A neighborhood watering hole with plenty of character, Café Chaos is the preferred place for many in downtown Oranjestad. A small, fun, and lively nightspot, the vibe here is a lot like a European bar due to the interiors, decor, and placement of footballs. A Dutch pub, it is a rather prominent venue for its catchy live music, a vast assortment of excellent beers, and potent cocktails. The crowd here is diverse, ranging from professionals and locals to tourists. Come by for the drinks, and stay back for the lively atmosphere and opportunity to witness some talented artists perform.
Sandra's Garden is the best bet for an open-air bar in Oranjestad. A beloved of the neighborhood and tourists, it scores with customers for its generally friendly environment. Some stellar highlights at this bar are the unmatchable fun vibe with a laidback atmosphere, attentive staff, excellent service, and pleasing tunes. Be mindful that the place tends to get packed on Friday nights and weekends, so best to get there slightly earlier in the evenings. Come by to sip a potent preferred concoction or a frothy robust beer and get a veritable taste of authentic Aruban hospitality.
A glitzy nightspot and the only speakeasy in Aruba, Apotek Speakeasy is a top contender for providing an entertaining experience without compromising quality. In true prohibition-style joints, you gain entry to this pub by ringing a bell. However, housed in a historical structure, it can be relatively easy to locate in downtown Oranjestad. The skilled mixologists here are famous for customizing a potently unique drink with a preferred base of your choice. Recommended by many customers, this establishment is worth visiting for its one-of-a-kind cocktails, sumptuous decor, and upbeat vibes.
Many restaurants in Aruba trumpet their party atmospheres and festive foods, but Cuba's Cookin' is not blowing smoke. They have a raucous (though family friendly) party atmosphere, and they deliver the cuisine of Cuba, a colorful and fiery fusion of the finest flavors in the hemisphere. Feast on traditional specialties like empanadas, plantain chips, ceviche, gazpacho and more. Seafood and steaks are on hand, but they come spiced up with home style rubs and salsas. The garnishes are unique, the mojitos are praise worthy, and the live Cuban music will have you dancing in your seat.
Urataka Center is serving amazing Aruban style pizza and what they call a Super Burger to the people of Santa Cruz. If you're not one for choosing, you could even get a Super Burger Pizza; a local favorite. There's also a bar inside, with a spacious patio, so you can grab a beer while you enjoy a delicious meal.
This hotspot in the lobby of the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino is an excellent place to spend an evening. The atmospheric open-air bar hosts a popular happy hour between 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM daily. Beyond modern decor and a chic ambiance that makes the bar worth visiting at any hour, it offers a lively nightlife scene complete with DJs and dancing from Thursday to Sunday. Start your night with a Blue Martini and a few small bites off the snack menu, which offers everything from tapas to sushi, then get to mingling with the trendy crowd. Between the atmosphere, service, and location, it's no wonder Blue has such a great reputation.