Nightlife in Barbados

Just because it's getting dark outside doesn't mean the day is over, especially in Barbados.  As the after-dinner hours approach, many locals and vacationers are just getting their second wind, and Barbados responds by providing plenty of diversions to keep the night owls entertained until dawn. 

There are a wealth of locations open in the late hours of the day, from small pubs to clubs to dinner shows, and as such a variety of acceptable clothing options.  As a general rule, keep it smart and a little more formal than your day wear – but not so formal that you'd stand out in the crowd of men wearing blazers and women in short skirts. 

Drink

The bars and pubs in Barbados are probably the most popular places to go during the day and the night to get a drink, relax, and even watch a game on television.  Many of the top resorts have bars on site, but if you want to get out and explore the town, there are plenty of places to check out.  Note that many of the island's bars are also connected to a restaurant of some sort, so having a meal with your drink is no problem.

For a night of exploring the local bars and pubs, some of the island's more popular hangouts include John Moore Bar in St. James, Olive's Bar and Bistro in Holetown, Boatyard Bar and Southdeck Grill in Bridgetown, Cafe Soul as well as the Ship Inn in Christ Church, Lord Willoughby's Tavern (which is open 24 hours a day) on St. Thomas, and Fisherman's Pub and Beach Bar in St. Peter.

If watching the game is important to you, don't pass by the pub-style bars, like Couch House in St. James, Bubba's Sports Bar (the biggest sports bar in Barbados), McBride's Pub and Cookhouse, and Red Rock Bar and Bistro in Christ Church, and Bert's Bar in Rockley.

For something a little more upscale, check out Scarlett's.  Scarlett's is a wine bar and bistro, with an extensive wine list, several house cocktails, and pretentiously styled appetizer platters.

Dance

For many, a night on the town means hopping from one club to the next, dancing up a storm, and having a drink here or there.  Clubs in Barbados feature everything from live music, DJs, happy hours, and unique house cocktails, and they typically stay open until 3 a.m.  While cover charges vary, $15(USD) is about average, especially at those clubs featuring live music.

When it comes to the clubs in Barbados, the type of music you feel like dancing to should guide you to the right spot for you on your night out.  Caribbean beats like reggae, calypso, and soca can be found at After Dark in Christ Church, Harbour Lights in Bridgetown,  and Reggae Lounge in St. Lawrence Gap.  Other clubs such as Club Xtreme and Jumbie's in Christ Church, and Club Skyy and the Boatyard in Bridgetown have DJs who play a mix of R&B and Top 40. 

Some clubs even take the party out the front door with weekly street parties.  Whistling Frog in Lawrence Gap, for example, has a street party featuring live jazz music and karaoke.   Likewise, Harbour Lights has a beach party every Monday night.  For $73(USD), partiers get transportation to and from their hotel, food, beverages, live music, and a night of dancing on the beach under the stars.

Dinner Shows

A unique way to spend a night out in Barbados is to attend a show at a dinner theater.    Dinner shows in Barbados allow guests to dine on a meal of local delicacies while they enjoy live musical or theatrical performances.  The most common type of dinner show is a performance of island folk lore.  

Don't waste a moment of your time in Barbados – you can sleep when you're back home!  Whether you choose to spend your night drinking at a pub, dancing at a night club, or being entertained at a dinner show, Barbados has night time diversions for everyone.