Trinidad / Beach bars

By Deana Bellamy

The archetypal beach bar does not exist in Trinidad, though Maracas Bay has numerous stalls selling food and drink. You may find the occasional government owned beach facility such as the one at Las Cuevas, which has changing rooms, toilets and a simple snack bar. Or there might be a couple of beach vendors selling drinks and simple snacks. In truth, beaches in Trinidad are a trek to get to and most Trinis tend to head out to the coast in a big group and laden down with their own supplies.

The following is a selection of some of Trinidad’s beach and waterfront bars:

Barracuda Bar & Lounge - CrewsInn, Chaguaramas - Waterfront setting with indoor and outdoor areas. More of a nightclub (Latin dance classes Weds nights) but also a good spot to enjoy a cool drink and the sun set. Happy Hour from 5pm-7pm Monday to Friday.

Caffé del Mare - CrewsInn, Chaguaramas - On the marina where you can enjoy a glass of wine or an Italian coffee. Also cakes, pastries and Italian gelato.

Sails Restaurant & Bar, Chaguaramas - Casual dining on the waterfront, with an air-conditioned bar with pool table. Daily happy hour and occasional live music.

The Anchorage Beach Club, Hart’s Cut Bay, Chaguaramas - Popular in the 1980s and 90s the fully renovated waterfront hot spot reopened in spring 2010. Good spot for watching the yachting activity from their outdoor bar and patio – the T& T Sailing Association is located nearby. Currently open Fridays only from 4pm to 4am with live music.

Bandanaya, The Maracas Bay Hotel, Maracas Bay - Open sided bistro on the beach – 55 item menu of local and international dishes.

Richard’s Bake and Shark, Maracas Bay - Simple beach hut set-up but considered the only place to go for the hugely popular beach snack, ‘Bake & Shark’ – a pocket of deep fried dough filled with fried shark and a choice of garnishes. Just look out for the queues. Cash only.

Beach Break Cafe & Bar, Big Bay, San Souci - Serves sandwiches and drinks. Popular surfing beach