The Best Bars in Grenada, in the Caribbean

We love this tiny beach shack at the northern end of Morne Rouge – as BBC Beach is officially known. It’s so well hidden, you’d probably walk right past it if you weren’t actively looking for it. With only a handful of seats, it’s a tiny slice of paradise protected as a close secret among those in the know. Come to watch the sunset and stay for the food – bites include seafood tacos, plantain and chicken wings – which have been created specifically to mop up the generous cocktails. Even if you’re driving you’re in luck: try their juices and smoothies made with fruit hacked freshly from the trees.

Not for nothing is Savvy’s Beach recognized as one of the most elegant beach bars in town. It’s open daily and you can order yourself an ice-cold beer from as early as 10am. From the terrace, there’s an uninterrupted view of Grande Anse Beach – and if you want to max out on sunsets, these are the tables to book to sit back and enjoy the panorama of St George, lit up and twinkling. As befits a bar-restaurant as classy as Savvy’s, the menu is an eclectic mix of English gastro-pub favorites, West Indian dishes and fresh local seafood. Pop in for a brief interlude from the heat and rays, or settle in for a lengthy lunch or dinner.

Say hello from us to the lovely Russ and Magdalena, who run the Dodgy Dock: a Grenadian institution down on the southern tip of the island. More precisely, it’s right on the waterfront at True Blue Bay and it derives its curious name from a wonky dock – not because most guests leave here wobbly from rum. This is an appealingly spacious, laid-back place, protruding out over the waters of the bay – and a party atmosphere prevails way into the night with happy hours, regular live music, DJs and weekly street food nights.

Silversands is a suave luxury resort of razor-sharp design, unveiled a couple of winters back at the northern end of Grand Anse beach. Step inside and you’ll find Puro, which has already established itself as one of Grenada’s seminal rum and cigar bars. It’s classy, exclusive and modern – with air-conditioning and glass walls giving views over Silversands’ expansive pool. Don’t come for a quick snifter, though: there are more than 180 rums to choose between with the most expensive clocking in at more than $200 (£145.89) per shot. When hunger pangs hit, pick from the menu of tapas-style snacks – they serve up deliciously spiced fish brochettes and sweet potato fries here.

Head to the water’s edge on the Lance-aux-Épines peninsula at the fashionable southern end of Grenada and you’ll hit Prickly Bay Marina – a busy spot attracting a steady stream of guests stepping off international cruise ships. They’re probably heading for a reviver at the happening Prickly Bay Bar and Restaurant, which sends out food and drinks until the early hours. It’s made up of an open-air bar and a casual restaurant, both magnets for ex-pats and yachties, as well as tourists. There’s a permanent outdoor stage for live music and DJs – aim for a Friday night when crowds in their hundreds come to hear the live steel pan band.

Tiki-tacky cocktails are definitely not the deal at the luxury resort of Laluna, a hotel founded by ice-cool Italians that’s renowned for its glamorous and serene atmosphere. As with its elegant boutique-beautiful accommodation, the hotel’s beach-chic bar – which hides at the bottom of a private road right on the sands – is just as classy. It’s open-sided and furnished with romantic Balinese day beds – and you don’t need to be a guest to get in, but be sure to don your Sunday best for the big weekend afternoon, when local live music sounds fill the air.

Once you make it to Esther’s Bar, you know you’ll be back again and again. For decades, this family-run favorite has been quenching the thirsts of visitors and locals, all here to relax with potent mojitos and rum punches. They also offer refreshing non-alcoholic varieties, bursting with island fruit. It’s the best thing about unspoiled Grande Anse Beach – with a welcoming atmosphere, great tunes and bar snacks guaranteed to keep you here all afternoon, possibly long into the night. Don’t worry if you run out of cash as they take cards, too.

Towards the southern tip of Grenada, you’ll come across L’anse Aux Epines – also known as the “Bay of Thorns” – the only brewery on the island. West Indies Beer Company presents 15 beers and four ciders on tap: scour the list for IPAs, wheat beers, porters, lagers and ales and you’ve got a refreshing change from the ubiquitous heady local rum. The large indoor bar has a dartboard and pool table – and there’s a sizable patio area with plenty of shade, as well as an addictive ring toss game if you’re feeling competitive.

On Grenada’s most famous beach, Umbrellas Beach Bar has honed sandy-chic sophistication to the utmost with this fine airy, spacious two-story bar-diner. There’s a daily happy hour, an extensive menu and live music on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays – hence the appeal of the place among parties and families. With no shortage of indoor and outdoor seating, it’s a great one for impromptu revelers – but if you want to ensure the best marine views, book a table upstairs. Empty stomachs will be grateful for the impressive menu of freshly made Caribbean-inspired veggie and meat dishes. Simply drink, eat, repeat.