Aruba is sun and water, but what first time tourists probably aren’t aware of is that Aruba has excellent rum. Rum is sold everywhere – I believe even supermarkets stock up on them.
If you feel like going to a bar or pub for drinks, I recommend these:
- Iguana Joes – offers a view of Oranjestad and the port. Opens 11 am, closes midnight. Upper level, Royal Plaza Mall. Tel: 297-583-9373. Iguana Joes is also featured in some travel books.
- Salt ‘n Pepper – if you like Spanish tapas, this is your bar. Tapas go well with Sangria and you can drink jugs of it until 1 in the morning. Tel. 297-586-3280; J.E. Irausquin Blvd, 368A.
- Café Chaos – an earful of Sinatra nostalgia here. It’s a small, cozy place and local professionals come here often. Live music on Saturday nights (jazz, rock, blues). Tel. 297-588-5547; Lloyd G. Smith Boulevard, 60.
- Kukoo Kunuku – if you want a mobile pub, check out Kukoo Kunuku. It’s a party bus that takes riders to about six of Aruba’s hottest bars. Trip starts at 6:00 pm until midnight. For about $60.00, the bus picks you up at your hotel, gives you a pair of maracas, feeds you dinner, and offers champagne on the beach. Plus 1 free drink in 3 bars. Tel. 297-586-2010.