7 Best Bars in Aruba

It doesn’t get more old Wild West than this yeehaw crazy party spot, where dancing on the bar while singing karaoke is not only allowed but expected. It’s typically jam-packed with country music fans, and it seems everyone knows all the words to even the most obscure cowboy (and cowgirl) songs. The barkeeps keep the place hopping with killer shots, and even occasionally set the bar on fire—on purpose! Theme nights abound; the only thing missing is a mechanical bull. But if it gets too rowdy for you, sashay on to the secret sister bar next door called The Barn, created by the same owners. A classy speakeasy-style hideaway with a cigar bar in the back called the Toro Lounge, it offers rare bourbons, exotic rums, hand-crafted cocktails, and world class stogies, with mellow whiskey blues playing in the background.

Night and day, this crazy colorful beach bar at the tip of De Palm Pier on busy Palm Beach is packed. Paint-spattered wooden tables and chairs on a plank floor under a massive palapa draw barefoot beachcombers in for frozen cocktails, cold beer, and casual fare where live music is king. There are karaoke nights, salsa nights, and daily food specials including breakfast. It’s an optimal spot to catch a magical sunset over the waves.

You’ll find this casual wooden-decked beach bar along Linear Park facing Governor’s Bay. Enjoy one of their special upside-down margaritas or incredible craft cocktails while you catch a stellar sunset and watch the cruise ships go by. After dark, the music takes it up a notch—sometimes live—and the atmosphere is fun and friendly. It’s as popular with locals as it is with visitors. Great Caribbean tapas and grilled specialties are also on tap.

Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville style lives at this circular alfresco bar in the middle of Renaissance Marketplace—think large frozen tropical cocktails and boat drinks, island music, and typical beach-bar fare like wings, tacos, and burgers. Surprisingly, it’s also a great spot to try some locally inspired fare like Dutch krokets and individual portions of keshi yena, which is considered Aruba’s national dish. There are also multiple outlets under the barstools here to charge your tech.

It's impossible to miss the big red roof just off the marina, especially since there is a large Holstein cow on top of it! But that’s the point. Wild, crazy, and whimsical is their claim to fame, and there’s no better spot in town to catch Dutch futball if you’re seeking the craziest orange-clad die-hard fans. Though it’s a popular tourist lunch spot during the day, this joint really morphs into party-hearty mode at night, full of carousing locals and visitors alike enjoying the great deals on drinks via the late-night happy hours and dollar-beer specials. There are great views of the marina from the outdoor terrace.

A very lively happy-hour spot with its cool swim-up pool bar, purebeach is the place to be, especially on Sunday happy hour for live music and dancing. They are also open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but day or night, they are known for killer Caribbean cocktails and creative international fare with weekly specials. There's also an oversize adult-only seafront whirlpool right beside it for romantic nights under the tropical stars with music. Steps from the sea, there are beachfront tables that are a great place to enjoy shareables while watching the sunset.