($35) but drinks are included. During the day enjoy a relaxing time on the beach with umbrellas and beach chairs or go swimming with the turtles and explore the nearby shipwrecks in Carlisle Bay. On Wednesday and Thursday nights there is a beach extravaganza dinner show.

Red Door Lounge

The Red Door is located inside Mango Bay but is open to the public. Cocktails, DJs, and live music —this local hot spot is the place to be on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights after 10 pm.

The Boatyard

There's never a dull moment at this popular beachside bar—day or night. From happy hour until the wee hours, you can enjoy refreshing cocktails, beautiful sunsets, and lively music. There are also several offerings for children, including a rope swing into the sea and a trampoline in the water. Buy a day pass and redeem half of the cost towards food and drink at Sharkey's Bar.  Your day pass ($35) includes the use of the rope swing, trampoline, and a free boat tour and turtle swim experience. 

The Dive

This new and increasingly popular party spot boasts of being the “home of the three-for-one rum.” Overlooking St. Lawrence Bay, The Dive comes alive with a mixture of live band performances and DJ music on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights (there's a $10 cover on Friday and Saturday). You can choose to party on the upper deck or the lower level, where they have one of the biggest fish tanks on the island. 

St. Lawrence Gap, Barbados
246-622--2025
Nightlife Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.--Tues.

West Bar

Restaurant by day, trendy outdoor bar in the Limegrove Lifestyle Centre courtyard by night, this is a good place to meet friends for a drink and chill. Expect good vibes, good dancing, and a good party atmosphere on Friday and Saturday nights starting at 10 pm.