11 Best Bars in The Abacos, Bahamas

Head here to find a singing, carousing crowd knocking back the world-famous Goombay Smash. (Or not—many Goombay novices underestimate the drink's potency, and end up making it an early night.) Mrs. Emily Cooper, creator of the popular Goombay Smash drink, passed away in 1997, but her daughter Violet continues to serve up the famous rum, pineapple juice, and apricot brandy concoction. The actual recipe is top-secret, and in spite of many imitators throughout the islands, you'll never taste a Goombay this good anywhere else. It's worth a special trip to try one. Lunch and dinner are also served here—standard Bahamian fare plus a special Chinese menu on Friday night.

Each evening Cap'n Jack's offers a different event, including bingo and trivia, along with drink specials. Wednesday and Friday evenings there's live music.

There's entertainment scheduled here most nights, from smooth sax to lively Junkanoo and karaoke. This is a popular stop where locals and visitors can mingle and dance to classic rock and Bahamian tunes.

This is a popular local spot on weekend nights and not just because it offers the best sunset viewing anywhere around. There's music, cornhole in the sand, and the Guana Grabber, a potent frozen drink designed to lighten any mood. If you're not staying here and want to keep the party going after the last ferry leaves, ask the staff about catching a ride back to Marsh Harbour with them. During the high season, they put on a range of concerts and special theme nights.

After 9 pm every Saturday and on Thursday nights during peak seasons, Harbour's Edge has local bands playing Bahamian and reggae music. This is a favorite spot among locals.

On the water in front of The Other Shore Club and Marina, this bar has a hopping happy hour from 4 to 6 daily and live music every Friday at 7. Bring your bikini and hang out in the pool or on the shallow beach.

Friday and Saturday nights feature live music.

Locals hang out at Sundowners, a waterside sports bar and grill with lots of drink specials and a kitchen that is open until midnight for late-night snacks. Grab a mic at Monday karaoke nights. There are also ladies' nights and men's nights as well as full-moon parties.

This outside bar and grill is a fun happy-hour spot. There's usually live music on the weekend and Thursday night's Pizza Night is a big hit with locals and visitors alike. Throw on your bathing suits and join in

Featuring a selection of 50 properly cellared wines, Wine Down and Sip Sip is a classy hangout with a high-end liquor bar, draft beer, and weekly flights and pairings. The aura is sophisticated, and complimented by a lend-and-exchange selection of books.