Jamaica / Bars/Nightlife

With such a large population on the island - of both Jamaicans and visitors - and such a strong tradition of music, Jamaica has an excellent selection of bars and clubs. Some are actually world famous - drinkers have been jumping off the cliffs at Rick’s Cafe in Negril for 30 years - but you will find excellent variety, from the upbeat, themed bars of the main tourist towns to the uptown bars of Kingston and from local rum shops to the near limitless beach and cliff bars of Negril. There is even a bar several miles out to sea, on a sand-bar off Treasure Beach. And remember that some of the best fun in Jamaica is to be had visiting local bars, in which you are generally welcome, quiet stops at the roadside or on a secluded waterfront in the island’s small towns.

In Montego Bay, Gloucester Avenue is, the so-called “Hip Strip”, where it all happens. It is a very busy area lined with bars and clubs among the many hotels. All in all, though, Negril is probably the coolest area for bars. There are several excellent ones dotted along the cliffs and then down on the beach they stand nearly shoulder to shoulder. Ocho Rios is relatively spread out - there are some bars along the main street, others are scattered in the outlying districts - and farther east you will find that the bars are increasingly local. In fact every village in Jamaica has its rum shop (as the name implies it usually sells provisions as well as rum) and it can be entertaining to stop by for a while, as the Jamaicans do. Kingston, on the other hand, is large enough for there to be bars and clubs catering to the different crowds - professional, arty, uptown, younger, older. Finally, in the countryside many bars actually double as small restaurants and snack joints. The best of these are the small seaside bars, often rickety sheds, where you can get a grilled fish to go with a beer. It is a great way to eat and drink while you are taking a leisurely tour of the island.

Of course music is central to the nightlife in Jamaica and each of the main resort towns has at least one club which can be interesting to visit. There are also more formal outside venues, “reggae parks” where you can hear a local band playing easy-listening reggae. 

Here is a selection of recommended bars in Jamaica:

MONTEGO BAY

Margaritaville - If you like your evenings to be loud, bold and boisterous – this is the place to come. Margaritaville is a lively hub in the heart of Montego Bay’s so-called “Hip Strip” and famous for its novel attractions that include a 110ft waterslide which stretches from the rooftop terrace into the sea, two giant water trampolines just offshore and a rooftop hot tub.

Pier 1 “On the Waterfront" - An open-air seafood restaurant that also doubles up as a bar and entertainment center. By day, admire the views, especially at sunset. At night, join in the fun and enjoy the live entertainment.

The Blue Beat Jazz & Blues Bar  - A chic, sophisticated watering hole where speciality Martinis blend neatly with cool jazz and atmospheric lighting.

Chillin - A themed entertainment and gaming lounge at the Coral Cliff hotel with its “ski lodge” bar and mix of party and dining options. There’s an ice bar and it even snows too!

Rum Jungle - This tropical African themed “fun den”, also at the Coral Cliff hotel, has nightly live entertainment and even the bar, which stocks more than 100 rums, is a sight to be seen with juggling bartenders and “mermaid” waitresses.

OCHO RIOS

Margaritaville Ocho Rios - With its rooftop hot tub and 100ft long waterslide that plunges down two-storeys into a pool with a swim-up bar this is a haunt where fun-lovers can seriously keep their cool.

Oceans 11 - A laidback, hip hangout overlooking the waterfront, with its own stretch of beach. Tuesday is the big night of the week here when enthusiastic patrons put on their singing voices for karaoke.

John Crow’s Tavern - A restaurant and bar set on the main road, where you can either watch people walking past or the latest sports action on screens behind the bar. 

NEGRIL

Margaritaville Negril - A fun and entertaining spot with sister bars in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. Famous for its lively, party atmosphere, aided by a giant water trampoline.

Rick’s Cafe - An institution and Jamaica’s most famous bar from which to watch its famous sunsets with a cocktail in hand.

Jungle Nightclub & Sports Bar - It boasts of having the hottest dance floor in Jamaica and “two floors of action” with a nightclub and sports bar with jerk grill, offering a real Jamaican party experience.

Alfred’s Ocean Palace - Also known as Alfred’s on the Beach, it is a family-run restaurant, bar and entertainment centre all rolled into one, with reggae shows and live music. And it’s a guest-house too. 

KINGSTON

Friends on the Deck - An open-air venue, with relaxed vibe that’s popular with a more mature crowd.

Fiction Lounge - Gather, indulge, escape” is the slogan of this uber cool hangout which promotes itself as a club and a lounge.

Carlos Café - Popular with the after-work set and a place to chill-out, play pool or show off your talents in the karaoke. Thursday is Latin Music night and Friday is karaoke.

Red Bones Blues Café - Funky décor, lively Friday night bar scene.