The Virgin Islands' Nightlife

You haven't even made it to the Virgin Islands, yet already your head is swimming with images of the many activities you plan on doing to pack your days full to the brim.  But what about your night life?  If you're like most visitors, you won't want to waste a second of your time, and planning how you'll spend your nights is one such way to avoid that.

Much of the nightly entertainment in the Virgin Islands is centered around the resort hotels.  These resorts have numerous bars and restaurants on property, sometimes discos, and almost always put together some sort of night time entertainment for guests.  This could range from a theatrical performance to a concert to a foam party, and could take place every night or only on weekends. 

These events are sometimes open to the public, but there is no need to worry if you aren't staying at a super-sized resort.  There are plenty of other options for after dark entertainment throughout the islands, though most would agree that if you are looking for the most entertaining nightlife, stick to the US Virgin Islands.  Regardless of which island you're on, you'll quickly discover that nightlife centers mainly around bars and pubs that dance clubs.

US Virgin Islands

For something a little on the classy side, head to Banana Bar (St. Thomas, USVI).  Patrons tend to be above 30, and enjoy lounging around and listening to smooth jazz music while they sip on their beverages.  Entertainment switches to piano bar style on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Cruise ship day-trippers usually head to the Bar at Paradise Point (St. Thomas) during their time on the island.  Not only do they serve inexpensive food and drinks, but the building is located  740 feet above sea level and offers excellent views.

Beach Bar (St. John) is one of the Virgin Island's bars that is literally situated on the beach (near Cruz Bay).  The bar serves up lots of fun mixed drinks, and opens up onto the beach where reggae bands perform nightly. 

Better classified as a bistro than a bar, the Blue Moon (St. Coix) is another classy joint, with jazz ensembles providing live entertainment while patrons eat and drink.

Yet another sophisticated spot in St. Thomas is Epernay.  Here, patrons can sample several wines and champagne while snacking on appetizers of sushi and caviar and indulging in sweet desserts.

Located right on the Christiansted Boardwalk, the Fort Christian Brew Pub (St. Croix) is one of only two microbreweries in the Virgin Islands.  Along with house brews, they serve up lots of typical bar food.

The Greenhouse (St. Thomas) is a bar and restaurant situated right on the waterfront.  The food is decent, happy hour usually consists of two-for-one specials, and they like to mix up the style of music played, so you never know what you're going to hear until you get there.

The Happy Buzzard (St. Thomas) is located along the waterfront, and serves beers, shooters, and high balls.  Lots of fun special events take place here, and live performances happen on Tuesday nights.

Tired of the typical bar food of greasy fries and burgers?  Island Time Pub (St. Thomas) serves up their brews with a slice of pie – pizza pie that is.  There are 11 pizzas on the pub's menu, who's décor is nautically themed. 

Larry's Landing (St. John) puts a fun spin on the bar atmosphere – here, the bartender lets you mix your own drink, and you can waste the night away watching sports and playing pool.

If what you're looking for is a fun, laid back environment, check out Hull Bay Hideaway (St. Thomas), a relative surf bar, Iggie's Bolongo (St. Thomas), or Turtle Rock Bar (St. Thomas).  Both are known for cheap eats and live music; Iggie's Bolongo also has karaoke nights.  The Red Hook Marina (St. John) is another especially relaxed bar, which also serves as a restaurant and offers consistent live music.

If you're planning a romantic night on the town, look into stopping by the Palms (St. Croix), where couples can snuggle up at tables overlooking the ocean.

Another bar for the “grown-up” crowd is XO Wine Bar (St. Thomas), where patrons can sample 30 wines while viewing the eclectic artwork hanging throughout the bar. 

British Virgin Islands

On the island of Tortolla, there is a building that has been split into two separate establishments: a family friendly Italian food joint called Spaghetti Junction, and a black-lit, haze filled, music pumping, night club called the Bat Cave.  You can still eat dinner at the bar, but here you are surrounded by loud music, dancing, and sometimes even karaoke. 

Bomba's Beach Shack (Tortola) is a fun place to visit, and is known for their live reggae music and full moon beach parties at Apple Bay.  They make their own rum in house, and have a signature drink called the “Secret Family Recipe.” 

The Virgin Island's second microbrewery, Foxy's Restaurant and Bar (Jost Van Dyke), serves up four different beers made on site, as well as numerous other beers on tap, and Caribbean style cuisine. 

Many bars in the British Virgin Islands cater to sailors, such as the Jolly Roger Inn (Tortola), which has a dingy dock for patrons to use while they dine and sit at the bar.  Friday and Saturday features live entertainment from local artists and guest musicians from the United States. 

If you want to dance, check out Myett's (Tortola) on the weekend, where there always seems to be a crowd happily dancing the night away. 

Rock Cafe (Virgin Gorda) is a place where everyone can find something to satisfy them.  The piano bar is in full swing most nights, and the big screen TV in the sports room always has a game going. 

The bar at Pusser's Road Town Pub and Company Store (Tortola) is known as the meeting place for the people of Pusser and the area's guests.  Patrons can also order meals and pick up souvenirs here.  

At the Sandcastle Hotel in Jost Van Dyke is the Soggy Dollar Bar, where guests flock to for their signature mixed drink, the “Original Painkiller.”  There is no dock, so patrons must swim to reach the bar. 

Casinos

Many vacationers find the thrill of spending their nights playing cards, rolling dice, and pulling slots during their Caribbean vacation to be irresistible.  While it is possible to visit a casino and participate in all of these activities in the Virgin Islands, the options are limited.  The Divi Carina Bay Casino is located on St. Croix, USVI, and is the only casino throughout all the islands.  Patrons must be 21-years-old or older to enter the casino, and most of the table games have a minimum bet of $5(USD).

Family Friendly Entertainment

There are plenty of fun ways to spend your nights when vacationing with little ones, or if the club and bar scene just isn't your thing.

Think of supporting the local arts community during your stay.  Plan an evening tour of local art galleries, or take in a play.  The Tillett Gardens Center for the Arts (St. Thomas) is a professional theater that presents four full length plays a year.  Meanwhile, the Reichhold Center for the Arts (St. Thomas) puts on numerous productions throughout the year, and even has a gallery in the lobby with rotating exhibits. 

And this isn't all.  As you explore the Virgin Islands, you are certain to come across a bar or club that is hidden out of the way, that doesn't advertise, but still seems to be filled to capacity.  Don't hesitate to check these places out as well.  At the very least, you'll always have a story to tell about the quirky little bar you discovered on your trip to the Virgin Islands.