If you’re staying anywhere near Palm Beach, chances are you’ve walked by Bugaloe Beach Bar & Grill — but this is one place you definitely shouldn’t just walk past.
Bugaloe sits right out over the water on Palm Beach, between the Riu and Hilton, giving you one of the coolest bar and restaurant settings on the island. You’re right in the middle of Aruba’s busy high-rise district, but once you walk out onto that pier, you’ve got turquoise water around you and some seriously unbeatable views.
And here’s what surprised me: for a restaurant sitting smack in the middle of one of Aruba’s biggest tourist areas, the prices are actually pretty reasonable.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner…and a Party at Night
Bugaloe is open seven days a week and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
I’ve personally only been there for lunch so far, and I’ve enjoyed it every time. During the day it’s a perfect casual stop when you’re bouncing around Palm Beach, hanging at the beach or just looking for a cold drink with a view.
Once nighttime rolls around, Bugaloe turns into a completely different animal. They regularly have live bands and entertainment, and the place becomes one of the happening spots on Palm Beach. Add an Aruba sunset behind the stage and you can understand pretty quickly why this place stays busy.
Aruba Buddy’s Order
I haven’t gone crazy working my way through the entire menu because there’s one thing I keep going back for:
The ceviche.
You just can’t beat it.
On my visits it’s been around nine bucks, you get a decent portion, and it has always been fresh. And honestly, with the amount of volume this place does, the seafood isn’t exactly sitting around very long.
Then there was the Bugaloe Mango Margarita.
Let’s just say Aruba Buddy was feeling pretty damn good afterward. 😂
Cold margarita, sitting over the Caribbean Sea in Palm Beach…you could definitely do worse.
One of Aruba’s Coolest Over-the-Water Bars
There are plenty of great beach bars in Aruba, but Bugaloe has its own thing going on.
You’re literally sitting out over the water. Boats are cruising by, people are swimming below you, Palm Beach is stretched out in both directions, and you’re right in the center of all the action.
If somebody asked me for one of the coolest over-the-water bar and restaurant experiences in Aruba, Bugaloe would absolutely be on the list.
Grab Something for the Beach
Bugaloe has also expanded the concept with a takeaway spot where you can grab sandwiches and coffee — perfect if you want something to bring back to your palapa or take along for a beach day.
It makes sense because Bugaloe is already in such a perfect location for anybody spending the day around Palm Beach.
The Aruba Buddy Verdict
Bugaloe is a vibe.
Come during the day for ceviche, a margarita and one of the best waterfront views on Palm Beach. Come back at night if you want live music, drinks and a much livelier atmosphere.
It manages to be right in the heart of Aruba’s tourist district without feeling like you’re getting crushed by tourist-trap pricing, and that’s not always easy to find.
Bugaloe is also very active on social media, so if you’re planning an Aruba trip, give them a follow to see what bands, specials and events they have going on.
And of course, follow Aruba Buddy for more restaurants, beaches, hidden gems and everything Aruba.
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