I was sitting along seven-mile beach in the evening warmth, watching the crashing of the waves lap over the edges of the outdoor bar. In the short four-day span of being on this beautiful island, I had successfully managed to sample some of the best bars in Grand Cayman.
A melting pot of culture and combination of flavors, Grand Cayman has long been a favorite spot for tourists visiting the Cayman Islands.
Gastronomy standouts portray the natural elements of the Cayman Island’s, with the rich marine life, ever-present, as the staple in most dishes. Through the use of traditional fresh ingredients, harmoniously blended with contemporary methods, bars in Grand Cayman are becoming some of the best within the mixology world.
Library By The Sea: Kimpton Seafire
“Let Us Pour You a Story.” Spearheaded by cocktail aficionado, Jim Wrigley, Library by the Sea allows guests to enjoy individualistic cocktails inspired by a diverse range of literary works. The menu itself reads like a storybook — illustrated pages highlighting flavor inspirations, and allowing guests to relive their favorite literary memories.
High-end technological equipment, out-of-the-box techniques, and global bartenders recruited to work on this project, the Library by the Sea team goes above and beyond when it comes to creating. Sip on a “Murder in the Afternoon,” inspired by the infamous works of Agatha Christie, or take a stroll down memory lane with “A Tale of a Bitter Bunny.”
The interior of the this Grand Cayman bar evokes feelings of jet-setting in a luxurious way, with pops of cream and wood accents. Plush couches and mood lighting provide guests with the warmth and welcome of a living-room space, while the open-bar area is ideal for solo travelers looking to mingle. There’s nothing better than sipping a vibrant creation, while flipping through the pages that inspired its flavors.
Le Petit Bar
“For years, Christian Esser & Shalico Christian had a big idea for a small bar.” With a notable career in the hospitality and wine industries, Shalico saw an opening in the Grand Cayman bar-scene. With a list of 220 wines curated by Somelier, Christian Esser, Le Petit Bar has become a hub for those looking to experience the finer tastes of life in a cozy setting.
Strolling through the dimly lit bar, I felt a part of the family as I was greeted by its two owners with a glass or prosecco. A wooden bar makes for the perfect space to sip and mingle with the locals. An intimate setting with soft lighting and tasteful accents combine well with the flurry of bottles on display behind the bar.
Not sure what to sample first? Esser and Shalico are always more than willing to lend a helping hand when it comes to perfect blends and craft cocktails.
Macabuca
As far as bars in Grand Cayman go, this local haunt is teeming with friendly faces and expats. Macabuca is the happening place on the island with both flavor and culture all in one.
A down-to-earth tiki bar, Macabuca sits on an open-aired deck close to the ocean-front. There’s nothing quite like trying some of the island’s best seafood with the lapping of waves in the background. While the menu is certainly extensive and offers a little something for every palette, the conch dishes are not to be missed if you want to sample something local to Grand Cayman.
Vibrant is what springs to mind when I think of cocktail list at Macabuca. An assortment of tropical flavors blended together with quirky twists. There’s also a pretty extensive list of brews that are local to the Cayman Islands. Either way, the bar at Macabuca is a meeting spot for all on the Island.
Door No.4
Drawing inspiration from the idyllic settings of Grand Cayman, this local bar focuses on local ingredients in a welcoming atmosphere. Founded by former Diageo Ambassador, Simon Crompton, Door No. 4 exudes luxury in a laid-back setting.
The bars interior showcase the Island’s environment through wooden furnishings, pops of green, and potted plants. Industrial shelving housing an array of liquors behind the bar. The cocktail menu features a few classics with modern twists — such as the Palomita or Martini Full Circle.
