The best bars and cafés Barbados

Timetable

Most cafés are open from early morning (between 7 and 8:30 a.m.) to late afternoon (between 2:30 and 4 p.m.). Bars, on the other hand, generally open around 11am, and some only from mid-afternoon.Happy hour usually runs from 5pm to 7pm. Some even have two (in the early afternoon or shortly before closing time).

Budget & Tips

Like the restaurants, service is included in the bill and credit cards are widely accepted (but remember to carry some cash). Expect to pay at least 5 BBD for a beer, 8 BBD for a glass of rum and 10 BBD for a rum punch.

Age restrictions

The legal drinking age is 18. Some places (such as clubs) may ask you to show ID for age verification before entering. So be prepared to show some if you go out.

What's very local

In general, in a rum shop, you don't order by the glass but by the bottle (going to the rum shop is a social activity). The smallest size is the Mini, followed by the Flask and then the Pint and a Half. If there are several of you, or if you join the locals, everyone pays for their own round. If you're in solo mode, there are always shots.

For non-alcoholic refreshment, try fruit punch (a mix of several fruit juices) or coconut water (a sparkling version is available).

While Barbados doesn't really produce cocoa, its neighbors Grenada and Trinidad & Tobago are known for their quality beans. Two leading Barbadian artisan chocolate makers use them in their creations: Agapey and Green Monkey.

Another particularity inherited from the British:afternoon tea is a lively tradition in certain cafés, hotels and resorts. Except that, alongside the scones, you might come across a piece of rum cake!

Smokers

Smoking is prohibited inside a café or bar.