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Hamilton is the island's central nightlife hub, with a smattering of decent bars and clubs featuring live music and drink promotions. Outside the city there's a thriving nightlife scene within the hotels. In summer, weekly cruises and beach bashes add to the party scene.
Bermuda has a long tradition of producing superb jazz artists (among other genres) so be sure to check event listings when you arrive to see if you can catch some local musicians. As a general rule, both men and women tend to dress smart-casual for clubs. That said, only a few clubs in Hamilton have an actual dress code of no flip-flops or tank tops (and it's not always enforced). Pubs and clubs begin to fill up around 10 or 11.
This open-air bar along a busy part of Front Street is the perfect laid-back venue to stop at during the day for a cold beer or frosty cocktail. When the sun goes down and the string lights are alight, it's also the place to come for an upbeat evening with music and, often, dancing under the stars. The Front Yard also shows plenty of popular sports, and the on-site food truck, Generosa's, sells bar snacks and burgers.
For a quick snack and cocktail after an afternoon in the sun, stop at the Atrium Bar & Lounge at the Coco Reef Resort in Paget. Settled to the east of Elbow Bay, the star of the show at the Atrium is the stunning view afforded by its perch above the sand. Friday nights are for music, often hosted by a DJ, but check the website before making the trek, especially if you aren't staying in the area.
A cross between an outdoor café and a sports bar, this place (generally called just The Beach) is clean and relatively cheap, with large television screens showing live sports during the day. At night it operates somewhere between a bar and a nightclub, attracting a mixed (and often rowdy) collection of tourists and locals. The outdoor seating area gets especially crowded into the wee hours of the morning. There's usually a DJ and drink specials.
Commonly known as "Dockies," this bar attracts a loud and fun-loving crowd that can linger long into the night. Sports fanatics and competitive drinkers gather en masse to support their favorite teams, face off in weekly beer pong tournaments, and play a couple rounds of darts. The no-frills bar at the entrance always offers a lively party atmosphere and reasonably priced pub food. On weekends, the large back room is opened to make space for partiers and a live DJ. There's sometimes a cover charge for theme parties, bands, and tie-ins with local sporting events.
Casual and friendly, the Robin Hood is popular for inexpensive pub fare, pizza, and beer served on the patio under the stars. There's almost always something sports related on the TV, and a late-night snack menu is served until 11 pm. There's a popular quiz night on Tuesdays and happy hour prices throughout the week, making it worth the short walk from Front Street.
Locals and the yachting crowd gather at the Wharf for Rum Swizzles, moderately priced pub fare, and nautical talk. Waterfront tables, relaxed atmosphere, and pleasant service make this spot worth the journey to the far northeastern tip of the island.
