Grilled lobster, plantains and mixed vegetables at Colors Bahamian Restaurant.
The Abacos is a chain of islands and cays in The Bahamas that are prime for island hopping. It’s known as the boating capital of The Bahamas, which is easy to see by the calm, clear waters that are a magnificent shade of blue, the white-sand beaches and a more laid-back vibe. But unlike many other destinations around the world that have these three things, The Abacos still feel like a secret. Here, you can walk along a picturesque dock and be the only one there (except for maybe a stingray or a shark), or find a secluded stretch of beach to call your own for the afternoon. The effects of Hurricane Dorian, a devastating Category 5 hurricane in 2019, can still be seen and felt, but talk to any local that calls The Abacos their home and you’ll instantly feel their pride and love for their home and all it has to offer.
As far as the food scene goes, expect lots of seafood (think lobster and conch) and rum punch, served with a side of Out Island hospitality. From a beach bar that neighbors a working bronze foundry to the home of the original Goombay Smash, here are some of the best places to eat and drink in The Abacos.
Stewed fish and Johnny cake.
Thrisie’s Restaurant Bar & Grill
For a traditional Bahamian breakfast, start the day at Thrisie’s. The menu changes daily, but you can expect to find staples like stewed conch, boiled fish and chicken souse, served with grits, toast or Johnny cake. The dining area of this casual eatery is open air and covered, offering a welcome relief on hot days.
Crispy duck breast with mushroom risotto.
Located at the beautiful Abaco Beach Resort, The Bistro offers an upscale dining experience in a spacious room that boasts panoramic views of the beach, garden pool and ocean. For a fancy dinner, this is the place to be. Start your meal with some conch croquettes or seafood chowder, then dig into some lobster tails or crispy duck breast served with a sweet Chambord reduction on top of a mushroom risotto. The menu changes, but the chefs always have something delicious up their sleeves.
The conch salad they serve here is incredibly fresh and the perfect example of how delicious simple, pure flavors can be. Equally impressive is the “show” owner Jade “Kow” Adderley puts on when chopping the onions, green pepper, tomato and conch that go into the salad. He moves with blinding speed and absolute precision; it’s mesmerizing to watch.
Grilled lobster, plantains, mixed vegetables.
Take just one look at the multicolored chairs, railings and beams and you’ll know exactly where this local eatery gets its name. It’s an ideal spot to sip a fruity drink, enjoy some local grilled seafood and listen to live music. Come for the chill vibes, and definitely stay for the sunset that dips into the Sea of Abaco.
Lobster gyro, peas and rice, pineapple cashew and currant slaw.
Pete’s Pub & Gallery
This Little Harbour hangout is just a 30-minute drive south of Marsh Harbour, making it the perfect destination for a mini afternoon getaway. Pete’s Pub sits on the sand, and the ceiling is covered with t-shirts, stickers, hats and koozies from places and sports teams all over the world. Simply place your order, grab a number and seat yourself at a picnic table. For peak vacation vibes, take your rum punch with you to the water to cool off while they cook your lunch. A few steps further down the road is a gallery and bronze foundry, where local artists make and sell their wares. Book a tour before you go and resident artist and bronze master Richard Appaldo is happy to walk you through the many steps that go into making a cast bronze sculpture.
Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar
Take a ferry or boat charter from Marsh Harbour to the pastel-colored village of New Plymouth at Green Turtle Cay to try the original Goombay Smash at Miss Emily’s. The famous rum punch was invented by Emily Cooper, aka Miss Emily, and the small bar is now run by her granddaughter. Miss Emily never tasted the drink (because she was allergic to pineapple), and her granddaughter isn’t a fan of pineapple, but the world famous drink has plenty of devotees the world over.
Sesame conch bites, Almond Joy Colada.
A day trip to Elbow Cay isn’t complete without climbing up the iconic candy-striped Elbow Cay Lighthouse (the last remaining manual, kerosene-fueled light station in the world) and enjoying a frozen drink from Thirsty Cuda. The floating boat bar and grill is located on the southern tip of Elbow Cay, docked right by white-sand Tahiti Beach. They offer rum punches and frozen drinks like an Almond Joy Colada and Green Banana. Pair your sweet drink with salty deep-fried fare—like sesame conch bites—and eat right in the water by a floating table.
The Nipper, blended and over ice.
Nipper’s Beach Bar & Grill
What began as a meeting spot for Johnny Roberts and his friends to party has transformed into a full-on beach bar with a signature drink (available over ice or in slushy form), beach access and two pools. Nipper’s has been around since 1996 and remains a popular spot that’s so busy on Sundays that you can barely see the wood floorboards. Whether you’re lounging in a pool, drinking a Nipper, taking a kayak out for a spin (it’s free for guests!) or dancing to Caribbean tunes, you’re sure to have a good time.