Do you know what’s about as tough as eating only one pastechi when there’s a table full of pastechis? Deciding where to go to meet up with friends to have your catch-up-on-life sessions.
OK, so maybe it’s easier to just give in and eat another pastechi, but when it comes to picking a place for life talks with your bestie, there are so many factors ta keep in mind.
To help you solve this social dilemma, I’ve compiled a list of groovy spots in Aruba that are perfect for catching up with friends!
What makes a spot groovy? Well, first of all they MUST ‘check yes’ for all of the following criteria:
✨ Cool Ambiance
🍹 Good Drinks
🌮 Yummy Food to Refuel
😃 & last, but not least, Friendly Customer Service
Check out 7 Groovy Places to Catch up with Friends in Aruba below:
1. Divi’s Beach Bar
Statement from the Spot: “Divi’s Beach Bar is perfect for a delicious cocktail or bite to eat while enjoying a lively atmosphere just steps from the beach!”
Location: Druif Beach next to Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive
Opening Hours: 10.00 AM – 8.00 PM, Daily
Happy Hour: 5.00 PM – 6.00 PM, Daily
Something Special: Besides the gorgeous view? Sometimes they host special events with LIVE music too
Food for More Fuel: Small bites available such as paninis and salads
2. Maroc Restaurant & Tapas
A Statement from the Spot: “A hip “casual” place down town Oranjestad in Aruba, to meet up with your friends or family for delicious Mediterranean foods, or just a nice glass of wine at our wine bar.”
Location: Downtown Oranjestad next to El Gaucho
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 4.00 PM – 10.00 PM and Sundays 5.00 PM – 10.00 PM *Closed on Mondays
Happy Hour: Tuesdays – Saturdays 4.00 PM – 7.00 PM and Sundays 5.00 PM – 7.00 PM
Something Special: They host semi-daily themed nights with specials such as Local Fish Night and Girls Night Out
Food for More Fuel: Tapas, tapas, tapas! Some tasty ones include Stuffed Mushrooms and Black Olive Tapenade with their Homemade Pita
3. Lucy’s Retired SURFERS Bar & Restaurant
A Statement from the Spot: “Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant aims to provide a laid-back, beach vibe, complete with the coldest drinks and the hottest menu around since 1992.”
Location: Downtown Oranjestad across from Renaissance Mall
Opening Hours: 11.00 AM – ‘till the fiesta ends, Daily
Happy Hour: 4.00 PM – 7.00 PM, Daily
Something Special: They have various special themed days on a weekly basis such as their Taco Tuesdays, Florin Fridayz & Yappy Hour (this one includes treats for our doggy firends), AND let’s not forget their famous scorpion shot challenge
Food for More Fuel: Blackened Fish Tacos, Rip Curl Calamari and the Catch of the Day
4. BAZ-RRR Galleria & Brasserie
A Statement from the Spot: “BAZ-RRR offers a unique concept that aims to create a new culture and unite the Community by becoming a business with purpose.”
Location: Downtown right before Mainstreet Oranjestad
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 10.00 AM – 6.00 PM *Closed on Sundays
*please note that this venue has additional opening hours for special events and courses
Something Special: They frequently host fun pop-up events and exhibit local art
Food for More Fuel: They release weekly menus with a diverse assortment of goodies including local dishes (like the famous Yambo) with twist. They also always make sure to include colorful vegan options on their menu
5. Picnic Aruba
A Statement from the Spot: “Take a moment to take in the spectacular setting of the Picnic terrace where you can enjoy a round or two of pre-dinner drinks. We add to the occasion.”
Location: Paseo Herencia Mall in Palm Beach
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 7.00 AM – 11.00 PM *Closed on Mondays
Happy Hour: 6.00-9.00PM, Daily
Something Special: They frequently offer lunch and local specials
Food for More Fuel: Delicious desserts like their Brownie with Chocolate Mousse & Salted Caramel and Macarons
UPDATE: please note that unfortunately this venue is no longer operating for the public
6. On the Rocks Cafe
A Statement from the Spot: “Drinks/Food/Music/Sports. We have it! Enjoy a variety of Angus Beef Burgers and our local-spiced wings.”
Location: Downtown at the end of Mainstreet Oranjestad
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 3.00 PM – 11.30PM (or later) *Closed on Mondays
Happy Hour: 5.00 PM – 7.00 PM, Daily
Something Special: This place has a very local fan base and all of their sauces are locally crafted
Food for More Fuel: Shrimp Pinchos, Conchi Berdura Salad and Rocks Bourbon Burger Sliders
Happy Hanging out with Your Amigos in Aruba!
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