Best Bars In West End Roatan You Need To Try
Best Bars In West End Roatan You Need To Try
A few years ago I went to this small island with a group of friends who are divers. Although I prefer to be on top of the water rather than below it, I found West End Roatan was a beautiful place for a vacation even as a non-diver. During the day, I discovered the beach bars while in the evening, our group found the night clubs . I hope you will learn where this beautiful island nation is and where to have the most fun day or night.
Whether you arrive in Roatan to explore the most extensive barrier reef system in the northern hemisphere or on a cruise ship excursion, Roatan will not disappoint. This stunning tiny island has the tropical feel of many other islands in the Caribbean, such as St. Thomas, Grenada, or Aruba but with a more relaxed atmosphere. The community of West End is one of the most vibrant communities on the island and is a short drive from the airport. For most people, West End is the destination of choice, and it is home to some of the best bars in Roatan.
So, where are the best bars in Roatan?
Discovering the best bars in Roatan may seem like a daunting task, but for this article, I will only identify the best bars in West End Roatan. There are probably other bars in West Bay or Coxen Hole, but the West End area is the most popular for tourism. On a side note, there are not that many bars in West End, but the ones that are there are certainly worth exploring further.
For visitors who plan on spending their days on the water or under the water, for that matter, the time to go bar hopping will be after you have returned from your diving and snorkeling trips. Dehydrated and possibly sunburned, you are primarily looking forward to your first drink of the day, when you can relax and share your underwater experiences with your friends.
If you arrive on a cruise ship, you will no doubt have a time constraint, so knowing where to go for a drink will assist you in planning your day in Roatan. You will also surely want to taste Roatan’s famous Monkey Lala drink.
Sundowners Beach Bar
The Sundowners Beach bar is probably the largest and most popular bar in Roatan. Situated towards the end of the main road, it is directly on the beach and offers fantastic sunset views. It is undoubtedly one of Roatan’s best bars, and could serve as a model for what a successful beach bar should be like.
The bar itself is an open-air structure that lets the tropical breezes off the ocean flow through to create a cooling atmosphere to enjoy your beverage of choice. Sundowners bar serves most drinks, including tequila and Monkey Lala, but they are most famous for their beer.
If you are an early riser and are looking for some peace and quiet while enjoying the gentle sounds of the ocean lapping on the beach, Sundowners opens at 7:00 am for your first cup of coffee. There are chairs available to take your coffee and read your book in the shade of the palm trees. What better way to start the day, particularly if you are a non-diver?
Meals are available starting at lunch and throughout the evening. During Taco Tuesdays, you can purchase three tacos for $5 (chicken, beef, or veggie) at Sundowners. In addition to these, there are also hamburgers and BBQ chicken on the menu.
During the day, the cooling waters of the adjacent beach beckon and provide an excellent break in between your thirst-quenching drinks. After the sun goes down, this bar comes to life with live music, beachfront activities, a campfire, and talented local entertainers. Perfectly positioned at sunset, this is one of the best bars in Roatan.
The Booty Bar
The Booty Bar could best be described as two bars in one. During the day, it sits on a wooden structure at the water’s edge and provides the perfect location for that pre-dinner cocktail. Later in the evening, the Booty Bar transforms into a Night Club with disco lights and a live disc jockey.
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The atmosphere of the daytime bar is fun, relaxing, and playful. It is the perfect place to go after lunch and into the late afternoon. Its open-air structure that consists of a small bar and seating for about 40 people will generally get busier as the day progresses towards Happy Hour. The Booty Bar (water side) is best known for its Happy Hour with $2 Heineken and $2 local beer. When I was there in 2017, it was known for its $1 Tequila shots and $1 beer. Our group of 7 took full advantage. They sold out every night! Although prices have changed, there is nothing better on vacation than watching the sunset at this waterside West End bar at the end of the day.
At sunset, the view from the wooden deck is a sight to behold. The colors of the fading sun transform through all the shades of yellow and orange to the final pinks, blues, and purples of the evening. It is said that when the sun finally sinks below the horizon, it makes a slight popping or hissing sound. After a few drinks, everyone in the bar swears they hear the sound.
Once the sun sets, the Booty Bar (Street side) transforms into a nightclub atmosphere. With flashing lights and a dance floor, patrons can rest assured that the bar offers all the atmosphere of almost any nightclub. With a variety of daytime and evening experiences to choose from, the Booty Bar is one of the best bars on Roatan.
Ronnie’s Barefoot Restaurant and Bar
Ronnies’ Bar is genuinely considered one of those hidden gems that people are drawn towards. As a visitor to West End, you will not find it unless you know where it is. Although its location is not a secret, it could be challenging to find. Basically, walk down the main road towards the south. Go past all the commercial shops and restaurants and keep going. The road will deteriorate the further you go. When you reach the drainage ditch, take a right and follow the ditch to the water’s edge. Hang a left and go about 50 m. Ronnie’s is beachfront and nestled into the trees.
The bar itself is comprised of an open-air bar close to the water’s edge with several tables shaded by rustic palm-covered umbrellas. During poor weather, there is an indoor space as well. Drinks are always served with a smile, and the food is inexpensive and tasty. Ronnie’s Rum Punch is unique, so be careful if you are stumbling back to your accommodation.
If you are looking for a quiet place to spend some time on the beach, watch the sunset, or just want to get away from the typical loud music from the other bars, then Ronnie’s is the place to be.
Update: There have been reports that this bar is currently closed.
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Happy Harry’s Hideaway
Another one of the best bars in Roatan is the Happy Harry’s Hideaway. This bar has changed names several times and is located on a two-level building suspended directly over the water. On the first floor is a restaurant that serves meals starting at $6. With its pastel-colored tables and chairs, the bar/restaurant gives way to a genuinely beachy vibe. What better way to enjoy your mid-day meal than sit in the shade and watch the boats go by. Their King Crab is one of the best in West End!
The second floor gives way to a more fun atmosphere. During the day, the bar also doubles as an entertainment center. With hammocks and swings over the water’s edge, you can experience a different perspective of being on the ocean. You can jump off the deck into the sea from the second floor. What teenager (or older) would not like that.
In the evening, live music is provided several days a week to entice you to stay longer. They offer a wide variety of original cocktails at a reasonable price. Their version of the Monkey Lala is a beautiful sight created with artistry. Between the incredible views, fantastic food, and laid-back atmosphere, it is no wonder that Happy Harry’s is a top recommendation by TripAdvisor.
Splash Inn and Dive Resort
The Splash Inn and Dive Resort might be an odd choice to be on the best bars in Roatan list because, after all, it is more of a specialty restaurant than a bar. But, due to its unique position of being just about in the center of town, it is one of the more visual locations to have a drink. You cannot walk down the street without passing by the Splash Inn.
The restaurant itself is an open-air street-side building that offers impressive views of the setting sun. As the restaurant associated with the resort, it is often busy, so come early for the best seats. This setting also serves as the hotel’s lobby.
The food here is outstanding, reasonably priced, and offers much variety. But the stand-out here is their take on the islands’ famous drink – the Monkey Lala!
So, what is a Monkey-Lala anyway? I have mentioned it several times. The Monkey Lala is a drink named after a small lizard-like reptile abundantly found in Roatan. These creatures are pretty fast and look funny when they scamper away on only two legs. A Monkey Lala drink typically contains rum, vodka, Kahlua, and Bailey’s, along with rich coconut cream blended with ice for a refreshing chilled cocktail. The addition of some chocolate syrup makes it even tastier! Be forewarned; they are pretty filling after you have had a couple!
Recap of the Best Bars in Roatan
Whether you come to Roatan for an amazing diving experience or just a tropical vacation, you will surely appreciate having a drink at a great place. Knowing where the best bars in Roatan are can help you plan your stay on this island paradise.
We stayed at the Mariposa Lodge which offers great budget accommodation. Although not on the beach, it is only a few hundred steps from the main road and has the dive dock right across the street.
Have you been to Roatan?
Do you have a favorite bar to add to the list?
I would love to hear if you have been to West End Roatan and tried any other places.
Or perhaps you are considering Cozumel instead. Be sure to have a look at the San Gervasio Ruins as a day trip.