Frozen Drinks, Ice-Cold Beer and Sundowners Galore: These Are Aruba’s 5 Best Bars

Turquoise waters, white sand and unforgettable sunsets: Aruba is known worldwide as the island of happiness. But the wonderful promises that this paradisiac destination offers do not end once the sun goes down, because the nightlife in Aruba is equally attractive for visitors to the island.

Its bars are filled with Caribbean flavor; from tropical cocktails, food inspired by the flavors of the sea, and live music. The happiness and energy of this Caribbean island seep into its cocktails and gastronomy. Whether in the company of friends, family or alone, there is no wrong way to enjoy the nightlife in Aruba.

Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant

Known by locals and tourists on the island for its attractive menu, this restaurant and bar focuses on coastal flavors. With more than thirty years of experience in Caribbean cuisine and cocktails, Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant is located just steps from the Renaissance Marina pier in Oranjestad.

Their cocktails are inspired by marine life and surfers, such as the Shark Attack or the Infamous Scorpion Shots. Open from Monday to Sunday, this bar is one of the favorite destinations within the center of Oranjestad, due to its proximity to the cruise ship dock and the white sand beaches.

Bugaloe Beach Bar & Grill

Located at Palm Dock in Palm Beach, this bar offers an unparalleled view of the turquoise waters of the happiest island in the world. Its colorful tables, its tropical drinks and its vast menu of typical Caribbean food will leave you wanting to return. Bugaloe Beach Bar & Grill is also known for its karaoke nights. An ideal destination to visit with the family, since it has options in its menu aimed at children.

A must for Bugaloe Beach Bar & Grill? Their salsa Wednesdays, where every week they offer free salsa lessons for all those who want to learn to dance typical Caribbean music like a local.

Garufa Cigar & Cocktail Lounge

This bar is known for its Cuban cigars and an unparalleled menu of drinks and snacks. Garufa Cigar & Cocktail Lounge is an elegant and exclusive bar that, in addition to its offer of Caribbean cocktails, hosts weekly events that include karaoke nights on Tuesdays, live music performances on Friday nights and salsa nights on Saturdays.

Known for its unique homemade beverages made with Scotch malt whiskey, cognac and wine, it also offers a cigar section for amateurs and flavored petit cigars. It’s located on the charming Wilhelminastraat avenue, just opposite El Gaucho restaurant, in Oranjestad.

The Wine Room Aruba

Escape the crowd and enjoy the intimate experience offered by a wine tasting. The Wine Room Aruba is the most exclusive and noteworthy wine bar on the island. More than a simple bar, The Wine Room Aruba offers an experience where visitors can enjoy dinners with wine pairings and training in the best wine combinations in the world. Enjoy its tapas menu in its exclusive environment, specially designed to accompany it with specific wine strains; from cheeses from all over the world, stuffed dates and snails cooked in wine, to the finest selection of charcuterie.

And for meat lovers, you can also choose from its high-quality Angus meat cuts menu. It’s located in L.G. Smith Boulevard, in Oranjestad. To visit The Wine Room Aruba, make a reservation at least two days in advance on their website.

Rock ‘n’ Rock bar

A bar where you can enjoy all genres of rock: from the originals of the 50s and the different styles of the 60s, all the way to 90s alternative rock.

Rock ‘n’ Rock bar has a wide variety of local cocktails. Known for its beer menu, visitors can also enjoy live music, where both national and international artists play from rock and reggae to jazz and much more.

It’s advisable to make a reservation a few days in advance, to make sure you have a table during the show. Located on Calle Caya Taratata, in Oranjestad, this bar is ideal for those who love good music.