The Best Bars in St Vincent and The Grenadines

The name says it all at Chill’n in central Kingstown. By day, this is a great down-to-earth option for friendly service, fresh pizzas and a decent breakfast. But head there when the sun goes down for a fun party vibe, loud music and some seriously strong cocktails. We’d recommend the Chilltini, which includes Monte Carlo vodka, a splash of juice and coconut water, or the Chill’n Rum Punch scattered with grated nutmeg.

A Bequia institution for more than 50 years, the tiny Frangipani hotel, on the island’s waterfront, has been run by the same family since it first opened. Luckily, you don’t have to be a resident to grab a seat on the heart-shaped wooden bench outside the bar and people watch over a cold beer. When it’s time to call it a night, stroll to the harbour’s large almond tree to hail an open-air truck taxi back to your hotel.

If you can’t quite make the journey to Musique to rub shoulders with Mick Jagger, head to the second outpost of the island’s legendary Basil’s Bar in St Vincent instead. Underneath the Cobblestone Hotel, the stone walls and moody lighting might not look like much, but St Vincent’s businesspeople love Basil’s West Indian buffet lunch on weekdays and its hip bar and extensive drinks menu by night.

Don’t make plans after you visit Happy Island, in St Vincent’s Clifton Harbour. You might expect to pop by for a drink but you’ll end up staying all afternoon dipping in and out of the water, dancing to reggae and chatting with charismatic owner Janti. He built this tiny island with discarded conch shells and welcomes anyone who fancies jumping on a boat and heading out there. Just call ahead as there are no set opening hours.

It’s said what happens at Basil’s stays at Basil’s, so try not to gawp too much if you spot one of the bar’s famous customers ordering another cocktail at this legendary drinking den on private island Mustique. Everyone from Kate Middleton to Kate Moss is said to have danced the night away here. Of course, most people can only ever afford to visit this paradise island on a day trip as accommodation is eye-wateringly expensive, so we suspect the real fun only ever happens after dark.

This is one seriously chilled-out all-day restaurant packed with colourful Rastafarian-themed décor and playing Bob Marley tunes on rotation. It serves food all day and no one will bat an eyelid if breakfast rolls into late-night drinks. There’s a small dance floor for when the party gets started once dinner is served and drinks are strong and reasonably priced. Just watch the steep walk back down the hill if you’ve had one too many.

There are beach bars and then there’s Bar One, floating among the yachts in Bequia’s Port Elizabeth harbour. Call ahead and the bar will arrange a five-minute water taxi to whisk you over for top-notch cocktails on a swing seat in this solar-powered bar, where owner Ivor will be pouring the drinks himself. Stay until the evening if you can for uninterrupted sea views as the sun drops dramatically behind the horizon in a blaze of colour.

It’s not strictly a bar, but it’s unquestionably the best party night in St Vincent. Held every Friday evening in Heritage Square, in the heart of capital Kingstown, expect thumping sound systems, pop-up bars serving the local Hairoun beer and lethal rum punch – and plenty of food trucks dishing out fried chicken and barbecued seafood on paper plates. Dancing is non-negotiable.

Wine lovers can take a break from the Caribbean’s ubiquitous rum and beer at this elegant first-floor bar in downtown Kingston. Lounge on a sofa and pore over the wine list lit by flickering candlelight. There’s a decent selection served by the glass including a Burgundy, Beaujolais, Moscato and a riesling plus a couple of Champagnes available by the bottle as well as Port and even Whispering Angel rosé.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.