Renowned around the world for clear-blue oceans, soft golden sands and mesmerizing sunsets, Nassau is a stunning jewel of The Bahamas, a piece of Caribbean paradise and a dazzling destination for tourists. As well as sumptuous seafood and magnificent coral reefs, the city is home to a variety of vibrant and lively drinking spots. And where better to recline with a cocktail and soak in the magnificent scenery? Here’s our list of the top ten bars in Nassau.
Proud recipient of the ‘2014 Trip Advisor Award of Excellence’, Twisted Lime Sports Bar and Grill is dedicated to giving customers a first-rate experience, from the moment they enter the restaurant until the second they leave. Idyllically located on the water’s edge of the Olde Town Marina Village, this wood-fire grill is popular with tourists and locals alike. Diners here are able to choose from three unique yet casual dining areas, a wrap-around outdoor porch, a small bar area or chic dining room, with all three boasting a stunning view over the sea. The menu does not disappoint. Try the bar’s signature “fall-off-the-bone” Baby Back Ribs, a perfect accompaniment to one of the fruity cocktails on offer. A four-hour-long happy hour can be enjoyed Monday through Friday from 4-8pm, and be sure to visit any day of the week from 11-2 am to discover the Daily Bar Special. Don’t miss Twisted Margarita Tuesday, a huge hit on balmy summer nights in Nassau.
With four thriving restaurants situated throughout Nassau, The Green Parrot Bar is an excellent drinking spot highly acclaimed by both first-time and returning visitors. The bar’s main location, on Nassau’s Harbour Front, completely captures the relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere characterizing tropical life in The Bahamas. Being minutes away from downtown Nassau, and offering a beautiful view of the water, the bar is perfect for cruise-ship travelers seeking some rest and relaxation, or for visitors wishing to watch the sunset. A top pick here is the Grouper Sandwich paired with either a specialty beer, or the signature drink, a Shot of Respect. The interior decor is tasteful and is designed to mimic a beach-side hut, featuring high ceiling fans and a spacious wooden dining area which opens onto a beach-side outer deck, a space complete with raffia palm umbrellas and wooden picnic tables. What sets The Green Parrot apart from other bars on the island, though, is its exciting themed parties hosted regularly.
Where every beverage on the menu is made from start to finish directly in front of your eyes, The Daiquiri Shack sits in one of Nassau’s most bustling locations, Cable Beach. The bar radiates an intimate and friendly atmosphere with its cozy size and pleasant staff. Personal gifts donated by loving customers adorn the walls and roof rafters here, charming proof of the popularity this establishment enjoys with both locals and tourists. Rated number one for nightlife in Nassau by Trip Advisor, the “Daq Shack” plays popular and current music for both its visitors and its cheerful workers to dance and sing to. An endless and colorful variety of fruit is available for diners to create their perfect daiquiri, and no matter what combination chosen, each and every drink is only six dollars.
Fat Tuesday Bar and Restaurant provides diners with fresh and authentic drink choices in the glorious sunshine. Recently featured on the Bahama Tourism Channel, the bar is set in a bright location guaranteed to lift spirits. And now diners can catch a thrill whilst sipping a drink; the bar’s newest activity, Fat Tuesday Bahamas JUMP, allows daredevil customers to dive off the new waterside edge into the aqua ocean, and is proving to be stupendously popular. Download the mobile app on a smartphone or simply “like” the Facebook page for countless discounts and deals.
Standing as the only music bar in Nassau, Volume Music Bar is renowned as one of the best locations in the area for its charming local ambiance. This is an entertaining spot for tourists, and the warm atmosphere is also popular with Nassau residents, with all able to enjoy a “Bob Marley shot” and listen to live local bands. Monday nights are dedicated to open-mic performances in which all customers are encouraged to participate. Volume also boasts a busy bar scene open until 2am daily, and has a scenic open-air balcony with a DJ booth and dancing floor.
The oldest and most historic nightlife spot in The Bahamas, The Fish Fry is a collection of stands, bars and sit-down restaurants on Paradise Island. In 1969 the location was christened by West Indian tribes as Arawak Cay, but the area remains widely known today as “The Fish Fry.” There is open seating throughout the venue where visitors can relax, as well as a relatively large stage used by Junkaroo groups. Specializing in traditional seafood, The Fish Fry is also famous for serving Kalik, the “Beer of the Bahamas.”
Elevating itself as a top spot with its extraordinary treehouse seating, Hammerhead’s Bar and Grill exudes a casual mood from 11am every day with never-ending reggae music. When the sun goes down, though, club music takes over here until 3am, with Hammerhead boasting the latest closing time in Nassau. The establishment offers an exclusive selection of homemade drinks, such as the Sharkfeeder and the Hammerhead Scullywash, as well as a diverse assortment of shots. Both bar and grill menus present affordable and tasty dishes, most notably the key lime pie.
Designed by the honored Jeffrey Beers, Aura is an extravagant bar and nightclub in the heart of the Atlantis Casino. When visitors exit the main casino halls and ascend a grand staircase, they are presented with a newly-renovated 9000 square-foot luxury lounge, an illuminated dance floor, two full bars and an exquisite VIP parlor. Because Aura is an upscale location, formal attire is required. A convenient addition to Aura’s policy, all Atlantis hotel guests may use their room key to pay for entrance into the club as well as for cocktails.
As part of the Compass Point Beach Resort, Compass Point provides an outdoor lounge and ocean bar ideal for a relaxing drink in the sun. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the bar is set on a wooden deck with palm trees and brightly-colored tables and chairs, one of the best spots to enjoy a sunset view in Nassau. The bar also displays various flat-screen televisions throughout the bar. Conveniently located next door to the luxurious boutique hotel, this bar is in a perfect location. The Compass Point staff encourage customers to come pick out their own fresh catch of the day to be prepared in the way of their choosing, a scrumptious seafood snack perfect with an ice-cold beer.
Featured in the New York Times article “36 Hours in Nassau,” Twin Brothers has a long history of being one of the only family-owned and operated bars left in Nassau. Their mission is to create a “down home” feel, to make every customer truly feel like family. With indoor and outdoor seating, the restaurant is designed as a rustic beach hut styled with authentic decor and plants. A top signature drink here is sky juice, which is flavored with coconut water, gin and ice. The pineapple daiquiris here are refreshing and delicious, and are priced at only six dollars. The conch fritters are another family favorite to accompany the range of delicious beverages.
