Bar Hopping on Ambergris Caye!
If you like to go out and enjoy a cocktail, here are our top 15 bars for you to choose from when visiting San Pedro town!
Palapa Bar - There is ONLY one Palapa bar and it is owned by Scott and Jodie! This is an institution here on Ambergris Caye. In 2015 the original 2 story Palapa bar was lost in the hurricane, and with the help of a Go Fund Me page and a large group of friends, they rebuilt this historic bar down on the famous Boca Del Rio Drive. You will always feel welcome at the Palapa Bar. You can enjoy relaxing in the inner tubes while sipping on a fun cocktail or take in the live music of our famous local musicians. Palapa Bar and Grill over the water has nummy food, great drinks, is a great place to create fun and memories. We love the Palapa and is a must stop!
Victoria House - If you are looking for a romantic place to grab a glass of champagne, or try a French 75 cocktail, the Victoria House, located south of town, is your stop. The grounds are magnificent, the view of the Caribbean Sea is breathtaking. Find a lounge chair on this charming beach, enjoy the one on one service of your very own waiter to serve you as you soak up the sun. Visiting the Victoria House, you feel like you have won the lottery. Enjoy!
Boca Del Rio Drive -We are placing Boca Del Rio Drive as a one stop shop. Sandy Toes is our first stop when Belize Happy Adventure guests arrive. Ishmael (“Ish”), your happy owner, awaits you. He’ll regale you with fun local stories. You can either grab a table or belly up to the bar, order the local Belikin beer or enjoy a Panty Ripper, Rum Punch, or the Pain Killer.
Wayo’s another favorite on Boca Del Rio. With a mix of locals and expats, Wednesday nights at Wayo’s is the place to be, dancing to live music, fun conversation and tons of giggles. This local hometown bar is a fun stop as you make your way up and down the beach road. We also want to mention Hurricanes, as they recently relocated north to Boca Del Rio. They are best known for their amazing ceviche, if you don’t stop here, you will have missed one fun time!
Cholo’s- This is your perfect “local” bar, located right downtown on the beach. You will find a bunch of local guys sitting out on the picnic tables, telling life stories, sipping on Belikins. Don’t be timid, head inside order up a Belikin, grab a squat on the bench, you will feel like you just might live in Belize.
Paco’s Tiki Bar - We maybe a bit biased as this beach bar is owned by 2 Minnesotans, but they do have the best Frozen Coconut Mojito on the Caye. Just grab a bar stool, and get out your one-dollar Belizean coins to play Shut the Box, you may just win the jackpot. Also, a super fun place to watch our favorite football team the Vikings of course! Just a couple of miles north of the bridge.
Carlos and Ernie’s - Also known as the Runway Bar, as it sits right on the local airstrip. If you’ve just landed or are readying for take-off, this is a fun stop to watch the planes take off and land. If you are lucky enough to stop in on Sunday you may just be in time for their famous ribs. Only served on Sunday Funday!
The Dive Bar - The name itself gives way to the ideal place, the bartenders are fun, inviting, and serve up some really nummy cocktails. Oh, and if you are a Colorado fan, this bar is all and everything Colorado! The Dive Bar may have the coldest Belikins anywhere on the Caye. Good people, cold beer, good fun!
PUR: This adults-only bar and restaurant is a great spot to have a margarita. You can come in your swimsuit and dip in their pool bar, float up to the stool, and order yourself up a cold cocktail and a ginormous burrito.
Rojo Beach Bar - This is one of the most Amazing bars on the beach, anywhere. It features one of the best Happy Hours on the Caye. It’s a perfect beach bar to enjoy a cold beverage. You must have the Frozen Mango Mojito, play some sand games, or just chill in their quaint infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Wahoo’s Lounge: Yes, you have probably heard of the famous Chicken Drop, or if you haven’t, this is an island favorite. Every Thursday night, Wahoo’s starts the betting early for your evening of enjoyment watching the Chicken Drop. What the heck is the Chicken Drop? This game consists of live chickens, an oversized yard board with numbers in squares. The board is surrounded by a small fence so the chicken cannot run away. Once the chicken is placed on the board, wherever he “drops” his poo, that is the “lucky” winner of cash! Yes, you are betting on the chicken to poo on your number! A fun night out, but if you are willing to hang out for 3-5 hours to see if you will be the one of the many winners, then this Thursday you must stop in!
Red Ginger - This little restaurant/bar is located at the Phoenix Resort. It is a high-end experience, but if you do get a chance to stop in, order a freshly squeezed Watermelon Martini. It is one the most delicious, tasty cocktails on the Caye. And, don’t forget to ask them to serve you the complimentary warm plantain chips and their special aioli sauce.
Heading Way North -There 2 staple bars that are just off the grid as you make your way really far north. Chat n Chill is just as it sounds, and should be on your list to make a quick stop for a drink. The small bar sits on a large sandy beach. There are a few beach games and of course the perfect oversized Adirondack chairs to capture a memory. It is also known for it’s Tree of Lost Soles!
The final stop north just off the road, as you veer onto the beach, is El Norte. We call it the home of the Red Top. On the wall of this 10-stool bar is a spinning wheel, so if you are feeling lucky, put in your 2 bucks, but be careful as the largest pie shape is “free” shot of Red Top. What is Red Top? This local 151 proof rum and it is not for the faint of heart. If you decide to take a shot, most likely as a dare, it will burn your insides. We recommend just enjoying the view with a cold beer.
The final stop north just off the road, as you veer onto the beach, is El Norte. We call it the home of the Red Top. On the wall of this 10-stool bar is a spinning wheel, so if you are feeling lucky, put in your 2 bucks, but be careful as the largest pie shape is “free” shot of Red Top. What is Red Top? This local 151 proof rum and it is not for the faint of heart. If you decide to take a shot, most likely as a dare, it will burn your insides. We recommend just enjoying the view with a cold beer.
AJ’s Sports Bar: If you love to sing at the local dive bar, then AJ’s is the go to bar. Get out your favorite Karaoke song, prime up your voice, and have tons of fun at here at AJ’s! Don’t show up too early as the action gets going a little later..
Crazy Canucks: Sunday’s you can find the local Belizean band singing fun cover songs, come early as the music starts around 4:30. But if you are up for some gambling, then Tuesday is the night to head to Crazy Canucks. Get out your dollar bills and place your money on a live Crab! Yes, it is Hermit Crab races every Tuesday night. Tons of fun and you won’t believe it unless you see it!
We know this list will give you many choices for a good time in San Pedro! Enjoy the local rums and, of course, the local beers, Belikin or Landshark!