10 Best Nightlife on Grand Bahama Island



Grand Bahama Island is not known for its outrageous party scene (that can be found on Nassau), but that doesn't mean visitors will have to go to bed early. A number of bars, clubs, and live music venues heat up after the sun goes down to and stay open late into the night. One island tradition that is not to be missed is the beach bonfire that features games, music, dancing, and plenty of tropical drinks.

The hub of most entertainment is Port Lucaya Marketplace, where popular bars like Rum Runners and Sparky's serve drink specials almost nonstop and Count Basie Square features live musical performances on the weekends. Nearby, Club Neptunes offers a lounge and dance club scene and the casino at the Radisson Grand Lucayan has slot machines, black jack, craps, and other games to test Lady Luck.

Around the island, other beach and waterfront bars offer live music and open-air dining, like the upscale Sabor restaurant or the ultra-casual Margarita Villa (the Sand Bar) where no shoes are required because the floor is made of sand.

The experts at 10Best.com have put Grand Bahama's nightlife scene to the test and created this list of the best nightlife on the island!


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10
Grand Bahama Island
Tony Macaroni's
Photo courtesy of Amber Nolan

This small little beach "snack shack" has remained a local favorite despite the destructive force of three hurricanes. Tony rebuilt his seafood hot spot, which now offers a wooden porch with picnic tables and straw overhang for shaded options. Conch shells make up most of the decor, and the view of the sparkling sky-blue water is mesmerizing. The small menu is posted on the wall, which includes conch burger (with spicy sauce), roasted conch and lobster, hot dogs and burgers, and his famous conch salad. Portions aren't generous, but the food is delicious. Wash it down with a pina colada or gully wash and let a few hours go by. Sunday nights feature live jazz music (and on special occasions) that is the place to be!

Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Nightlife because: Tony's live jazz nights are a local tradition that is not to be missed!

Amber's expert tip: Don't sit on the picnic tables; it's easy-going Tony's one pet peeve.

Read more about Tony Macaroni's →


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Grand Bahama Island
Casino at the Grand Lucayan
Photo courtesy of Radisson Grand Lucayan

Test your luck at Treasure Bay Casino at Grand Lucayan Resort which features 35,000 square feet of space including over 400 slot machines, blackjack, roulette, three-card stud poker and mini-baccarat. For entertainment, there's Club Cove, a cabaret lounge that is a popular night hotspot with dancing, theme events and a Thursday dinner show. The casino is located directly across from the Port Lucaya Marketplace, and although it's not massive (like the Atlantis on Nassau), visitors are sure to have a fun time. The Grand Lucayan is also home to several restaurants and cocktail bars for those that need a break from gaming.

Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Nightlife because: With a great location in the Port Lucayan Marketplace, the casino makes a nice alternative to the evening bar scene.

Amber's expert tip: Sign up for the players club for freebies and promotions.

Read more about Casino at the Grand Lucayan →


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Grand Bahama Island

Bonfire on the beach – the name says it all! This event is a great way to spend an evening - island style! Come out to the beach, enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet and activities such as limbo and live music and dancing as well as a breathtaking sunset to boot. There is even a fire dancer. Your transportation to and from your hotel is included in the meal price. Menu items include chicken, ribs, peas 'n' rice, corn on the cob and coleslaw. This event kicks off every Tuesday night from 6:30 to 9:30pm and will be an unforgettable part of any trip to Grand Bahama!

Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Nightlife because: Nothing says "I'm on an island" like beach bonfires and live music.

Amber's expert tip: Stop by (or call) Margarita Villa (Sand Bar) for more information.

Read more about Bonfire on the Beach →


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Grand Bahama Island
Sparky's
Photo courtesy of Amber Nolan

In the heart of the action at the Port Lucaya Marketplace, Sparky's is known for their massive, strong frozen cocktails. The place is extremely laid back, and a great introduction to the Bahamas for new arrivals. During the day, 2-for-1 drink specials draw crowds to the small indoor area or outdoor patio and make a great way to take a break from shopping. Hip hop, reggae, and other pop tunes bring the dancers out at night (it tends to be a younger crowd). Pub snacks like conch fritters, jerk chicken sandwiches, and free WiFi access with purchase and $1 shots seal the deal.

Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Nightlife because: Strong drinks, a killer location, and a laid-back vibe make this a top choice.

Amber's expert tip: Their Goombay Smash is perhaps the best drink on the island.

Read more about Sparky's →


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Grand Bahama Island

This fun bar has daily happy hour specials, seven televisions for watching the game, DJs on select nights for dancing, and good-old-fashioned pub grub like burgers and wings as well as mains like seafood fettuccine, lasagna, steak, and barbecue ribs. At Red Beards, it's easy to stop in for a bite to eat during the day, and end up singing karaoke in the evening. As a sports bar, it can get rowdy, but the food is some of the best on the island and very affordable. The deck outside offers a nice breeze; so sit back, relax, and enjoy a cold beer. It is located next to Next to the Bell Channel Inn.

Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Nightlife because: A British pub meets Bahamas casual bars, with amazing food to boot!

Amber's expert tip: Try the "Pirate Potion."

Read more about Red Beard's Pub →


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5
Grand Bahama Island
The Margarita Villa Sand Bar
Photo courtesy of Bahamas Tourism

Often called simply, the Sand Bar, the signature characteristic of this restaurant and bar is that the floor is made of sand! Inside, there are televisions for watching the game, live music on a regular basis, and the elusive air conditioning. Located just five minutes drive from Port Lucaya Marketplace, it's far enough from the crowds but close enough for day trippers on a time crunch. The menu offers a number of bar favorite like conch fritters, fish burgers, as well as Greek salads and Philly cheese steaks. Two top decks offer relaxing views while sipping on a signature margarita.

Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Nightlife because: What's not to love about a beach restaurant with a sand floor, live music, and strong cocktails?

Amber's expert tip: Although the name may make it easy for some to confuse this with Jimmy Buffet's place: it's not.

Read more about The Margarita Villa Sand Bar →


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Grand Bahama Island

Perched in the marina at the Pelican Bay Resort at Taino Beach (near the Fish Fry), this restaurant and bar is a wonderful way to spend an evening for those seeking a more upscale nightlife scene. Watch the sunset as boats come in and out and sip on a high-end cocktail like specialty-crafted mojitos, fine wine, tropical cocktails and dessert martinis (like cookies and cream or banana with Godiva chocolate). Drinks are 2-for-1 during Happy Hour, and they offer live music on weekend nights. Thirsty Thursdays feature new music and gully wash martinis, and on Saturdays there are live jazz performances.

Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Nightlife because: For an elegant evening out, Sabor is a world away from the pubs and beach bar scene.

Amber's expert tip: The schedule changes, so be sure to check in with the restaurant as to what is going on!

Read more about Sabor Restaurant & Bar →


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Grand Bahama Island
Count Basie Square
Photo courtesy of Amber Nolan

Count Basie Square is at the heart of the Port Lucaya Marketplace, and on weekends live music keeps things lively. This is family-friendly entertainment with dancing for all ages. Grab a snack or cocktail from one of the nearby restaurants and enjoy at the many tables nearby. It is fun just watching the tourists attempt to dance (the later it gets, the more entertaining). The performers are very engaging and on Thursdays everyone gets involved with live karaoke! The limbo dancer is impressive as well. Free WiFi is also available if you need to check your phone. Admission is free.

Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Nightlife because: Count Basie Square offers quality entertainment for the entire family.

Amber's expert tip: During the early part of the week, there isn't much going on so travelers are better off at a nearby bar.

Read more about Count Basie Square →


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Grand Bahama Island

This is a place for drinkers and dancers! A foot bar reminds patrons they are near the water, with a bar top designed with wooden ship planks, pirate coins, and shells. From 7pm until 2am live DJs spin mix hits and the bar has no shortage of unique tropical drinks. Try the "King Neptune," a mix of golden rum, coconut rum, blue curacao, melon liqueur, and pineapple juice. The club also offers bar snacks, and cocktail waitresses will deliver drinks or food to lounge tables. On Thursdays and Fridays, ladies don't have to pay cover. Before the night out, Pisces restaurant is located practically next door.

Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Nightlife because: The light-up floor draws locals and tourists to this happening club.

Amber's expert tip: Karaoke kicks off on Tuesdays and Saturday nights.

Read more about Club Neptunes →


1
Grand Bahama Island
Rum Runners Bar
Photo courtesy of Amber Nolan

This popular bar in the Port Lucaya Marketplace is always packed with customers on the outdoor patio. Rum Runners has been in business for more than 25 years and continues to offer excellent service provided by fun bartenders, great drink specials, and quality food to match. Try a legendary pina colada served in a coconut shell and snack on fresh seafood dishes like lobster stuffed pitas or fish sandwiches. Patrons can also leave their mark by writing on the tables, bar, or walls. It has a very lively atmosphere and "anything goes" vibe that keeps bringing people back time and again.

Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Nightlife because: A favorite among tourists for more than 25 years, Rum Runners promises a good time.

Amber's expert tip: If there is one place to get a coconut shell pina colada, this is it!

Read more about Rum Runners Bar →


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Meet Amber Nolan

Originally from upstate New York, this restless traveler has a knack for befriending interesting characters. You can usually find her just about anywhere that has a hammock. Amber's favorite...  More About Amber

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