The Best Bars In Kingston, Jamaica

| Bernadett / Adobe Stock
Nabila Khouri

You’ll never have a boring night in Kingston. Jamaica’s capital is home to half the country’s population and as the rum capital of the world it has some of the best nightlife in the Caribbean. We list some top spots to find fun and a strong drink.

CRU Bar and Kitchen

Located in a busy shopping center, CRU is a rooftop bar serving some of the best cocktails in Kingston. Their central location is great for barhopping and getting to other nightclubs in the area. Kingston isn’t a pedestrian-friendly city, so we suggest using a taxi service or joining the company of a few locals. The decor is modern and inviting, with lots of open space and seating. They host monthly events that feature live music and DJs from across the island. The crowd varies from day-to-day, but you’ll always find good food, drinks, and company.

Regency Bar and Lounge

The Macau Gaming Lounge and bar

If you’re hoping to test your luck while out for drinks with a few friends, Macau is the perfect place. Though the bar has a casino, its best feature is the outdoor patio seating that provides a relaxed environment in which to enjoy a few drinks and the night sky. Macau is known for frozen cocktails, which come in every color imaginable. For warm summer nights, nothing is better, except maybe an ice-cold Red Stripe. This is one of the few bars that stocks the one liter bottle of the locally brewed lager, if you’re up for the challenge.

Mahogany Tree bar

Inside the historic Devon House complex, the Mahogany Tree bar provides a unique tropical ambiance compared to other outdoor bars in Kingston. Tucked inside a small corner of a national heritage site, you’ll be sipping cocktails next to ferns, palm trees, and the massive mahogany tree that is the centerpiece of the bar. You’ll want to arrive early to find seating though. On Friday nights Devon House hosts a casual party with live DJs that play the latest Jamaican and international music.

JoJo’s Jerk Pit

A night at JoJo’s is always better at the bar.The casual setting is the perfect place to unwind after a long day. No frills or special decor, no fuss or excessive attention, just an awesome space for relaxed vibes and great company. Even if you do just go for the bar, you might not be able to resist ordering some food off the menu, and we recommend it. Their jerk chicken is the perfect complement to an ice-cold Red Stripe.

Wine

Distil Bar

Head to Distil bar on Wednesday nights for their Wine Wednesdays inclusive event. For a flat rate, you can enjoy an endless selection of red, white, and sparkling wines, as well as rum and vodka specials. The relaxed environment is the perfect place to chill out in. Located in a popular restaurant district called Marketplace, Distill is near seven great dining spots; pick one to have a meal at before you hit the drinks.

Medusa Bar and Grill

Medusa has endless cocktails every Wednesday night for around $1000 JMD (that’s $8.50 USD or £5.50). You won’t find a better deal in Kingston. The music is always great, with live DJs playing the best in reggae, dance hall, and international hits. The bar hosts special events on most nights, ranging from special food deals to karaoke, but it varies week to week.

Redbones Blues Café

If top 40 hits, dance hall, and hip-hop aren’t your thing, grab a drink at Redbones. The restaurant and bar has weekly live performances that attract the best musicians, poets, and artists on the island. The eclectic decor and tropical outdoor seating area provide the perfect environment to enjoy one of their signature cocktails while listening to incredible jazz, reggae, and poetry readings. The venue also acts as an art gallery, displaying some of Kingston’s finest painters working in a variety of mixed media.

The Terrace at Susie’s Bakery and Coffee bar

Susie’s is a coffee shop by day and a cocktail bar at night. The restaurant and bar are owned by one of Jamaica’s most beloved bakers, Susie Hanna, who’s been in business for more than 20 years. The outdoor bar is the most recent addition to the establishment. Though the bar is quite small, there is plenty of seating provided in the beautiful courtyard surrounding the restaurant. At night, hanging lights create a golden glow around the lily-filled fountain at the center of the courtyard. If you’re looking for a more relaxed setting to enjoy great drinks, The Terrace is the place.

Usain Bolt’s Tracks and Records

If you’re looking for a place to watch “the big game”, whatever sport that might be, this is the place to go. Named after the fastest man alive, Jamaica’s sprint king Usain Bolt, Tracks and Records is as good as a sports bar can get. Watching a game or grabbing a drink at Tracks and Records is a total experience. The moment you walk in, you’ll be welcomed by friendly staff and the urban decor that celebrates Jamaican culture, music, and people. The menu showcases Bolt’s love for good food and drinks, while the music and vibes are reflective of his charisma and energy.
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