Unwind In Paradise: Nassau’s Most Chill Waterfront Restaurants & Bars 2019
Is there any scene more Caribbean than sipping tropical cocktails while enjoying a view of the ocean, the salty breeze moving through your hair and gentle melodies of a local live band serenading the sunset? We fully agree that such simple, unrushed pleasures of life in paradise cannot be beaten. To help you recreate this vision on your next visit to Nassau, we’ve put together a list of the island’s chillest waterfront spots for grabbing a casual bite or gently imbibing your way to Bahamian bliss- inclusive of Nassau happy hours, downtown harbour views and stunning Western sunsets.
Poop Deck on The Marina
Credit: The Poop Deck
The Poop Deck has been one of Nassau’s most well known restaurants for over 25 years. It’s a perfect combination of classic Bahamian plates and a spectacular, elevated view of Nassau’s anchored Harbour boats and the twinkling lights of Paradise Island. This is one of the few restaurants where you can hand pick your dinner; with daily catches inclusive of lane snapper, red snapper, hogfish, grouper and freshly caught spiny lobster (known locally as crawfish) prepared: blackened, fried, steamed, smothered or grilled. All meals are served with fresh, island sweet bread rolls that are warm and satisfying especially with a generous pat of butter. Yum!
Menu Specials: The Tru-Tru Bahamian Sampler- the perfect starter for sharing, includes conch fritters, grilled shrimp, and Andros crab cakes- all tasty favourites from the appetizer selection.
Best Feature: You can’t go wrong with the cooked to order, catch of the day! Fresh fish prepared especially for you is the secret to The Poop Deck’s longstanding success.
Location: East Bay Street
Contact: (242) 393-8175, Facebook, Website
Lukka Kairi in Downtown Nassau
Credit: Lukka Kairi
Perched on a balcony well above Downtown Nassau’s harbourfront hustle and bustle, Lukka Kairi is an ideal place to cool off with a cocktail (or several). Since 2015, “they’ve been serving both quality interpretations of classic Bahamian dishes and daring new ventures into the uncharted waters of Nouveau Bahamian Cuisine”. From bites of crispy cracked conch that melt in your mouth to guava duff served layered in a mason jar- everything on the menu or handcrafted at the expansive and colourful bar will delight your senses at once.
Bar Specials: For a sweet and spicy kick, the Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita is a sure way to ignite your tastebuds!
Best Feature: The restaurant features a giant mural painted by Bahamian artist Allan Pachino Wallace, which adorns the entire wall behind the bar and depicts the history of the Bahamas in full.
Location: Prince George Wharf, Downtown Nassau
Contact: (242) 326-5254, Facebook, Instagram, Website
Twin Brothers at Potter’s Cay
Credit: The New York Times
If you are looking for authentic Bahamian food, drinks and experiences- then look no further than Nassau’s iconic Potter’s Cay Dock. Highly popular among locals is Twin Brothers Restaurant, which always reliably serves up cold local brews paired with heaping servings of fresh conch salad. The entertaining and artistic display of the “conch cracking” is definitely a show to not miss! Tropical drinks are doled out daily as are hearty meals (fish, chicken or conch entrées and plentiful sides) available for lunch, dinner, or as a late night/early morning snack. Pick up a quick order of conch fritters, served with calypso dipping sauce if you’re pressed for time.
Bar Specials: Sky Juice the country’s unofficial (leaded) drink of choice. The beverage can also be served “unleaded” for those looking for a refreshing taste minus the buzz.
Best Feature: Watching local conch salad masters at work!
Location: Potter’s Cay Dock, Nassau
Contact: (242) 328-5033, Facebook, Website
The Anchorage at Arawak Cay
Credit: Expedia
Located just minutes away from the cruise ship port and short taxi ride from Paradise Island, Arawak Cay or “Da Fish Fry” as it’s known among Bahamians, offers a variety of down-home restaurants and bars for hearty eating. At the North-Western end of the strip, you’ll find The Anchorage Market and Restaurant tucked away, overlooking a serene canal. This spot is regular stop for visitors who frequent the island and also a weekly watering hole for Bahamians looking to unwind (always a good sign). For casual meals among family, friends or couples, The Anchorage is a Fish Fry institution for your fix of soul food!
Menu Specials: Freshly caught fried local snapper with all the fixin’s: baked macaroni n’ cheese, sweet fried plantains, and Bahamian peas n’ rice.
Best Feature: The large outdoor porch is well suited for groups wanting to enjoy the atmosphere of being at “The Fry” while also taking in amazing waterfront views.
Location: Fish Fry, Arawak Cay, West Bay St.
Contact: (242) 328-0292, Facebook
Canalfront Twisted Lime Sports Bar & Grill
Credit: Twisted Lime
Whether you’re in search of a casual lunch location or a more animated night out on the town, you’ll find that Twisted Lime Sports Bar & Grill is a solid selection for either. With an expansive shaded deck to admire the Sandyport canal; the soft breezes that flow through this safe haven are a great accompaniment to the view. Apart from the tasty drinks and top-shelf liquor selections, the restaurant’s menu features several Bahamian-Mediterranean fusion dishes that are ideal for both snacks and full meals. Our picks include: freshly made hummus served with lightly grilled pita bread; a selections of glazed wings; signature grouper burrito; or daily specials like seared flank steak.
Menu Specials: Guava BBQ Wings: cooked to perfection these crispy wings are sticky on the outside with warm and moist tender meat on the inside and a slight hint of pepper that will tantalize your tastebuds.
Best Feature: This sports bar features a number of flat screen TV’s perfect for watching ‘the game’. Dine at night to catch the playoffs or visit during an exciting Sunday to see your favorite match-ups.
Location: Sandyport, Olde Town Plaza, West Bay Street
Contact: (242) 327-0061, Facebook, Instagram, Website
Margaritaville on Paradise Island
Credit: Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville Bahamas
Once you enter Jimmy Buffett’s marvellously decorated Margaritaville Restaurant on Paradise Island, you won’t be able to ignore the clear call to let loose for a few hours. Sing to live tunes with a cold beer in hand at this chill locale on the water- live local bands play every weekend. You’ll also enjoy selecting your pick of seating depending on your mood: in the restaurant, bar top, or poolside. You can’t go wrong with Margaritaville when you crave a quick bite, lazy afternoon libations and easy breezy island atmosphere. As they say: ‘No shirt, no shoes, no problem!’
Bar Specials: Landshark Beer. This is one of the few spots on the island where Jimmy Buffet’s fave is available, but we’d also recommend trying a local brew: Kalik, Sands, or Pirate Republic.
Best Feature: Feeling Nassau’s heat? Take a dip and enjoy your cocktails in the pool. The swim up bar allows you to work on your tan and have your drinks too!
Location: Paradise Island Ferry Terminal, Paradise Island
Contact: (242) 698-0624, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Website
The Green Parrot Harbourfront
Credit: Green Parrot Bar & Grill
The Green Parrot Harbourfront is perfect for an afternoon of no-frills food and drinks among friends or an evening of dancing under the stars. Not only is the great view of the Nassau Harbour and Paradise Island complimentary but the bar is next door to Bay Street Marina, so if you are arriving in Nassau by private vessel this is the ideal watering hole to tender up to or simply stroll the docks and take in the fantastic scenery. Open seven days a week, this bar caters to all crowds, including your friendly four legged friends. Pets enjoy sunshine, open air, and tasty treats too!
Bar Specials: Switcha– a homemade limeade, made fresh daily from juicy Bahamian limes- is refreshing on its own or on the rocks with vodka or white rum!
Best Feature: The Harbour view from Green Parrot is outstanding- perfect for the instagrammers in your party.
Locations: Harbourfront, East Bay Street
Contact: (242) 322-9248, Facebook, Website
Sunsets at Compass Point
Credit: Compass Point
Located on West Bay Street near Nassau’s International Airport, Compass Point’s no-frills bar menu is equipped to satisfy a range of tastes, including vegetarian favourites, local dishes such as mahi-mahi and cracked conch, and other salty (re: delicious) snacks. Avid travellers rate Compass Point Restaurant & Bar as a great waterfront spot for its panoramic views, and for those with a good drink in mind, opt for a mojito or Bahama Mama bucket for a few bucks more so that everyone can enjoy the fun together. Be sure to stick around for the Nassau sunset- this bar has one of the best views of the Bahamian horizon at the day’s end- definitely a sight worth waiting for.
Bar Specials: Fresh and minty strawberry mojito buckets are prepared masterfully by the mixologists at this waterfront hangout.
Best Feature: This bar space doubles as a resort, so book your spa treatment, massage or facial to enjoy before unwinding with a cocktail!
Location: West Bay Street, Nassau