Jibe City Hang Out Beach Bar Bonaire

September 15, 2016
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Livin’ the Dream at Bonaire’s Jibe City Hang Out Beach Bar

Just 20 minutes from the town of Kralendijk, Bonaire’s Hang Out Beach Bar offers the quintessential Caribbean feet-in-the-sand, beer-in-your-hand experience. Sited against the warm, gentle waters of Lac Bay, this true beach bar is built right on the sand, with a castaway vibe that perfectly reflects desert island living.

Lac Bay, Windsurfer’s Paradise

Bonaire's Lac Bay is a world-class windsurfing destination — Bonaire’s Lac Bay is a world-class windsurfing destination

The Hang Out Beach Bar is part of Jibe City, home-base for windsurfers who come from around the world to sail in Lac Bay. Even Disney couldn’t create a more perfect spot for windsurfing. Not only does a steady wind blow into the bay all day long, but the water is like a bathtub – 82 degrees and only around knee-deep with a soft sandy bottom.

Dutch is the first language at Jibe City, but the staff speaks excellent English too.

The conditions in the bay make Jibe City a great place to try out windsurfing, even if you’ve never been on a board before. Rentals and lessons are offered all day long, usually with no advance appointment needed. Or just wade out and watch the sails go by.

At the Jibe City surf shop, you can rent boards, arrange a lesson, and pick up a souvenir tshirt.

Jibe City also has a great little surf shop, if you want to pick up a souvenir or need basics like sunglasses or sunscreen.

Booking.com

The Hang Out Beach Bar

Bonaire's Hang Out Beach Bar is the quintessential Caribbean beach bar. — Bonaire’s Hang Out Beach Bar is the quintessential Caribbean beach bar.

The bar is just what you’d picture – slightly ramshackle, with few walls and lots of sand. The Dutch staff at Hang Out Beach Bar speaks excellent English, and probably Spanish and Portuguese too. (Bonaire gets lots of South American tourists. Most restaurant workers seem to be able to switch between languages with no hesitation).

Amstel Bright, brewed on Curacao, is the house beer, just order a “Bright”. Or try another local favorite, Polar, from neighboring Venezuela. It’s pronounced pole-arr. We suggest ordering your beer in an ice-filled bucket.

Nothing says Caribbean vacation better than an ice-cold bucket of beer at a beach bar.

Another house-favorite at Hang Out Beach Bar is the sangria. So refreshing on a hot day (and what day isn’t hot on Bonaire?). Your sangria will arrive in a big beer pitcher with a very big straw. I do recommend sharing, but you’re on vacation so that’s up to you.

Refreshing sangria at Hang Out Beach Bar

Food at Hang Out Beach Bar

On most days, the bar is open during the day until around sunset. The menu features sandwiches, salads, and always a delicious burger of the day.

On Thursday nights, the bar stays open for a very special dinner event. It’s called the Table BBQ and it is not to be missed.

Cook Your Own Dinner at Hang Out Beach Bar Table BBQ

At the Table BBQ, each table receives a hibachi-style charcoal grill hot and ready to go. An all-you-care-to-eat meal, the Table BBQ includes steak, ribs, hamburgers, and fish, for you to grill at your table. Salad, rolls, and baked potatoes complete the dinner.

Grill your own dinner at Hang Out Beach Bar Table BBQ

We have enjoyed the Table BBQ several times, and have found the quality to be consistently good. The ribs are especially delicious, and the fish is fresh – usually it’s fabulous fresh tuna. Everything is served family-style, meaning a big plate of meat arrives and everybody can cook whatever they want. It is also truly all-you-can-eat, servers will keep offering food until you ask them to stop.

All-you-care-to-eat meat and a bucket of beer. This is truly paradise!

And did I mention the price? The Table BBQ is just $27.50 for adults, $15 for kids (up to 14).

If You Go To Hang Out Beach Bar Table BBQ

The Table BBQ is only on Thursday nights, it’s best to make a reservation. Also, be aware the BBQ can be canceled if the weather gets too windy. The open grills tend to throw sparks around in the wind – an issue even on relatively calm evenings – so I’d advise you to seat your toddler at the upwind end of the table. The upside of the grill in the breeze: the smoke seems to keep mosquitoes away.

And bring your appetite, there is a lot of good food!