All over the world, sailors know bars like they know the 7 seas. Whether you’re traveling or just curious to explore these peculiar places with fascinating histories, sailors’ bars are not ordinary places. For this reason, we have decided to write this article about the most famous sailors’ bars in the world.
Sailors’ bars serve as important social hubs for seafarers, providing a sense of community and connection to home while they are away from their boats.
Additionally, sailors’ bars often play a role in preserving maritime traditions and folklore, with many establishments showcasing memorabilia, artifacts, and historical photos related to the local maritime heritage. Some sailors’ bars may even host live music performances, storytelling sessions, or other events that celebrate seafaring culture and provide entertainment for both sailors and visitors alike.
These are the 10 Most Famous Sailors’ Bars in the world:
Peter’s Café Sport – Horta, Azores
This historical sailors’ bar is considered as the most famous in the world. Founded in 1859 by Ernesto Lourenço Azevedo, over the years, the café became a popular spot for sailors to relax and share stories of their adventures at sea.
In the 20th century, the café became a hub for transatlantic yachtsmen, who would often stop in Horta on their way between Europe and the Americas. The café became known as a place where sailors could get reliable information about weather and sea conditions, as well as a place to socialize and exchange news and stories.
Today, Peter’s Café Sport is still a popular destination for sailors and tourists alike, and it is known for its maritime atmosphere and its rich history. Many sailors still stop in Horta and visit the café, and it is considered an important part of the island’s culture and history.
www.petercafesport.com
Foxy’s Tamarind Bar – Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands
The most famous sailors’ bar of the stunning British Virgin Islands, Foxy’s is a must-go-to. With a beautiful beach just in front of it, this staple bar offers locally sourced food and the best alcoholic drinks of the island, from craft beer to rum.
Foxy’s Tamarind Bar is a popular bar and restaurant located on the island of Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands. The bar is named after its founder, a local man named Philip “Foxy” Callwood, who opened the bar in the 1960s.
Foxy’s Tamarind Bar has a long history as a gathering place for sailors, locals, and tourists, and it is known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful location on the beach. The bar serves a variety of food and drinks, including its famous rum punch, and it is also known for its live music and weekly beach parties.
Foxy’s Tamarind Bar has become an important part of the culture and history of Jost Van Dyke, and it is a popular destination for visitors to the island. It is also a well-known stop on the Caribbean sailing circuit, and many sailors make a point of stopping in at the bar during their travels.
In recent years, Foxy’s Tamarind Bar has gained even more fame due to its association with the popular TV show “Below Deck,” which has featured the bar and its owner, Foxy, in several episodes. Despite its increased popularity, the bar has managed to maintain its laid-back, island vibe and remains a beloved destination for travelers and locals alike.
www.foxysbar.com
Le Select – St Barthelemy, Caribbean
An unexpected sailors’ stop in St Barthelemy, Le Select offers the best cheeseburgers and drinks on the island and it is adored by locals.
It is located in the capital city of Gustavia and is known for its laid-back atmosphere and delicious food. The menu at Le Select features a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, salads, and burgers, as well as more upscale entrees such as seafood and grilled meats. The restaurant is also known for its extensive selection of drinks, including cocktails, beers, and wines. Le Select is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, and is open for lunch and dinner every day.
Le Select Facebook Page
IYAC Newport – Newport, Rhode Island
Both a beloved sailors’ bar and New England’s number one party spot, IYAC (International Yacht and Athletic Club) offers exclusive memberships and unforgettable events. The club is located on Goat Island and offers its members a range of amenities, including a marina, swimming pool, tennis courts, and dining facilities. In addition to these amenities, the club also hosts a range of social events and activities for its members, including regattas, parties, and other events. Membership at the International Yacht and Athletic Club is by invitation only. If you are interested in becoming a member, you may want to contact the club directly for more information on their membership process and requirements.
iyacnewport.com
Royal Bermuda Yacht Club – Hamilton, Bermuda
A private Yacht Club, but still open to the public, the Royal Bermuda Yacht club is both luxurious and has stunning harbour views. They spoil you with every drink you buy and even have Personalized Coasters with their logo on to make you feel very classy while sipping on your drink. As well as an amazing bar, it also has a restaurant loved by sailors.
rbyc.bm
Sam’s Anchor Café – Tiburon, California
A Californian gem, Sam’s Anchor Café is full of history and legends that is definitely worth asking the bartenders. The restaurant is known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay. The menu at Sam’sanchor Café features a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, burgers, salads, and seafood. The restaurant is also known for its extensive selection of drinks, including cocktails, beers, and wines. Sam’sanchor Café is open for lunch and dinner every day, and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. In addition to indoor seating, the restaurant also has an outdoor patio area that is popular during the warmer months.
www.samscafe.com
Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club – Hong Kong
This yacht club is one of the oldest in Hong Kong and it has about 170 years of history in competitive sailing. It is much more than a bar, it offers courses and many amazing excursions. The club was founded in 1849 and is one of the oldest and most prestigious yacht clubs in the region. The RHKYC offers a range of amenities to its members, including a marina, dining facilities, and social and recreational activities. The club is also home to a number of sailing and racing events, including the Hong Kong to Vietnam Race and the China Coast Regatta.
https://www.rhkyc.org.hk
Boatyard Bar and Grill – Annapolis, Maryland
A must-go-to in Maryland, this bar and restaurant is one of the most authentic ones in the world and a perfect spot to get to know some expert and enthusiastic sailors from the Chesapeake Bay. The menu at the Boatyard Bar and Grill features a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, burgers, salads, and seafood. The restaurant is also known for its extensive selection of drinks, including cocktails, beers, and wines. The Boatyard Bar and Grill is open for lunch and dinner every day, and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. In addition to indoor seating, the restaurant also has an outdoor patio area with views of the water that is popular during the warmer months.
www.boatyardbarandgrill.com
Sloppy Joe’s Bar – Key West, Florida, USA
Sloppy Joe’s Bar, located in Key West, Florida, USA, is an iconic establishment with a rich history and vibrant atmosphere. Originally opened in 1933 by Cuban immigrant José “Joe” Russell, Sloppy Joe’s quickly became a beloved watering hole for locals and visitors alike.
The bar gained international fame during the Prohibition era when Key West was a popular destination for rumrunners and smugglers. Its location on Duval Street, in the heart of Old Town Key West, made it a hotspot for sailors, fishermen, and other colorful characters.
Sloppy Joe’s Bar is perhaps best known for its association with the American author Ernest Hemingway, who frequented the establishment during his time in Key West. Hemingway was a close friend of Joe Russell and often drank at the bar while working on his writing projects. Today, visitors can still see memorabilia and photos of Hemingway adorning the walls of Sloppy Joe’s, paying homage to the bar’s famous patron. Also for this reason, it is undoubtedly one of the most famous sailors’ bars in the world.
https://sloppyjoes.com
Pink Pony Bar and Grill – Mackinac Island, Michigan
With a private dock and excellent entertainment, Pink Pony Bar is the liveliest spot on Mackinac Island. Professional sailing competitors love its tasty dishes and traditional drinks.
www.pinkponymackinac.com